Senior Living
Making the home dementia friendly
Dementia can affect a person’s memory and ability to coordinate, recognise objects, and interpret their environment. In addition, they may have other health conditions which can affect their sight, mobility, and independence. This can have a significant impact on the person’s daily life including how they function within their own home. However, with some simple adjustments you can make a home easier to manage and more ‘dementia friendly’. This not only helps the person maintain their independence for longer but it can minimise distress and frustration, thereby supporting a better quality of life.
Here are some tips on how to do this:
Reduce unnecessary background noise such as the TV and radio, unless it is being used. People may find it difficult to concentrate on more than one thing at once so it is important not to over stimulate.
Light is exceptionally important for someone with dementia as it helps with orientation and well-being. Try increasing natural light during the day by taking down unnecessary net curtains or blinds.
For safety fit smoke alarms and heat detectors in the home and check the batteries regularly.
Labelling rooms and what’s in cupboards can be helpful but try not to introduce new systems as this may increase confusion. For example, for the bathroom door put up pictures of a toilet, sink and bath. In the bedroom, use a picture of socks on the front of a sock drawer, and so on.
In the bathroom, leave the light on at night so the toilet is easier to find and have a toilet lid and seat that contrasts with the colour of the pan for visual ease.
In the kitchen remove clutter and make things readily accessible.
Where possible have matt flooring and walls as anything shiny may be mistaken as being wet or slippery. Keep walls a different colour from the floor so there is a contrast to avoid confusion.
Try to keep important items in the same place to aid memory such as keys, money, note books, medication, and phone book.
Try using a white board to have reminders for the person, which can include appointments or events.
Editorial courtesy of Dementia UK
www.nightingalebathrooms.co.uk Tel: 01622 246 0460800 566 8889 Mid Kent Living 47
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