By Holly Kennedy, PT, CAPS, ECHM
Dementia is a general term for the symptoms of loss of memory, language, problem-solving and other thinking abilities that are severe enough to interfere with daily life. Alzheimer’s Disease is a specific degenerative brain disease that makes up 60-80% of dementia cases and is the most common cause of dementia. Due to these cognitive changes, individuals with dementia are at higher risk for injury or harm in certain areas of the home. Confusion and memory loss can result in frustration and safety issues. These difficulties can also be compounded by other health conditions that may affect mobility, hearing and vision. Simple changes to create a safe and easy to use environment will help to maximize independence and safety for as long as possible.
Objective: increase safety and improve function
A dementia-friendly environment is one that:
- promotes independence and supports well-being
- has familiar surroundings
- allows easy access and includes queues for finding your way
- supports participation in daily activities
- promotes safety, security and comfort
Adjust these 4 key elements to make big impacts:
LIGHT Light helps with orientation, mental well-being and reduces fall risk.
- Enhance natural light by reducing window coverings; remove heavy drapes or replace them with translucent ones.
- Install brighter LED lightbulbs and add additional light sources to frequently used rooms.
- Place the person’s favorite chair by the window to encourage time in natural light and enjoyable views.
- Use night lights in hallways to aid orientation and safety at night.
NOISE Overstimulation can cause agitation or distress as it can be overwhelming and difficult to concentrate on more than one thing at a time.
- Reduce unnecessary background noise from TV and radio.
- Create a quiet, private space away if there is a large or busy household.
WAYFINDING Signage can help guide a person around their home if they no longer recognize or remember some of the rooms and or where things are stored.
- Label rooms. Using pictures on doors can make rooms easily identifiable even when the door is closed. For example, place a picture of a toilet or bathtub on the bathroom door.
- Label cupboard and drawer contents. Again, using pictures such as socks on the sock drawer can make identifying items easier. Also consider labeling or removing cupboard doors so contents are easily identified.
- Use contrasting colors to differentiate room changes, stair edges and thresholds so that they standout.
- Tape or paint a border of color around light switches.
SAFETY Our goal is to encourage independence by creating a safe and comfortable environment to function in.
- Declutter
- Utilize assistive technology, for example, install an Auto Stove Shut Off System, such as the iGuard, to reduce risk of a kitchen fire. The system will automatically shut off your stove when it sees that there has been no movement detected for a set time. This is a great fire prevention product for loved ones with diminished memory who may get distracted, walk away and forget they have food on the burner. It easily connects to an existing stove and can help maintain independence but also safety. Alerts can also be sent to caregivers.
- Store harmful chemicals and if needed, medicines out of the way and in a locked area.
- Remove loose rugs which can be a tripping hazard.
- Where possible have matt flooring as shiny floors may be mistaken for being wet or slippery.
- Install grab bars in the bathroom. Ensure wet areas are mopped up immediately.
- Consider taking down or covering extra mirrors. Some people with dementia confuse their reflection for the sudden appearance of a stranger in their home causing significant anxiety and fear.
- Install a toilet seat and lid which contrasts with the toilet bowl so it is easy to identify, reducing anxiety. Vision changes make it difficult to discern the difference between two objects that are the same color. For example, a bathroom with white walls, toilet and floor can make it difficult for the person to locate the toilet.
- Label faucets HOT and COLD or use Red and Blue stickers.
Consider Memory Aids Everyone needs prompting from time to time but dementia makes cognitive mapping even harder.
- Use a white board for reminders and important phone numbers.
- A large clock which indicates the date and time.
- Keep important items such as keys, money, medication and documents in the same place – develop and stick with the system.
- Use sticky notes as memory joggers
It is critical to involve the person with dementia in decisions about possible changes. Make changes slowly so as not to add to confusion and frustration. Protecting a loved one who has Alzheimer’s Disease or another dementia involves taking steps to care for both their physical and mental wellbeing. Implementing some of these suggestions can make a big impact towards your goal of creating an environment that helps your loved one to be as independent as possible for as long as possible. If you would like an in-home or virtual home assessment with our PT/OT team to discuss recommendations specific to your loved one and your home, please call us at (704) 727-6096, we are here to help!