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Environment

Choosing the right environment for a person with dementia

A person with dementia may find some environments unsettling. While it can be a good idea to take the person out to socialise, there are some types of environments that may be best avoided.

Noisy restaurants, places with loud music or busy pubs may be distressing. The person may feel frustrated that they can’t hear other people properly. It can also be confusing for them if too many people are asking them questions at once. 

Crowded places can also be overwhelming, with too many people and noises at the same time. This can cause agitation and anxiety.

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Consider individual needs

It’s important to consider the person’s needs when choosing an environment for them. Some may prefer calm and quiet settings, while others may enjoy more stimulating environments. It’s a good idea to observe how the person reacts in different environments and try to plan outings accordingly.

Along with considering the physical environment, it’s also important to think about the emotional environment. The person with dementia may be sensitive to other people’s moods and energies, so being around negative or tense situations can be unsettling for them. Try to choose places where there is a positive and welcoming atmosphere.

Avoid multiple conversations

While it can be enjoyable to go out for lunch or dinner, the person with dementia may struggle to follow a conversation if there’s too many people at the table. Multiple conversations going on at once can cause confusion. Going out with one or two people rather than a larger group might be best.

If it’s the person’s birthday, or a family celebration of some kind, the person might enjoy the celebrations more if they take place in a smaller, more intimate setting where they don’t have to interact with too many people at once.

That said, music can benefit the mood of a person with dementia, and ignite happy memories, so don’t feel you can’t take them out to a concert (especially if they have a passion for music). In the right setting, with comfortable seating and plenty of personal space, the person may well enjoy watching live music.