Problem: Mobility issues
Over time it might become harder for the person you’re caring for to move around safely at home. This is because:
They might struggle to judge gaps between furniture as spatial awareness and balance can be affected.
Perception of colours can change so if walls and flooring are the same colour, it becomes difficult for them to distinguish between the two; busy patterns also become problematic.
They might be distracted by mirrors and reflections in windows.
They may have mobility issues that put them at risk of a fall or make it difficult for them to easily avoid obstacles.
Solution: Contact an occupational therapist
If you haven’t booked one already, it’s a good idea to arrange a free home assessment from an occupational therapist. This would typically involve a home visit and recommendations for adaptations to make the home environment safer and more comfortable.
An occupational therapist can also be accessed via the NHS or social services. It’s worth chatting to the GP for a referral. Minor adaptations costing less than £1,000, like handrails, shower stools and other mobility aids might be paid for by the local authority, but larger items, like stairlifts or walk-in baths are not usually covered. You might be eligible for a grant, so again, it’s worth a chat with the GP or the local council to see what’s possible.
While you’re waiting for an assessment also try:
Removing trip hazards such as rugs, fraying carpet or split lino/vinyl, cluttered floors, overly large furniture that makes it difficult to move around a room, clutter, trailing throws or overly long curtains or electrical leads, excess cushions… check for these and make sure it’s easy and safe to walk from room to room without tripping up.
Checking the person you’re caring for has suitable, well-fitting footwear, not loose slippers or slippery socks.
Floor tiles can cause confusion. Black and white square tiles may cause distress as it’s not uncommon for a person with dementia to think the black tiles are black holes. Consider replacing these or covering them up. Busy or strong patterns on wallpaper or carpet can confuse, too.
Dim lighting can lead to accidents. Consider adding lamps in dark corners and, if you can, increase the brightness of light bulbs.
Improve the amount of natural light coming in to help with sleep and waking times. It might help to take down net curtains or anything that might block light from coming in during the day.
Problem: Confusion in the kitchen
People with dementia can become confused about which items belong in the fridge, freezer and cupboard or find it hard to find things.
Solution: Look and label – cupboards and fridge
Keep an eye on items in the fridge and cupboards, and discard any out-of-date foods. Put toxic cleaning products in a locked cupboard. Lock away medication, too.
Try adding labels with pictures to cupboard doors and drawers as visual aids. You can add these to food containers, too.
Some people find it useful to place the day’s crockery, cutlery and food like cereal and bread on the work surface where they can be easily found.
Clear the clutter from drawers and cupboards to make it easier to find things.
Problem: Bathroom safety
When you’re living with dementia bathing and personal care and going to the loo can become more difficult due to problems with memory and perception and mobility issues.
Solution: Assistive living aids
There’s a wealth of assistive living aids available that can help make using the bathroom easier. An occupational therapist can help with suggestions (read more about getting a free home assessment, above) but these include shower stools and grab rails that make it easier to get on and off the loo, as well as raised toilet seats. Other easy fixes include:
Put a free-standing toilet roll holder next to the toilet so that the person doesn’t have to stretch to reach the toilet paper.
Add a flood-safe plug to your bath.
Put a non-slip mat in the bath and shower.
Keep the bathroom light on at night so that the person with dementia can see where they’re going if they need the loo at night.
Change the toilet seat lid so it’s a contrasting colour to the toilet itself. Avoid black, which might confuse and upset – people with dementia can often mistake things that are coloured black with dark holes.
–Learn more dementia-friendly home tips here
–Do you have any home tips for others? Share them in our online discussion forum