Dementia and Living Spaces- How To Create A Safe Space

Alzheimer’s is the most prevalent form of dementia, impacting millions of individuals each year. Approximately 5.8 million Americans were diagnosed with the disease in 2021 alone. This figure is anticipated to rise in the next decades, as the number of people living with Alzheimer’s disease doubles every five years. Although there is no cure, there are plenty of strategies to improve the quality of life for individuals with Alzheimer’s. This condition causes significant memory loss, mood and behavior problems, and other symptoms. One way to improve quality of life is to make sure that spaces and activities are safe. This might entail removing potential risks from the surroundings, such as unstable furniture, or organizing safe and useful activities, such as quick walks or listening to music.  Read on to learn new ways to create a safer space and adjust activities for a loved one who has Alzheimer’s disease.

Create a  Comfortable Spaces for Adults with Dementia

When family caregivers start planning rooms for their senior to age in place, they should think about minimizing clutter and unfamiliar objects. The furniture should also be minimal and uncluttered. Overall, these spaces should promote a sense of tranquility while avoiding over stimuli.

• Light, relaxing colors should be used on the walls, floors, and décor objects. This can aid in the reduction of shadows and dark patches.

• Avoid utilizing bright, bold colors, busy patterns, or a lot of decorations. 

• Spaces should be well-lit, and lighting should be strategically placed to prevent dark spots. This helps to avoid stumbles and falls, as well as to reduce shadow hallucinations.

• To avoid harm, glass windows and stairwells should be properly indicated.

Make Sure the Home is Safe 

• Homes can be a dangerous place for individuals with dementia. Locks in bedrooms and bathrooms may be problematic, so can faucets and tubs, and liquid on hard ground can result in shattered bones and other serious injuries. Install grab bars, large non-slip mats, and temperature controls in the bathroom to address these risks, and consider replacing doorknobs with non-locking ones that can be accessed in the case of a fall or other emergency.

• Dangers might exist outside of the home as well. Wet leaves, roots, branches, and steppingstones are particularly unsafe and should be cleaned or removed. It’s also a good idea to keep the outside of the house well-lit at night to eliminate shadows and dark shapes.

• Finally, think about installing internet door and window alarms, webcams, ring door bells, etc around the house. Adults with dementia may seek to find places from their past and may quickly become disoriented once they leave their homes. These devices can alert you if they wander away.

Keeping Loved One’s safe takes Patience and Perseverance

Helping people with dementia age in place requires ongoing care, frequent check-ins, and a sharp eye, but it is not impossible. Aside from making spaces safer and more comfortable for them, there are a few other things you can do to prevent them from becoming ill or injuring themselves.

• Clean the pantry and refrigerator for expired or rotten food.

• Keep items like car keys and pet food out of sight. 

• Keep your house clean and clear of potentially disorienting items.

• Make sure that no faucets, electrical gadgets, or cooking equipment have been left on.

When you’re caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease, it can seem difficult to find safe spaces both inside and outside the home. Fortunately, with enough flexibility and creativity, you can discover ways to increase safety.

Creating a safe environment for seniors with Alzheimer’s disease isn’t only about taking physical safety measures. It also involves creating a mentally safe space, where those with the disease can stay engaged with their community and keep active. As the number of people affected by Alzheimer’s continues to grow, it’s more necessary than ever to know how to create a safe space and enhance what you do to become a more effective caregiver.  If these tasks become too stressful, a professional home care service like Thrive USA can provide extra support and peace of mind.