Creating a Home Environment Suitable for Dementia Care
Coping with an early dementia diagnosis, whether for yourself or a loved one, presents a unique set of challenges.
At Home Instead Altrincham, Sale & Wythenshawe, we understand these challenges and recognise the need to adapt your living space for both safety and comfort.
Here are some practical steps for making your home more dementia-friendly while maintaining its welcoming atmosphere.
Lighting for Dementia Support
Good lighting throughout the home can help prevent confusion and reduce accidents. Here’s how you can improve lighting for someone with dementia:
- Reduce shadows and glare by positioning lights carefully.
- Make use of natural light by keeping curtains open during the day and ensuring windows are unobstructed.
- Install strong lighting in frequently used spaces, such as hallways, bathrooms, and staircases.
Flooring Considerations
The right flooring can prevent confusion and help avoid trips and falls. Here are some helpful tips:
- Remove rugs and mats that could cause trips.
- Avoid reflective or shiny surfaces that might appear wet and create a risk.
- Choose flooring that contrasts with the walls but avoid colours that might resemble outdoor elements like water or grass.
Choosing Colours Thoughtfully
The use of colour can assist individuals with dementia in recognising different areas and objects. Suggestions include:
- Select contrasting colours for walls, furniture, and doors.
- Use bright, clear colours to highlight important areas, such as doors and bannisters.
- Limit the use of bold patterns, which can sometimes cause confusion.
Signage and Labels
Simple signs and labels can be incredibly helpful for those navigating a familiar space that has become challenging:
- Use clear, bold signage with pictures where appropriate.
- Place signs at a lower eye level, as older adults often tend to look downward.
- Label cupboards, doors, and switches to help individuals find what they need more easily.
Managing Mirrors and Reflections
For someone living with dementia, reflections can be disorienting. Consider the following:
- Remove or cover mirrors if they cause confusion.
- Close curtains in the evening to prevent window reflections that may cause distress.
Assistive Technology
Assistive technology can support independence for those living with dementia. Options include:
- Phones with large buttons for easy use.
- Devices offering reminders, such as for locking doors.
- LCD clocks that clearly display both the time and date.
- Smartphones and tablets with apps designed for dementia care.
If you need help with home care for someone with dementia, Home Instead Altrincham, Sale & Wythenshawe is here to support you. We can help ensure your loved one remains comfortable and safe in a familiar environment.
Contact Us
For more information about our dementia care services in Altrincham, Sale, Wythenshawe, and surrounding areas, reach out to us at 0161 506 8307.
Areas We Serve
Wythenshawe, Woodhouse Park, Benchill, Sharston, Northenden, Moss Nook, Peel Hall, Baguley
Brooklands, Sale, Ashton upon Mersey, Altrincham, Bowdon, Hale, Broadheath, Timperley
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The Parflo Building, Huxley St, Broadheath, Altrincham WA14 5EL, UK
0161 506 8307