Caring for an aging loved one with dementia presents unique challenges, particularly when it comes to creating a safe and supportive living environment. By making thoughtful changes to your home, you can boost your loved one’s quality of life and ensure his or her safety. Here are some tips and solutions to help you adapt your home for dementia care.
Create a Safe Living Space
Safety is a top priority when adapting your home for a loved one with dementia. With cognitive and mobility changes, everyday tasks or environments can pose risks. Consider these measures to create a safer space:
- Minimize trip hazards by securing loose rugs, cords, and clutter on the floor.
- Install nonslip mats in areas prone to moisture, such as the bathroom and kitchen.
- Use childproof locks or safety latches for cabinets containing hazardous items like cleaning products, sharp objects, or medications.
- Ensure all electrical wiring is tucked away and appliances are in good working order.
- Add corner protectors to sharp furniture edges.
These small adjustments can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and injuries.
Many seniors prefer aging in place over moving to assisted living facilities. If your senior loved one needs assistance to remain safe and comfortable while living at home, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading Arlington home care agency. Our dedicated in-home caregivers can assist with meal prep, bathing and grooming, exercise, medication reminders, and many other important tasks.
Simplify Navigation Around the Home
People with dementia often experience confusion and disorientation, which can make navigating their homes difficult. Simplifying the layout of your living space can ease your loved one’s anxiety and encourage independence:
- Place clear labels on doors, cabinets, and drawers using pictures or text indicating their contents or purpose (e.g., “toilet,” “closet”).
- Use contrasting colors for walls, furniture, and door frames to make them easier to identify.
- Optimize lighting to eliminate shadows and dark areas, as these can create confusion or fear. Install nightlights in hallways, bedrooms, and bathrooms.
- Arrange furniture so pathways are clear and ensure high-traffic areas are easy to move through.
A more intuitive layout can help your loved one feel more in control and reduce frustration.
Focus on Comfort & Familiarity
A dementia-friendly home should feel comforting and familiar to reduce stress and agitation. Create a space that feels like home while providing emotional reassurance:
- Surround your loved one with personal objects such as family photographs, keepsakes, or favorite books to create a sense of connection and familiarity.
- Choose furniture and décor in styles your loved one recognizes and finds comforting.
- Use soft, calming colors like blues and pastels, which promote relaxation.
- Place a familiar chair or cozy items (like a favorite blanket) in your loved one’s preferred relaxation spot.
These thoughtful touches can boost your loved one’s wellbeing and make him or her feel more at ease.
Set Up a Dementia-Friendly Bathroom
Bathrooms often pose unique challenges for people with dementia due to slippery surfaces and potential confusion over fixtures. Making simple but effective changes can make these spaces safer and easier to use:
- Install grab bars in key areas, such as near the toilet, shower, or tub.
- Use a raised toilet seat to make sitting and standing less strenuous.
- Clearly label hot and cold water taps to avoid burns or confusion.
- Replace shiny or reflective surfaces with matte finishes to minimize potential confusion caused by reflections.
- Keep the bathroom simple and clutter-free so key items (like soap and towels) are easy to find.
Adapting the bathroom is critical for promoting dignity and independence in personal care tasks.
If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of at-home care families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.
Plan for Routine & Accessibility
Creating a structured environment can help someone with dementia feel secure, as routines are essential for reducing anxiety. Additionally, ensuring items that satisfy your loved one’s essential needs are accessible will encourage a sense of independence:
- Keep frequently used items like phones, glasses, or medications in unobstructed, easy-to-reach spots.
- Establish a daily routine, complete with visual cues like calendars or activity boards to remind your loved one of tasks or upcoming events.
- Designate specific areas in the home for specific activities, such as a quiet space for resting or a well-lit space for dining.
- Ensure furniture is sturdy and supportive while allowing for easy mobility.
A well-structured living environment provides much-needed consistency and makes caregiving easier.
Caring for seniors with dementia can be challenging for family caregivers. Luckily, there is dementia care Arlington families can rely on. Professional dementia caregivers help seniors with dementia stay safe and comfortable at home by preventing wandering, providing cognitive stimulation, and assisting with household chores. Call Assisting Hands Home Care to learn more about our flexible and customizable senior care plans.
