Living with dementia is tough, as this condition is known to pose many challenges. Not only is it difficult for the individual but also for the caregivers. That is where making a few changes in your home can help the person a lot. The simple alterations can make a big difference in the daily life of a person with dementia. Creating a dementia-friendly environment at home requires making adjustments to your surroundings so that they are safer and simple to navigate.
It includes things like making adjustments to items that are arranged confirming that there is sufficient natural light. Keeping the stuff organised and utilising labels and reminders are also helpful. Here are the simple tips and changes to create a dementia-friendly environment at home.
Make sure that your home has a simple and clear layout that is helpful to people with dementia. Ensure there is no visible clutter and streamline living spaces to reduce confusion. It includes decluttering spaces, eliminating unwanted items, and ensuring the furniture is organised to facilitate easy navigation. Also, create clear pathways by getting rid of obstacles. This will make way for better and reduce the risk of accidents. Additionally, tactically place the items to make way for easy recognition, like labelling cabinets, drawers, etc.
Good lighting is paramount when it comes to creating a dementia-friendly environment. Appropriate illumination plays a major role in reducing confusion and improving safety forindividuals with dementia. Confirm that each and every area of your home is well-lit to remove shadows and dark spots that may lead to disorientation. Bright lightning in places like stairways, hallways, and regularly used rooms assists in maintaining clarity and decreasing the chances of anxiety. It is recommended to install additional light fixtures and flexible lightning to deal with changes in natural light across the day. This way, you can ensure a well-lit and comfortable living space that is helpful for easier navigation.
Safety modifications are vital for creating a dementia-friendly residence. It is recommended to install grab bars tactically in places like bathrooms and near stairs to provide constant support and prevent accidental falls. Such bars are known to offer essential aid when navigating through slippery areas such as bathrooms. This way, it will be easier to reduce the risk of injuries. Also, it is best to utilise door locks that operate easily or even make use of alarms to guarantee security.
Creating a simple daily routine acts as an anchor for people with dementia. A usual schedule leads to reduced anxiety, frustration, and confusion. A routine like must include frequent meal times, rest periods, and activities. This helps in maintaining a sense of comfort and familiarity with day-to-day activities. Utilise clocks as well as calendars with large and clear numbers and labels tactically placed throughout the entire residence. By sticking to a strict routine, people are likely to experience reduced stress, leading to increased confidence.
It is not easy by any means to maintain quality of life for people with dementia. This is why certain changes and modifications become necessary. By implementing the changes mentioned in this article, it will be easier to create a dementia-friendly environment at home.