Creating a Safe Home for a Loved One with Dementia

Caring for a senior loved one with dementia comes with unique challenges, particularly when it comes to safety. Since dementia affects memory, judgment, and physical coordination, creating a secure and supportive home environment plays a crucial role in your loved one’s overall wellbeing. Here’s how you can adapt your space to ensure safety and comfort. 

Minimize Fall Hazards

Falls are one of the most common risks for dementia patients due to balance and mobility issues. Reducing fall hazards is an important first step toward creating a safe home. 

• Declutter pathways – Remove loose rugs, extension cords, and unnecessary furniture from hallways and walking areas. 

• Use nonslip mats – Place nonslip mats in high-risk zones like the bathroom and kitchen. 

• Install grab bars – Position grab bars in bathrooms near the toilet and in showers or bathtubs for extra support. 

• Improve lighting – Make sure all areas, especially stairs and hallways, are well lit to reduce the chance of tripping. Lighting sensors can be particularly helpful for nighttime navigation. 

Caring for a loved one with dementia is a challenging task for anyone. The responsibilities can sometimes feel overwhelming, but help is available. Seniors can face a variety of age-related challenges. Though some families choose to take on the caregiving duties, there may come a time when they need a trusted homecare provider. Families sometimes need respite from their duties so they can focus on their other responsibilities, and some seniors need around-the-clock assistance that their families are not able to provide. Lifestar Home Care is here to help.

Secure Hazardous Areas

Certain areas of the home, like the kitchen or garage, can present heightened risks. Taking preventive measures can keep individuals with dementia away from potentially dangerous items. 

• Lock away tools and chemicals – Store cleaning supplies, sharp tools, and medications in locked cabinets or on high shelves. 

• Disable appliances – Install safety knobs or automatic shutoff devices on stoves and ovens. 

• Label doors – Use labels or signs to indicate which doors are off-limits to provide clear instructions. 

• Hide keys and car controls – Prevent access to car keys or garage door openers to avoid accidents or unsafe driving attempts. 

The cognitive challenges that accompany dementia often leave aging adults unable to manage everyday tasks, which puts their safety and health at risk. If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, medication reminders, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Lifestar Home Care, a leading provider of home care Oklahoma City families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.

Make Navigation Easy

Seniors with dementia often experience difficulty with memory and spatial orientation. Making it easier for your loved one to identify rooms and objects will provide a sense of independence and reduce confusion. 

• Add signage – Use clear and simple signs with text and images to label rooms, light switches, and drawers. 

• Choose contrasting colors – Avoid patterns or monochrome tones, as these can be disorienting. Contrasting color schemes can help your loved one distinguish between furniture, walls, and floors. 

• Use memory triggers – Place photos, familiar objects, or name tags in key areas to help with recognition. For example, placing family pictures near the living area can guide your loved one to social spaces.

Create a Calm and Comfortable Environment

A calming environment can ease anxiety and agitation, which are common in dementia patients. The right atmosphere can help your loved one feel secure and reduce potential stressors. 

• Eliminate noise pollution – Reduce loud, unnecessary noises from televisions, radios, or other devices. Opt for calming background music when appropriate. 

• Choose safe furniture – Select comfortable chairs with stable armrests and ensure tables or shelves don’t have sharp corners. 

• Use familiar items – Surround your loved one with familiar items or objects from his or her past, such as photographs, blankets, or keepsakes, to evoke feelings of security. 

• Control the room temperature – Keep the home at a consistent and comfortable temperature, since your loved one may have difficulty regulating his or her body heat. 

Plan for Emergency Situations

Preparation is essential to handle any unexpected incidents or emergency situations. Quick access to resources and tools can make a big difference in ensuring safety. 

• Set up alerts – Invest in motion sensors, emergency call buttons, or wearable alarms your loved one can use to alert you if he or she needs help. 

• Have an emergency contact list – Keep a list of emergency numbers, including doctors, neighbors, and family members, in a prominent location. 

• Store medical information nearby – Have your loved one’s medical records and prescriptions readily accessible for emergencies. 

• Install a monitoring system – Consider home monitoring systems that alert caregivers to unusual behavior without compromising your loved one’s privacy. 

Aging in place can present a few challenges for seniors living with dementia. However, they can still live independently at home with the help of professional dementia care. Oklahoma City families can rely on Lifestar Home Care to provide their elderly loved ones with mental and social stimulation, timely medication reminders, assistance with meal prep, and much more. Our caregivers are available around the clock to help your loved one live a happier and healthier life. To talk to one of our friendly Care Managers and create a customized senior care plan, call us today.