Seniors Real Estate Specialist Dr. Kimberly Turner Offers Tips to Making a Home Dementia Friendly!

Certified Financial Planner and Seniors Real Estate Specialist

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Dr. Kimberly Turner, CFP®, WMCP®, CRS®, LHC®, REI®, SRES® is a Certified Financial Planner and Seniors Real Estate Specialist offers these tips for making a home Dementia Friendly.

■ Making a home safe and secure is very important for someone with dementia.

Remove excess furniture to create clear pathways and reduce tripping hazards. Install handrails or grab bars in areas where the person may need extra support, such as in the bathroom or near stairs. Use non-slip mats or rugs to prevent slips and falls. Secure loose cords or wires to prevent tripping. Install smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors and check them regularly to ensure they are working properly. Lock up any hazardous materials, such as cleaning products or sharp objects, to prevent accidental injuries. Consider using childproof locks or latches on cabinets or drawers that contain dangerous items.

■ Removing nonessential items is an important modification for making a home more dementia-friendly. Too much clutter can create visual confusion and make it harder for individuals with dementia to find the items they need.

To make it easier for individuals with dementia to find frequently-used items, it’s recommended to keep surfaces clear and organized. This can include decluttering countertops, removing excess furniture, and keeping floors clear of obstacles.

It’s also helpful to create designated spaces for different items, such as a designated spot for keys, glasses, or other frequently-used items. Using labels or picture cues can also help individuals with dementia to locate items more easily.

By removing clutter and creating organized spaces, individuals with dementia can maintain their independence and reduce frustration and stress when performing everyday tasks.

■ Leaving doors open and/or adding simple signs is an effective way to help individuals with dementia navigate their home more easily.

When the doors are left open, it makes it easier for individuals with dementia to see where they are and where they need to go. Closed doors can create confusion and anxiety, especially if the individual cannot remember which room the door leads to.

Adding simple signs or pictures with an arrow pointing to essential rooms can also be helpful. This can include signs for the bathroom, kitchen, bedroom, or other frequently-used areas. The signs should be simple and easy to understand, with a single word or a picture to help the individual remember the purpose of the room.

It’s important to keep in mind that if there are rooms that shouldn’t be entered, such as a storage room or a room with dangerous equipment, those doors should be kept closed and locked. This can prevent the individual with dementia from accidentally entering the room and potentially harming themselves.

■ Using bold and contrasting colors is a great way to make it easier for individuals with dementia to see and identify useful objects.

Using colors that contrast with each other can help highlight important items, such as a white toilet seat on a dark bathroom floor or a red medication bottle on a white countertop.

However, it’s important to keep patterns to a minimum and avoid using too many clashing patterns in decor. Too many patterns can create visual confusion and make it harder for individuals with dementia to distinguish between different objects. This can cause frustration and anxiety, which can further impair their cognitive function.

By using bold and contrasting colors while keeping patterns to a minimum, individuals with dementia can better navigate their surroundings, reducing the risk of confusion and agitation.

■ Adding orienting items like an easy-to-understand clock and calendar can be very helpful for individuals with dementia.

Having an easy-to-read clock that clearly states the time, time of day, day, and date can help the individual feel more oriented to their environment and the passing of time. This can also help them keep track of appointments or events.

It’s important to place the clock in a visible and accessible location, such as on the bedside table or in the room where the individual spends most of their time. A digital clock with large, clear numbers and an easy-to-read display can be particularly helpful.

A large print calendar can also be helpful for keeping track of days and important events. This can help the individual maintain a sense of routine and structure, which can be comforting for those with dementia. The calendar should be placed in a visible location and should have large, clear numbers and an easy-to-read layout.

■ Adding photos or keepsakes that evoke positive memories is a great way to make a home more dementia-friendly.

Placing photos of loved ones, familiar places, or memorable events in a prominent place in the home can help individuals with dementia connect with their past and feel more comfortable in their surroundings.

This can also provide a sense of continuity and help to maintain their sense of identity. It’s important to choose items that have positive associations for the individual, as negative memories or emotions can cause distress.

Overall, creating a dementia-friendly home involves making thoughtful and intentional modifications that prioritize safety, independence, and comfort.

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