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Home safety for a person with dementia

There are various devices and products that can help a person with dementia who is living at home alone. 

Useful memory aids include whiteboards, diaries, and calendars to note important dates or tasks. If the person has these items, use them to remind them of a task they need to carry out when you’re not there.

Automatic pill dispensers, which can be set in advance, can be helpful. They can often show different week days to be stocked up for the entire week. 

However, over time, the person will need you to administer their medication to ensure they take everything when they are supposed to. Days of the week can become harder for the person to understand as the condition progresses.

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Use bright plates

When serving the person meals, use brightly coloured dinner plates so that they can clearly identify the food on their plate. White fish on a white plate can make it harder for the person to see what’s in front of them. While the person’s eyesight may be fine, remember the brain has to process what they see.

Put up signs on doors

If the person is getting confused at home, and struggling to find their way around, consider putting signs on doors and cupboards, so that they are less likely to get confused.

While it’s not your responsibility to rearrange the look and style of the person’s home, there are things you can do to help make it a safer environment.

  • Ensure there’s no trip hazards like shoes left on the floor or worn-out rugs.

  • Change bulbs and ensure there’s good lighting in each room.

  • Remove mirrors if the person appears to find them upsetting. They may not recognise themselves in the mirror and can think that someone else is staring at them.

  • If the person doesn’t mind, move small items of furniture like coffee tables out of the middle of the room so that they have a clear pathway through the room. This will reduce the risk of accidents and falls.

  • Check fridges and cupboards for expired foods. Keep fridge and freezer items organised to avoid confusion. Secure toxic cleaning products in a locked cupboard.

  • Set the central heating system instead of using portable heaters to maintain a comfortable temperature and prevent potential hazards.

  • Create a safer bathroom environment by removing bathmats that can cause tripping. Place a free-standing toilet roll holder near the toilet for easy access.

  • Protect against mix-ups by locking away medications in a secure storage box. If the person is in the later stages of dementia, you will need to supervise while they take medication to ensure they take the right amount and dosage.