Dementia friendly environments
Dementia can affect a person’s memory and ability to coordinate, recognise objects, and interpret their environment. In addition, they may have other health conditions which can affect their sight, mobility, and independence. This can have a significant impact on the person’s daily life including how they function within their own home. However, with some simple adjustments you can make a home easier to manage and more ‘dementia friendly’. This not only helps the person maintain their independence for longer but it can minimise distress and frustration, thereby supporting a better quality of life.
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Dementia Friendly Home Environment Checklist This is designed as a tool to assist a professional discussing changes that can be put in place to make a person’s home environment more dementia friendly. It is important to remember that everyone experiences dementia differently. The changes should be discussed with individuals and only those which are best for each person should be considered. |
Sheffield’s dementia specialist OT, Charlotte Sutcliffe, has put together the below toolkit to help you consider what could be implemented to make a person’s home more conducive to their needs and desires:
Promoting Mobility
> Remove rugs
> Check that flexes are not a trip hazard
> Outline edges of steps, stairs and slopes
> Contrasting colour stair handrail
> Minimise patterns
> Plain matt flooring that colour contrasts with walls
> Avoid colours that can be mistaken for real things (e.g. green = grass, blue = water, black mat = hole in floor)
> Get up slowly after sitting/lying
> Ensure footwear fits correctly (avoid slip on/loose fitting)
> Consider regular podiatry for foot care and nail cutting
Lighting
> Check that nothing is blocking the windows indoors and outside
> Clean windows regularly (inside and out)
> Increase natural light by opening curtains in daytime and no unnecessary nets/blinds
> Try to reduce glare, shadows and reflections
> Close curtains at night to reduce reflections
> Lighting should support normal waking and sleep patterns
> Use brighter bulbs or extra lights especially on stairs and in the toilet
> Light switches should be easily accessible and contrast to wall colour
> Touch lamps on bedside table
> Automatic light sensors should allow sufficient time if they are suitable
> Have regular eye tests
Furniture & Furnishings
> Check that furniture and furnishings contrast with the walls and floors
> Avoid stripes or strong patterns
> Use bright contrasting linen (in bedroom and bathroom)
> Check if mirrors are confusing
Knowing where things are
> Traditional fixtures, fittings and appliances are easier to use
> Reduce clutter (including unnecessary cushions and throws)
> Keep most used items accessible
> Always keep important items (e.g. keys, glasses, medication) in same place
> Label cupboards and drawers with items and simple pictures
> Photograph contents of cupboards and wardrobes to display on outside
> Remove cupboard doors/use transparent fronts
> Consider a basket or tray for paperwork
> Keep shelves and cupboards tidy
> Lock away hazardous items
> Medication dispensers
> Leave room doors open or use simple sign with word and picture
> Place good sized, contrasting colour signs/labels with a simple image and lower case text at eye level on the door, not to the side
Kitchen - Eating & Drinking
> Make frequently used items and appliances easy to use and find
> Use bright cloths and towels
> Installation of safety timers, sensors and shut off valves for appliances.
> Use crockery that is a solid colour which contrasts with food and table
> Limit distractions (e.g. music, TV)
> Have regular timing of meals
> Encourage little and often
> Consider smell and texture of food
> Use clear plastic containers for storage
Bathroom – Personal Hygiene
> Put a sign on the door as a reminder about where the toilet is
> Make sure the door lock is familiar and easy to use
> Open shelves/glass fronted cabinets so self-care items can be easily found
> Clearly label toiletries (a bar of soap may be more familiar than a dispenser)
> Minimal mirrors should be placed to avoid distraction and orientation
> Clearly label hot and cold controls
> Use a flood safe plug
> Consider installing (coloured) grab rails
> Contrasting colour shower curtain and slip resistant- mat
> Use a colour contrasting toilet seat
> Highly visible toilet target aids inside the bowl can assist gentlemen
> Toilet roll to be visible and easy to reach from the toilet
> Handle flush is more recognisable than button flush
Minimise Distractions
> Reduce background noise from TV, radio, open windows
> Carpets, curtains and cushions absorb background noise
> Recognise need/benefit for quiet space
> Avoid use of heavily scented air fresheners and cleaning products
> Try and keep the room temperature even
> Have regular hearing tests
Keeping Active & Engaged
> Keep doing what is enjoyable
> Make sure there is an easy to understand clock and calendar
> Clocks can have large analogue or LED display showing day/night and date
> Reminder devices can give audio prompts
> Check the telephone is easy to use (big buttons) and in easy reach
> Put a photo of the person next to their name and telephone number
> Keep emergency contact details near by
> Place photo’s and mementos around the home to bring up positive memories