Caring for a loved one with dementia is tough. But you can make it slightly easier by preparing your home to make it more dementia-friendly. From cutting back on clutter to making it safe, here’s how to do it.
Make sure you’ve got good lighting
People with dementia often have a poor sense of orientation, so putting up good quality lighting will help them find their way around more easily. Use bright lights in rooms that have a lot of activity going on and dimmer ones in quiet spots to create a peaceful atmosphere. For extra safety, consider putting bulbs in lamp shades or putting lights at the top and bottom of the stairs.
Get rid of clutter
Giving things away can be hard when it’s sentimental, but try to get into the habit of keeping only what you need or are currently using. Clutter can pose a serious safety hazard, taking up space in doorways and pathways, while items left lying around may become tripping hazards.
Make sure your flooring is safe
Safety is one of the top priorities in dementia care. If you have any loose or uneven flooring in your home, it could create a tripping hazard. To make sure floors are safe, try to get rid of rugs and carpets that may move around when someone walks on them. If you do have these in your house, try putting them under sofas or chairs so they no longer pose a danger.
Make eating and drinking easier
It can be difficult for someone with dementia to remember when they have eaten or drank, so it’s a good idea to prepare food and drink in easy-to-reach places. Also, allowing them to graze throughout the day will help them maintain a balanced diet – just make sure you keep snacks suitable for their condition. If your loved one is prone to wandering, keeping food out of reach could be dangerous.
Get furniture that you can see clearly
Cabinets, tables, chairs, and other household furniture can make it difficult for someone with dementia to see what is going on around them. Wooden furniture is often a good choice because its solid design makes it easier to see through. Alternatively, you could opt for glass furniture or clear plastic items that will allow them to keep an eye on everything that’s going on while still being secure.
Create a layout they will remember
People with dementia often struggle to find their way around, so it’s important to make things easier for them by creating an easy-to-understand home. If possible, try keeping the same furniture in the same place and place key items (like the TV or the front door) in the same spot to help them navigate. Try using signs and symbols at key points around your home to mark out bathrooms, stairs, and entrances/exits.
Remind yourself where things are
You might want to keep a note of where you’ve put things in case your loved one wanders into the room while you’re out. It could be a good idea to draw a map of your home and mark important locations like bathrooms, doorways, and the front and back door – that way you’ll always know where everything is if needed.
