How Can You Create a Dementia-Friendly Home in North Devon?
Simple Lighting Adjustments for Dementia Safety
Lighting plays a huge role in reducing confusion and preventing accidents. Ensuring that your home has proper lighting can make a significant difference.
- Natural Light: Maximise daylight by opening curtains and trimming any foliage that blocks windows. Natural light helps with orientation and maintaining daily routines.
- Strategic Lighting: Install bright, even lighting in high-traffic areas like hallways, staircases, and bathrooms to avoid shadows and glares that may disorient your loved one.
Flooring Considerations for a Safer Home
The flooring in your home can either provide safety or present challenges for those with dementia.
- Remove Hazards: Loose rugs and mats can increase the risk of falls. Consider removing them or securing them firmly to the floor.
- Avoid Shiny Surfaces: Highly reflective floors can be confusing, appearing wet or slippery, leading to hesitation or accidents.
- Choose Contrasting Colours: Flooring that contrasts with walls can help people with dementia distinguish between different parts of the home.
Choosing the Right Colours in Your Home
The right colour choices can also make a significant impact on how your loved one navigates their space.
- Contrasting Colours: Use contrasting colours for walls, furniture, and floors. This helps individuals with dementia distinguish between objects and spaces.
- Simple, Bold Designs: Avoid overly complex patterns that may cause confusion. Instead, opt for bold but simple designs that enhance clarity.
Use of Signage and Labels in a Dementia-Friendly Home
Signage can greatly assist someone with dementia in moving through their home with confidence.
- Clear, Simple Labels: Label cupboards, drawers, and doors with large, easy-to-read signs. This helps your loved one quickly identify where things are located.
- Visual Aids: Accompany words with pictures where possible to further reduce confusion.
Managing Reflections and Mirrors
Mirrors can sometimes cause confusion or distress in people living with dementia. Here are some practical steps to address this:
- Remove or Cover Mirrors: If mirrors seem to cause distress, consider removing them or covering them when they’re not in use.
- Reduce Reflections at Night: Closing curtains in the evening can prevent reflections that may be confusing.
Assistive Technology to Enhance Independence
There are several technologies designed to assist those with dementia in maintaining independence while keeping them safe.
- Easy-to-Use Devices: Devices with large buttons and simple interfaces can make communication and daily tasks easier.
- Reminder Systems: Audio reminders for daily tasks such as locking the door or taking medication can support individuals in maintaining their routines.
At Home Instead North Devon & Exmoor, we provide compassionate in-home dementia care, helping your loved one live comfortably and safely in their own space. Our dedicated Care Professionals are here to offer support, not just through care but by guiding you in creating a dementia-friendly home environment.
If you need assistance in transforming your home or are seeking dementia care support, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help you every step of the way.
Get in Touch Today:
Phone: 01769 302003
Address: Unit 1c, Limefield, Pathfields Business Park, South Molton, Devon, EX36 3BS
Together, we can make your loved one’s home a place where they feel safe and supported.
Areas We Serve
South Molton, Barnstaple & the surrounding areas
EX31 1, EX31 2, EX31 3, EX31 4, EX32 0, EX32 7, EX32 8, EX32 9, EX33 1, EX33 2, EX34 0, EX34 7, EX34 8, EX34 9, EX35 6, EX36 3, EX36 4, EX37 9, EX39 1, EX39 2, EX39 3, EX39 4, TA22 9, TA24 7 and TA24 8
Unit 1c, Lime Field, South Molton EX36 3BS, UK
01769 302003