Creating a Dementia-Friendly Home Environment
As dementia progresses, daily life becomes increasingly challenging for those affected. Creating a safe and supportive home environment is crucial for both their well-being and the caregivers providing support. In Singapore, where it is culturally common for families to care for elderly members by living together, establishing a dementia-friendly home is a vital step in ensuring safety, comfort, and enhanced quality of life.
Understanding the Needs of a Dementia-Friendly Environment
Dementia impacts a person’s memory, reasoning, and perception, which can lead to confusion, disorientation, and even accidents. A dementia-friendly home must cater to these cognitive changes by reducing hazards and encouraging independence. The key is to maintain familiarity while incorporating various changes and adaptations that enhance safety and ease of living.
1. Declutter and Organise Spaces
An organised home helps reduce confusion and prevent accidents. For instance, avoid having excessive decorations or unnecessary furniture in areas frequently used by the person with dementia. This is particularly important in spaces like hallways, living rooms, and kitchens, where clutter can lead to tripping or distractions.
In Singapore’s compact HDB flats, it’s essential to make the most of limited space by using built-in storage or shelving to reduce clutter. Labelling cupboards and drawers with both text and images can make it easier for a person with dementia to locate items.
2. Use of Contrasting Colours
One of the common challenges for dementia patients is difficulty in distinguishing between objects and surfaces. Use contrasting colours to make important objects, such as doors, handrails, and toilet seats, more visible. For example, painting a doorframe in a colour that contrasts with the walls makes it easier to identify doorways.
For example, if the walls of your home have light-coloured walls or tiled floors, using darker or contrasting colours for frequently used items like chairs or tables helps the person identify their surroundings. Be cautious about patterned floors, as they can sometimes appear confusing to individuals with dementia. Especially if your home has a staircase.
3. Enhance Safety in the Bathroom
Bathrooms are high-risk areas for accidents, especially for those with cognitive impairment. Installing grab bars in the shower, near the toilet, and along any areas prone to slips is essential. Non-slip mats can also prevent falls. Consider using motion-sensor lighting to ensure the bathroom is always well-lit when in use.
Caregivers should adjust water temperatures to a safe range when turned off to prevent burns when the patient turns them on. Additionally, toilet seats and bathroom fittings should be clearly visible against the bathroom tiles to avoid any confusion.
4. Simplify Navigation with Signage
Clear and simple signage can greatly assist those with dementia, especially in multi-room homes. Place signs on rooms, cupboards, or even light switches. Signs should be written in large, clear fonts and include images, if possible, to help the person understand the purpose of a room or item.
In more modern homes where open-concepts are popular, using visual cues like different colours or textures for different spaces (e.g., kitchen versus dining area) can further assist in navigation.
5. Create Calm and Familiar Surroundings
A dementia-friendly home should evoke calmness and familiarity. Too much noise or clutter can cause agitation. Using familiar décor, such as family photos, can create a comforting environment. Refrain from making too many sudden changes to the home, as this could increase confusion.
Singapore’s urban environment can sometimes mean homes are near bustling roads or busy areas. Using soundproof curtains or creating a dedicated quiet space in the home can help minimise distractions and overstimulation, which are crucial in maintaining a calm atmosphere for someone with dementia.
