How Can You Create a Dementia-Friendly Home in South Manchester?
Have you or a loved one recently been diagnosed with dementia? Navigating the changes that come with dementia can feel overwhelming, but small adjustments can help create a safer, more comfortable home environment. At Home Instead South Manchester, we understand how important it is to maintain a sense of familiarity and independence at home, and our Care Professionals are here to help every step of the way.
Lighting: A Simple Way to Make a Big Difference
Good lighting plays a critical role in creating a dementia-friendly home. Proper lighting can reduce confusion and prevent accidents, allowing individuals with dementia to move around safely and confidently.
- Use soft lighting to reduce shadows and glare, which can cause disorientation.
- Maximise natural light by opening curtains and keeping windows unobstructed. This not only brightens the home but can also help maintain natural routines and improve mood.
- Make sure high-traffic areas, like hallways, stairs, and bathrooms, are well-lit.
Flooring: Minimise Risks and Hazards
The right flooring can greatly reduce the risk of falls and confusion for someone living with dementia.
- Remove rugs, mats, or any floor covering that could cause tripping.
- Avoid glossy or reflective surfaces that may appear slippery, which can be confusing for those with dementia.
- Choose flooring in colours that contrast with walls to help define spaces clearly.
Colour Choices: Aiding Recognition and Reducing Confusion
Selecting appropriate colours can help individuals with dementia navigate their surroundings more easily.
- Opt for contrasting colours on doors, walls, and furniture to create clear distinctions between different areas of the home.
- Avoid patterns or designs that can create confusion.
- Items like toilet seats, handrails, and switches can be made more visible with brighter colours to promote ease of use.
Signage: Clear and Helpful Directions
Signage can play a significant role in supporting memory and helping individuals with dementia find their way around the home.
- Use simple, bold signs and labels to indicate the contents of cupboards, doors, and the purpose of switches.
- Keep signage at eye level to make it easy to spot and read.
Reducing Reflections: Managing Potential Confusion
Mirrors and reflective surfaces can sometimes cause distress for individuals with dementia, as they may not recognise their reflection.
- Remove or cover mirrors in areas where they are unnecessary.
- At night, close curtains to prevent reflections from windows that could be disorienting.
Assistive Technology: Enhancing Daily Life
Technology can help make daily life easier for those living with dementia. Simple devices can offer reminders and provide additional security and comfort.
- Large-button phones and clocks with both time and date displays are practical choices for dementia-friendly homes.
- Devices that provide reminders, such as locking the door or turning off appliances, can offer peace of mind.
- Apps designed specifically for dementia care can be installed on smartphones or tablets to provide support with daily tasks.
Areas We Serve
Whalley Range, Didsbury, Withington, Burnage, Fallowfield, Old Trafford, Stretford, Urmston, Davyhulme, Flixton, and the Surrounding areas
M14 4, M14 5, M14 6, M14 7, M16 0, M16 7, M16 8, M16 9, M17 1, M17 8, M19 1, M19 2, M19 3, M20 1, M20 2, M20 3, M20 4, M20 5, M20 6, M21 0, M21 7, M21 8, M21 9, M31 4, M32 0, M32 8, M32 9, M41 0, M41 5, M41 6, M41 7, M41 8, M41 9
289 Barlow Moor Rd, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester M21 7GH, UK