There are a range of steps we can take to make the environment more dementia friendly and safer. Every person is unique and what will work for one may not necessarily work for another.
Background Noise
- In a bathroom which is fully tiled, there may be a lot of echo and the sound of the toilet flushing can appear very loud. The use of soft furnishings can help to reduce the echo and soften the tone that is heard.
- Tune in to additional background noises and analyse how they are impacting on the person. These could be the TV, radio, dog barking or road noise.
Lighting
- Good lighting is essential as it enables a person to see where they are going, see facial expressions and body language.
- Try to promote natural light were possible.
- Many low energy light bulbs provide soft light, which can be great for bedrooms, however, may not be suitable in hallways, kitchens or bathrooms.
- Try to avoid lighting which may create glare.
Kitchen & Dining
- Research reveals that dementia sufferer’s appetite and sense of taste may diminish over time, so if the kitchen area provides smells of cooking it may spark the appetite of an individual.
- The kitchen needs to be organised in a logical manner so the individual can easily find what they are looking for (glass fronted cabinets can be helpful).
- Labelling food may be helpful ensuring that cooking or reheating instructions are clear on the item.
- As dementia progresses concerns may arise around the safety of the person using a cooker or other appliances. This does not necessarily mean that someone is not safe to live alone, however there may come a time when the fuse may need to be removed from the cooker and support with meals for the person.
Bedrooms
- Labelling the door with the person’s ‘name’ and the word ‘bedroom’ may help to reassure them that this is where they go to bed.
- The lighting in a bedroom denotes that this is where we rest and settle for the night. Motion sensor lights which come on may be helpful, however the person may not settle unless they can actively switch off a light.
- Having colour contrasts is important so that the person can see and identify the bed clearly to include where the edges of the bed are. For example, if the carpet is a light colour the bedding could be a much darker colour to provide a contrast.
- Personalising a bedroom may also be helpful. For example, if they always had a specific dresser on which they kept certain items make sure that this remains in the bedroom (it will serve as a reference point to denote that this is their personal space).
- Sometimes people with dementia can find mirrors frightening. They may not recognise themselves and feel that they are seeing a stranger in their bedroom.
Bathrooms
- Contrasting colours often help to ensure a person can pick out items from the background. For example, coloured toilet seats, towels, clothes, toothbrush holders and soap dispensers.
- It may be useful to have grab rails, handrails and anti-slip mats fitted.
- If there is a bath, you may need to install an overflow bath plug.
- Fitting thermostats to ensure water temperature from the sink, bath and shower is controlled and cannot scald.
- If there is a shower, ideally it has level access with the floor to prevent any potential for trips. If the shower has glass doors perhaps a frosting may help to prevent potential reflections. Where there is a shower curtain, again a colour contrast may be helpful.
- Appropriate lighting in a bathroom is also important.
Gardens
- Ease of access is important so a person can find their way outside as and when they wish.
- The layout of the garden may depend on the individuals’ hobbies, previous wishes and preferences.
- You may consider additional features such as bird tables/feeders if this is something which would grab the attention of the person.
- Ensuring that the garden is a secure space with no direct paths leading out of the garden and on to busy road areas.
