Dementia Proof Your Home- Simple Tips & Tricks to Follow

In this article, we will explore quick home tweaks that will enhance the safety of your house for Dementia patients. 

Everyday life and day-to-day tasks can be difficult for someone with Dementia or Alzheimer’s. Dementia can have different effects on different people. Some people can face symptoms like confusion or disorientation while some can suffer from acute memory loss. 

There is no particular treatment to cure Dementia patients. However, the support of your friends and family can help the patient to feel secure and at ease. To create a dementia-friendly environment at your home, we have rounded up a few simple tips and tricks to help you out. 

We have explained the simplest ways that will ensure complete home safety for dementia patients.

From House to Home- Make a Dementia-Safe Living Space

Mental health experts do not advise you to implement major home safety measures for Alzheimer’s patients or others overnight. However, you can make some simple changes to ensure that Dementia patients feel comfortable in their homes. 

Let’s discuss a few quick tips for safer and proper dementia care at home.

1. Clean your space

Ensure that your house is free of clutter and unwanted items that are of no use to you or others. A cluttered place will make it difficult for Dementia patients to find the item that they wish to use. Clearing away all the mess will help older adults to easily spot the required item and use it. 

2. Balance the lights

The older adult population and people with Dementia, benefit a lot from proper lighting in the house. Good lights ensure that everyone is able to see clearly and avoid any sort of confusion. To ensure that there is proper light in the room, you can open curtains and make sure that there is nothing covering the windows. 

Other measures that can be taken to ensure good lighting in the house are- 

• Reduce glare and shadows in the room
• Ensure proper light on the stairs and in the bathroom
• Add automatic light sensors for better convenience

3. Eliminate loud noise

If your house has laminate flooring, simply walking on it can be extremely noisy. This can disturb the Dementia patients if they are using a hearing aid. To ensure dementia home safety, you can take measures to reduce the background and unnecessary noises from the home, and try installing heavy carpets and curtains. 

4. Be cautious of the colors

Dementia can make it difficult for older people to differentiate between different colors. To ensure complete in-home care for seniors with dementia, you must ensure that all the furniture and floorings are of bright colors. The color of the floor and the color of the wall should be well-contrasted. 

In order to dementia-proof your house, the color scheme must carefully be selected for the kitchen and bathrooms as well. 

5. Safe electric appliances

To ensure the safety of the elderly people at home, you must ensure that all the electrical appliances are placed safely at home. The appliances should be in proper working order and free from any kind of defects. 

Covering switches and using well-functioning appliances at home is one of the most crucial dementia safety measures that must be taken care of.

What else can you do to ensure complete home safety for dementia patients?

Apart from the above-mentioned tips for dementia care at home, you can also take a few precautions to ensure proper safety. 

1. Put clear labels and signs on the objects of daily use

2. Use clocks with large LCD displays

3. Install telephones with big buttons

4. Make use of reminder devices to help elderly people

5. Ensure flat walking surfaces in the lawns and gardens

6. Install safety switches all around the house

7. Dispose of, or secretly store all old medications and hazardous items

Dementia home safety checklist at a glance!

Some important home modifications for dementia patients are mentioned below-

Where to get help from?

Home is a place where you can just be, without getting uncomfortable. Small dementia and Alzheimer’s home care adjustments can improve the lives of patients and help them live comfortably. Simplifying daily activities and keeping dementia patients safe at home can help them feel at ease. In a comfortable home, patients can be more independent and release their stress and anxiety. 

Along with taking these simple steps, you can also seek professional assistance. C&C Home Care experts can help dementia patients by offering personalized care and support. The in-home care services offered by our trained experts ensure complete medical attention, even during emergencies.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are some common safety concerns for seniors with dementia in their homes?

Ans. Taking proper safety measures for seniors with dementia is extremely important to ensure protection against the following hazards- 

1. Risk of falls
2. Taking the wrong dose of medicines
3. Patients tend to avoid personal hygiene 
4. Misidentification of people
5. Excessive agitation and aggression 

2. Are there specific room-by-room modifications I should consider for a dementia-safe home?

Ans. A few specific room-by-room modifications that you must consider to ensure complete home safety for dementia patients are listed below- 

1. Kitchen- install childproof door latches, safety knobs, and drain trap
2. Bedroom- install a night light, remove portable heaters and scatter rugs
3. Bathroom- use nonskid adhesive strips, rubber faucet covers, and a night light
4. Living room- remove all electrical cords, keep matches and remote controls out of reach

3. Are there technologies or devices that can assist in ensuring the safety of dementia patients at home?

Ans. Yes, special mobility aids, alarms, and equipment for maintaining continence are specifically designed to help patients with dementia. 

4. What are some practical tips for creating a calming and familiar atmosphere in the home for dementia patients?

Ans. Some simple tips that can help in making home safe for dementia patients are- 

1. Ensure proper lighting
2. Ensure safe flooring 
3. Keep all the important things in one place
4. Keep your space clutter-free
5. Install heat sensors and alarms

5. How can I adapt the kitchen to be safe for seniors with dementia while maintaining their independence?

Ans. In order to ensure complete dementia home safety in the kitchen, you must follow the following tips- 

1. Label all the appliances and containers
2. Install knob covers
3. Remove slippery rugs
4. Use an electric kettle with auto shut-off
5. Install sink overflow protectors

6. What considerations should be made for bathroom safety in a dementia-friendly home?

Ans. Some important considerations to ensure bathroom safety for dementia patients are- 

1. Provide handrails to prevent falling
2. Use non-slip bath mats
3. Use contrasting colors
4. Install safety switches

7. How can a home care service help in providing specialized care for seniors with dementia at home?

Ans. Professional home care service providers can help patients at affordable in-home dementia care costs. These services can help in the following ways- 

1. Personalized care and treatment
2. Affordable care at home
3. Nutrition and diet support
4. Offer companionship

At C&C Home Care, we understand that home is where the heart is. Our mission is to bring exceptional care and support right to your doorstep. We’re dedicated to providing a nurturing environment that allows your loved ones to thrive in the comfort of home..

October 23, 2023