A guide to making your home dementia-friendly
According to Dementia UK, about 9.4 million people in the UK have dementia, and 7.5% of them, or 70,800, have symptoms before they turn 65. Individuals with a learning disability are more likely to develop dementia at a younger age. Studies have shown that one in ten people develops young-onset Alzheimer’s disease between the ages of 50 and 65. Down syndrome patients are more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease.
In the UK, one in every 14 people over the age of 65 has dementia, and this figure is expected to rise to more than 2 million by 2051. According to the Dementia Statistics Hub, the cost of dementia will nearly double, from £25 billion in 2021 to £47 billion in 2050.
Increasing life expectancy is the driving force behind this projected rise because age is the biggest risk factor for dementia. The fact that there are more older women with dementia is due to the fact that women live longer than men.
If an individual chooses home care, the design and layout can have a significant impact on someone living with dementia. Symptoms of memory loss, confusion, and difficulty learning new things indicate that someone with dementia may forget where they are, where things are, and how things work.
Though it is not advisable to make major changes to the home overnight to provide care, there are some simple things you can do that may help someone with dementia continue to live independently in the comfort of their home.
How can a dementia-friendly environment be created?
here are many ways to make your home easier for someone with dementia to live in so you can help and care for them.
1. Needs assessment
It is critical to obtain a need assessment from a local council in order to provide better care at home. If it appears that you need home modifications for care, such as grab rails in the bathroom, you may be referred for a separate assessment of your home.
2. Better lighting
Most people living with dementia and older people in general benefit from better lighting in their homes; it can help to avoid confusion and reduce the risk of falls.
reduce the amount of glare, shadows, and reflections. The lighting should be even, bright, and natural (as much as possible). Increase natural light during the day by opening windows and removing anything that prevents natural light from entering the house.
For people with dementia, good lighting is especially important on the stairs and in the bathroom because it can help them make sense of their surroundings. Light switches should be easy to reach and use, and it is preferable to use automatic light sensors so that you can adjust the lights in your bedroom at night without difficulty.
3. Reduce unnecessary noise
Hearing is the sense that has the greatest impact on the quality of life of people with dementia. Noises that do not bother care staff or carers may be upsetting and confusing to a person with dementia. We can lower the level of noise by planning carefully, using materials that absorb noise, and using carpets, cushions, and curtains to absorb background noise.
Walking on laminate or vinyl flooring can be very noisy, and if the person with dementia wears a hearing aid, such noises will be amplified. Even if the person with dementia is wearing hearing aids, it is critical to have regular hearing tests.
Problems with sight and hearing can exacerbate the symptoms of dementia (also known as deaf-blindness or dual sensory loss).
4. Safe flooring
Avoid placing rugs or mats on the floor, as some people with dementia may become confused and believe the rug or mat is an object they must step over, potentially leading to trips or falls.
Avoid shiny or reflective flooring because it may be perceived as wet, and the person with dementia may struggle to walk over it. It is always best to choose a floor that contrasts with the wall.
5. Contrasting colours
A person suffering from dementia may find it difficult to distinguish between colours. So, when making changes to provide care at home:
1. Use contrasting colours on the walls and floors.
2. Furniture and furnishings, such as beds, tables, and chairs, should be made in bright or bold colours that contrast with the walls and floors.
3. A toilet seat should contrast with the rest of the bathroom.
4. Purchase crockery that contrasts with the rest of the kitchen's utensils.
Avoid using bold patterns and stripes because they can be confusing and disorienting.
6. Dementia-friendly household items
Assistive technology is used to help people with dementia carry on with their daily lives and maintain a high level of independence in their homes.
1. Clocks with large LCD displays that display the date, day, and time.
2. Use a smartphone, wherein voice commands can be used to make calls.
3. Download apps for smartphones and tablets to remind patients to take their medications.
It is much easier to choose which technology or device to install at home if individuals' needs could be identified for care at home.
8. Garden and outdoor space
A garden provides fresh air, exercise, and exposure to sunlight, all of which are important for one's health. People with dementia can be less agitated and stressed if they have access to fresh air, exercise, and quiet space away from others. If properly designed, a home garden can be a safe and secure environment for dementia care. While providing care, the outside space of your home can be used to engage a person with dementia.
9. Reflection can be troubling
When caring for a person with dementia at home, make sure to remove or cover mirrors, as they can cause confusion for the person. They may be distressed if they do not recognise themselves, which can be problematic when receiving home care. It is also advisable to close the curtains in the evening so they don't see their reflection in the window glass.
10. Labels and signs to assist
Label and sign your home's cupboards and doors, such as those to the bedroom, bathroom, and on shelves. These signs should be clear, with a picture depiction that is in contrast to the background and placed slightly lower, as older people tend to look downwards. Another option is to install see-through cupboard doors, which will make it easier for the carer to provide care for the dementia patient.
These are some of the modifications that can help with dementia care at home.
Nurses Group Homecare provides dementia care at home and tailors the care to the needs of each individual. Visit our service page to learn more about the other types of care at home we offer.