Creating a dementia friendly home

For people with dementia, some everyday activities can get harder. But there are things you can do to help. A dementia-friendly home is a place where changes have been made that make it easier for someone with dementia to live in.

Here are some simple changes that will make a home more dementia-friendly and safe:

Fixtures and furnishings

– Put clear labels on cupboards and drawers to quickly locate things.
-Avoid complex patterns on carpet, tiles, wallpaper and soft furnishings, which can be overwhelming.
-Install accessible D-shaped door handles in a different colour to the door.
-Paint architraves, doors and door frames in a different colour to the wall.
-Put up easy-to-read signs, symbols or photos that show what a room is for.
-Install carpets and tiles in different colours so they’re easy to identify.
-Make sure rooms are well lit.
-Arrange furniture consistently and don’t move it around too often.
-Make sure there’s plenty of space and that it’s easy to move around.
-Check that chairs are a comfortable height and are easy to get into and out of.
-Keep regularly used items in line of sight.
-Remove loose rugs and seal carpet edges to reduce the chance of tripping.

Electricity and appliances

-Install large light switches in a different colour to the wall.
-Install power plugs in a different colour to the wall.
-Replace long electrical cords with coiled or retractable cords.
-Make sure that electrical connections are located away from water or heat.
-Use a safety iron, which turns itself off if it’s left on too long.
-Check heaters for possible hazards. Replace bar heaters and other more-dangerous heaters with safer heating options, such as column heaters.
-When replacing appliances choose similar-looking models that have been used before or will be more easily recognised.
-If possible, use smart home automation systems to pre-program heating and cooling.
-If it isn’t possible to install features in different colours, use coloured tape to mark them.

Safety devices

-Use assistive technologies, like personal alarms and timers, calendar clocks, touch lamps and walking sticks.
-Regularly check the battery of smoke detectors.
-Install electrical safety switches and gas leak detectors.
-Install shut-off devices, which turn off a stove’s power or gas if it’s left on.
-Use a thermostat to reduce the temperature of the water from the hot tap.
-Use flood detectors or plugs, which sound an alarm if a tap is accidentally left running. They can also automatically open when the water reaches a certain point.
-Use a fall detector alarm.
-If it isn’t possible to install features in different colours, use coloured tape to mark them.

Bedroom

-Remove unnecessary items.
-Install a motion-sensor light that turns on if anyone gets up in the night.
-Use plain bed covers rather than patterns or stripes.
-Use sheets that are a different colour to the cover.
-If possible, use wall-mounted reading lights rather than lamps that can be knocked over.
-Remove electric blankets and hot water bottles, which can be dangerous.
-Check that the height of the bed makes it easy to get in and out.
-Add a chair to help with balance when dressing.
-If it isn’t possible to install features in different colours, use coloured tape to mark them.

Kitchen

-Group items that are often used together, like cups, coffee, teabags and spoons.
-Use open shelving or clear labels on cupboard doors so things are easy to find.
-Add notes and reminders to a whiteboard or corkboard.
-Choose a refrigerator with large handles in a different colour.
-Use automatic cut-offs for kettles and other appliances.
-Check for flammable material, and either remove it or store it securely.
-Keep an easy-to-read list of emergency contact numbers and names in large print where it can always be found.
-If it isn’t possible to install features in different colours, use coloured tape to mark them.

Dining room

-Use cutlery and plates that are a different colour to the place mat or table.
-Use accessible cutlery and cups.
-Use non-slip placemats.
-Use soft lighting over the dining table.
-Use easy-to-clean dining room chairs with good back and arm support.
-If it isn’t possible to install features in different colours, use coloured tape to mark them.

Living room

-Put chairs and couches near windows to get natural light.
-Use a chair with a raised or adjustable seat that’s easy to get in and out of.
-Put a stable table beside the chair for books, cups or tv remotes.
-Use a tray that can be safely positioned over a lap.
-Keep games, jigsaw puzzles and photograph albums nearby so there are always things to do.

Bathroom and toilet

-Install slip-resistant mats or tiles.
-Use tiles with a matte finish to avoid glare.
-Use a water-safe chair in the shower or bath.
-If possible, install a walk-in shower base.
-Use bathroom-safe heat lamps to keep the room warm.
-Check that the toilet is a comfortable height and easy to use.
-Install a toilet seat that’s a different colour to its surroundings.
-Clearly label “hot” and “cold” on taps, and use accessible cross-head or lever taps.
-Store things that are used every day, like a toothbrush, toothpaste, comb and deodorant, in one place so that they are easy to find.
-Install handrails beside the bath, shower and toilet.
-Use a hand-held shower hose.
-Add a shower seat or bath seat.
-Check that the floor has a drain, in case the taps are left on.
-Remove or securely store any medications.
-Use night lights or motion-sensor lights.
-If it isn’t possible to install features in different colours, use coloured tape to mark them.

Laundry

-Clearly label or colour-code the washing machine and dryer.
-Use open shelving or clear labels on cupboard doors so things are easy to find.
-Store the ironing board and clothes basket somewhere obvious.
-Clearly label “hot” and “cold” on taps, and use accessible cross-head or lever taps.
-Have an overflow drain or water level alarm on the sink.
-Remove or safely store poisons and dangerous substances.
-If it isn’t possible to install features in different colours, use coloured tape to mark them.

Outdoors

-Check that paths and steps aren’t worn, uneven or slippery. This can make them a tripping hazard.
-Sweep paths regularly.
-Remove overhanging branches.
-Remove poisonous plants from the garden.
-Remove or securely store poisons and hazardous substances in sheds or garages.