How to Make a Home Safe and Comfortable for a Loved One with Dementia

When caring for a senior loved one with dementia, ensuring his or her home is both safe and comforting is crucial to his or her wellbeing. A dementia-friendly environment can reduce confusion, prevent accidents, and maintain a sense of independence. Here’s how to design a home that prioritizes safety and supports a loved one living with dementia. 

Simplify & Declutter Living Spaces

Cluttered environments can contribute to confusion and anxiety for someone with dementia. Simplifying and organizing the home will create a more manageable space. 

• Minimize furniture – Keep pathways clear and ensure all furniture is stable. Avoid items with sharp edges whenever possible. 

• Remove tripping hazards – Secure rugs with nonslip mats or remove them entirely. Keep electrical cords out of walkways. 

• Declutter surfaces – Reducing visual clutter, such as excess decorations and papers, allows your loved one to focus on essential objects. 
• Organize frequently used items – Store items like keys and glasses in easily accessible consistent locations to aid memory. 

Caring for a loved one with dementia is a challenging task for anyone. The responsibilities can sometimes feel overwhelming, but help is available. Seniors can face a variety of age-related challenges. Though some families choose to take on the caregiving duties, there may come a time when they need a trusted homecare services provider. Families sometimes need respite from their duties so they can focus on their other responsibilities, and some seniors need around-the-clock assistance that their families are not able to provide. Home Care Assistance is here to help.

Enhance Lighting & Contrast

Proper lighting and color contrast can help your loved one recognize objects more easily and move around safely. 

• Increase natural light – Keep curtains open during the day and rearrange furniture to maximize sunlit areas. 

• Use layered lighting – Combine overhead lights, task lighting, and floor lamps to reduce shadows and enhance visibility during the evening. 

• Add contrast – Select contrasting colors for important elements, such as a dark-colored toilet seat on a white toilet or brightly colored plates to distinguish food. 
• Mark edges and stairs – Highlight stair edges with contrasting tape or paint to make them more visible. 

Designate Safe Zones & Secure Dangerous Areas

A dementia-friendly home ensures spaces are easy to use and potentially hazardous areas are well supervised or restricted. 

• Create safe zones – Dedicate certain rooms for relaxation, filled with familiar and comforting items like photographs or books. 

• Secure the kitchen – Lock away hazardous items like knives, cleaning products, and medications in secure cabinets. 

• Install safety devices – Add stove knob covers, automatic shutoff devices, and faucet safety protectors to prevent burns and accidents. 
• Lock hazardous areas – Ensure basements, garages, or workshops with dangerous tools and chemicals are locked when not in use. 

The cognitive challenges that accompany dementia often leave aging adults unable to manage everyday tasks, which puts their safety and health at risk. If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of elder care Irving, TX, families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.

Add Visual Cues & Labels

Visual aids can guide your loved one through daily tasks, making the home environment more accessible. 

• Label drawers and cabinets – Use words or pictures to indicate the contents, helping your loved one locate items independently. 

• Mark rooms clearly – Place large, easy-to-read signs or familiar symbols on doors to identify bathrooms, bedrooms, or kitchens. 

• Use contrasting toilet signs – Ensure good visibility for signs to distinguish the bathroom, especially in shared or unfamiliar settings. 
• Keep clocks and calendars visible – Large simple clocks and calendars can reinforce a sense of time and routine. 

Install Safety Enhancements & Monitor

Safety modifications are essential to prevent accidents and ensure peace of mind for caregivers. 

• Install grab bars – Place sturdy grab bars near toilets, showers, and bathtubs for added support. 

• Use nonslip surfaces – Add nonslip mats in bathrooms and kitchens to reduce the risk of falls. 

• Consider door alarms – For individuals prone to wandering, install door sensors or alarms to alert caregivers. 
• Add surveillance features – Motion sensors and home monitoring systems can help you remotely keep track of your loved one’s movements without being invasive. 

Caring for seniors with dementia can be challenging for family caregivers. Luckily, there is dementia care Irving families can rely on. Professional dementia caregivers help seniors with dementia stay safe and comfortable at home by preventing wandering, providing cognitive stimulation, and assisting with household chores. For compassionate, reliable in-home care, trust the experienced professionals from Home Care Assistance. Reach out to one of our dedicated Care Managers today at (817) 591-1580 to learn about the high quality of our in-home care services.