Ensuring Safe Environments After A Dementia Diagnosis
To maintain a safe and accessible environment for a person living with Dementia, we can look to adapt the home with various appliances and aids. These adjustments should support an independent and stimulating life, allowing that person to continue the life they enjoy while alleviating any stress they may face regarding their diagnosis. These considerations can be anything from adding some helpful household gadgets and safety devices, to the colours and furnishings we use.
If you know or are caring for someone with Dementia, you may notice that they are struggling to keep themselves safe. For example, if they begin leaving electrical items turned on or experience difficulty using the stairs. Adjustments can be made to support that person to remain living happily and independently.
Adjustments you may wish to consider to help that person live a comfortable, safe, and independent life post-diagnosis may consist of:
- Adapted Lighting - A well-lit space with lots of natural light is crucial for those with Dementia. Better lighting reduces the risk of trips and falls, and sensor lights that come on automatically support individuals to move around during the night.
In our homes we use LED lighting which enhance the effect of bright natural light. These also provide energy efficiency and help reduce carbon footprint.
- Furnishings and fittings - Using bright and contrasting colours for furniture and furnishings can help distinguish objects better. Using contrasting colours for furniture including beds, tables, chairs and lamps with the walls and floor, can optimise visibility. Strong patterns can be confusing and disorientating and should be limited/simplified wherever possible. Additionally, the colour of the floor, particularly on the stairs, should contrast with the walls, so you can confidently see where you are going.
When designing and refurbishing our homes, we create clear and simple contrast whilst maintaining elegant and stylish surroundings. This aids resident comfort and lifestyle within our homes.
- Eating and drinking is an important aspect of wellbeing and has a direct correlation to an individual's general health. However, a Dementia diagnosis may result in a reduced appetite, a loss of interest in preparing meals or a lack of structure in mealtimes. It may also become difficult to see food if it's the same colour as the plate or if your plate is a similar colour to the table. When thinking about table settings, keep it simple and maintain contrasting colours.
At Renaissance Care, we offer support with mealtimes for those who require, this varies for each individual. We provide a restaurant-style service and ensure all crockery differentiates to help reduce agitation or frustration.
- Technology - Speech-activated devices like Alexa can help with demands and reminders, or for playing music which generates memories and a feeling of safety. Sensor mats and door alarms can activate help if needed, or telecare may be used in your own home to call for assistance. Similarly, if you are living in a care home - nurse call bells and pendants can summon support. Ipads and tablets with apps can also assist with communication and keeping in touch with family and friends.
Keeping people connected throughout any diagnosis is essential to help promote a sense of self and belonging. Technology can provide a great basis for enhancing wellbeing and is something we actively promote and encourage for residents and their family.
- Using the bathroom - Not being able to find the toilet when you need it can make you feel anxious. The toilet seat and lid should be in a contrasting colour to the rest of the toilet, so they are easier to see. You could also remove the lid to give the seat and bowl greater visibility. If you need grab rails to help you get on and off the toilet, and in and out of the bath or shower, make them a different colour to the walls - this will make them easier to find. Traditional-style or lever taps that are marked hot and cold, and a traditional toilet flush are more obvious, and easy to use.
- Meaningful Activity - Participating in meaningful activity with regular access to a sheltered area outside to sit and rest if possible will contribute to positive physical and mental wellbeing. Any steps and paving should be checked regularly and safe for use.
There is some fantastic resource on meaningful activity including the NAPA website. Our homes all have a membership to NAPA, which is a useful source for ideas, support and guidance for older people with dementia.
- Falls and risks – With age as a contributing factor, and as a dementia diagnosis progress' your risk of falling increases. Some simple things to consider include ensuring your floors are free from clutter and non-slip. Grab and handrails should be visible, remain sturdy, and be well maintained. Suitable well-fitting footwear is essential and a mobility aid should be used if the individual has been assessed as requiring one. By considering the layout of a room and limiting the use of stairs we can also reduce the risk level and provide ease of access.
Strength and balance exercise significantly reduce the risk of trips and falls and should be incorporated into the daily routine. Our homes use danceSing Care which combines music and movement with strength and balance exercises to create meaningful and engaging wellbeing activities that can be enjoyed alone, with family and friends, or in one of our accessible lounge areas.
A diagnosis of Dementia should not stop you from living your life to the fullest. Risk-taking is an associated factor of life, but we can mitigate these risks by introducing measures for safety. Should you wish to find out more - help is readily available, with lots of useful support information available online or by contacting your GP or local care facility.
Living within a care home, you will be given a tailored care plan that suits your individual needs. Bespoke care planning ensures we know the person well and understand what’s important to them so care and support is offered in a way that makes sense to them. Many of our Renaissance Care Homes cater to Dementia and Alzheimer’s care, where we promote a happy, nurturing environment that focuses on nutritional wellbeing, personal connections, and an active and varied lifestyle allowing the individuals we support to thrive.
Additionally, should you require assistance at home, many specialist services - such as a CPN (Community Psychiatric Nurse) or occupational therapist - can support you. Your GP can also help with referrals if need be.
Whether you choose to apply these recommendations to the person's own home or decide it’s time to move into assisted living, these adjustments can be applied to any residential setting and allow the person with dementia to live safely and independently.
If you would like additional information, please contact us
