If you are living at home with dementia, there are lots of small changes you can make to keep yourself safe, active and doing the things you enjoy.
Get the light right
Being able to see clearly helps you make sense of where you are. Add lights or lamps where needed, make the most of natural light by drawing curtains back and clearing windowsills, and keep the bedroom dark enough at night to help you sleep.
Make floors safe and clear
Remove trip hazards such as loose rugs and cables. Plain, matt flooring is best — avoid shiny surfaces or flooring that's a similar colour to the walls, as it can be confusing.
Keep eating and drinking well
Stay well stocked with food and drink, and keep a bottle of water nearby as a prompt. It helps if plates, cups and the table are a different colour from the food, and clear containers make it easy to see what's inside.
Make things easy to see and find
Choose furniture that contrasts with walls and floors, and avoid strong stripes or patterns. Pictures or signs on cupboards and drawers show what's inside — glass-fronted cupboards help too — and keeping keys, wallet and phone in one consistent place saves a lot of searching.
Make the bathroom easy to use
A sign or picture on the door helps identify the toilet or bathroom. Removing the toilet lid can make it easier to recognise, and towels and toilet rolls in a colour that contrasts with the walls stand out clearly.
Reduce clutter and distraction
Background noise from the TV or radio can be distracting — turn it off when doing something else. A tidy, clutter-free home helps you feel in control and avoids confusion.
Stay safe with equipment
Install smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors linked to a monitored telecare service. Other sensors can detect an oven left on, a tap left running, or a return home later than expected. Rails and places to sit and rest can help with moving about safely.
Keep busy, and get outdoors
A large-face clock, a calendar (perhaps crossing off the days), or a whiteboard for reminders all help you stay oriented. Keep doing the things you enjoy, have somewhere to sit in the garden, and make your front door easy to tell apart from the neighbours'.
For more ideas, see the Alzheimer's Society booklet Making your home dementia friendly.
