Published: 02/10/2023
For those living with a dementia diagnosis, staying in their own home is one of the best ways to increase their sense of security and independence. As the disease progresses, it will become more difficult for the individual to plan and execute tasks. This is why it is vital to ensure the home is dementia-friendly.
Making a home more dementia friendly might require a few changes to the layout and furnishings. If you need to make bigger changes, such as installing ramps or handles, help may be available for you. Your local council may be able to assist with some home adaptations.
If you’re ready to make your home more dementia-friendly, try the following tips:
1. Keep things simple
Memory problems can make it difficult to remember where things are kept. Try simplifying your home by removing clutter and organising things in a logical way. In the kitchen, this could mean storing food items in clear plastic containers so you can see what is inside. In the bathroom, remove unnecessary items and ensure that frequently used items are easily within reach.
2. Get the lighting right
The lighting in your home needs to be even and the controls need to be easy to access. Natural light should be your first priority, as this will help to regulate healthy sleep cycles. Blocking out natural light in the bedroom is also important as this will help to ensure a good night’s sleep.
In living areas, avoid lots of smaller light sources and focus on creating even lighting with no shadows. For night time support, you could try adding motion-detection lights that will illuminate hallways if you get up in the night and struggle to find light switches.
3. Make the flooring safe
Avoid trip hazards by removing rugs and uneven surfaces. Transitions between hard flooring and carpet can be difficult to navigate, so try to make flooring uniform. Stairs will also be a trip hazard. Avoid flooring that is heavily patterned, as this can confuse you. Shiny floors and flooring the same colour as the walls can also cause problems.
4. Use contrasting colours
Make it easier to navigate the home by using contrasting colours for floors, walls and furniture. Contrasting colours will help you to navigate and also reduce confusion.
Red, blue and green are thought to be the most dementia-friendly colours. Blue is very calming and has even been found to lower blood pressure. Red helps to make rooms appear smaller and warmer. It’s also a good colour to choose for attracting attention. And finally, green makes rooms appear larger and helps to promote a sense of calm.
These colours are also excellent for dining plates, as they provide good contrast with the colours of the food.
5. Make the most of safety equipment
Safety equipment can make your home safer and allow you to live independently for longer. Add rails to your bathroom, including beside the toilet and in the shower/bath. You should also make sure stair rails are sturdy and easy to grab. Other sensors like hot water sensors can help individuals to run their own bath without allowing the water to get too hot. Don’t wait for problems to arise before you install safety equipment. It’s far better to be over-prepared than under-prepared.
6. Signpost important rooms
Adding signs to doors for the bathroom, kitchen and bedrooms can also help to aid in navigation. You should also make sure that your front door stands out from other doors on your street.
You could decorate your front garden with easy to identify objects or paint your front door in a high contrasting colour to other doors on the street. While the individual might not remember the colour, the contrast might help them to identify the right home if they go outside alone.
7. Make the most of outdoor space
A small garden, courtyard or conservatory can help to provide a calming and relaxing space to enjoy during the day. Staying active and getting outdoors regularly can help to improve health outcomes and mental wellbeing. Remove clutter and make sure the flooring is even and free from trip hazards.
8. Stay active
The purpose of making a home dementia-friendly is not to make it the only place you spend any time. It’s important to get outside, stay social and get active wherever possible. Staying connected with friends and family through dementia-friendly activities can help to keep the individual calm and relaxed.
Conclusion
If you need help and advice making your home more accessible for a person with dementia, speak to our team. We specialise in home help and care for individuals living with dementia. We can advise you on the best ways to make the most of funding and grants available. We can also provide advice on when is the best time to bring in outside help to care for an individual with dementia.
If you're concerned about a loved one's health or wellbeing, we can arrange a home visit to determine if daily personal care or live-in care could give your loved one the support they need to continue living independently.
If you'd like to explore the possibility of introducing a carer or even a simple companionship visit to your home, get in touch with our friendly team today. We care for people in Camden, Hampstead, Golders Green and surrounding areas.
Our friendly and supportive team can be reached by calling on 0203 921 1111 or by emailing us at camden.hampstead@rightathome.co.uk
