5 ways to make your home dementia friendly
As dementia progresses, everyday environments can start to feel confusing or unsafe for the person living with the condition. Changes in memory, perception, judgement and mobility mean that a home which once felt familiar may begin to present unexpected risks. For family members, this often brings constant concern about accidents, wandering or distress.
While dementia brings challenges that cannot be removed, thoughtful adjustments to the home environment can help reduce risks, ease anxiety and support a sense of familiarity. Small, practical changes can make daily life safer and more manageable for both the person living with dementia and the family members or loved ones supporting them.
This guide outlines five ways to make a home more dementia friendly, focusing on realistic steps that can be taken.
1. Reduce fall risks and improve visibility
Falls are one of the most common safety concerns for people living with dementia. Changes in balance, depth perception and spatial awareness can make everyday movement more difficult, even in familiar surroundings.
Begin by clearing walkways and removing clutter from floors. Loose rugs, trailing cables and low furniture can all increase the risk of trips. Carpets should be secured and thresholds between rooms kept as level as possible.
Lighting plays a vital role in safety. Poor lighting can create shadows that cause confusion or fear. Aim for bright, even lighting throughout the home, particularly in hallways, staircases and bathrooms. Motion sensor lights can help with night-time movement, while low level night lights can reduce disorientation after dark.
Using contrasting colours can also improve visibility. For example, a toilet seat that contrasts with the floor or walls may be easier to recognise, helping reduce hesitation and accidents.
2. Make key rooms safer and easier to use
Some rooms in the home naturally present greater risks, particularly kitchens and bathrooms.
In the kitchen, memory lapses can lead to appliances being left on or unsafe food preparation. Safety switches, induction hobs and appliance timers can help reduce risk. Sharp objects, cleaning products and medication should be stored securely and clearly labelled.
Bathrooms can become hazardous due to slippery surfaces and reduced mobility. Non slip mats, grab rails near toilets and showers, and clearly marked hot and cold taps can all improve safety. Temperature controls on taps can help prevent accidental burns.
Bedrooms should feel calm, uncluttered and easy to navigate. Remove obstacles between the bed and bathroom, ensure the bed is at a safe height, and use soft lighting that provides reassurance without disrupting sleep.
3. Support safe routines and clear orientation
People living with dementia often rely heavily on routine to feel secure. Changes to layout or daily structure can increase anxiety and confusion.
Keeping furniture in consistent positions helps maintain familiarity. Avoid rearranging rooms unless necessary and, if changes are required, introduce them gradually and explain them clearly.
Simple signage can help with orientation around the home. Pictures or clear labels on doors can help identify rooms such as the bathroom or bedroom. Clocks that show both the time and day can reduce confusion, particularly for people who struggle to distinguish between morning and evening.
Maintaining regular routines around meals, personal care and rest can also help reduce agitation and lower the likelihood of unsafe behaviour linked to stress or uncertainty.
4. Improve safety around doors, exits and outdoor spaces
As dementia progresses, some people may become disoriented and attempt to leave the house without understanding where they are going or how to return safely.
Check that doors and gates are secure, especially those leading outside. Door sensors or alarms can alert family members if a door is opened unexpectedly. These should be introduced carefully and explained in a calm, reassuring way to avoid causing distress.
If your loved one enjoys spending time outdoors, ensure pathways are level, well lit and free from obstacles. Discreet fencing or barriers may be needed to prevent wandering into unsafe areas.
Some families choose to use identification bracelets or GPS devices for reassurance if their loved one becomes lost. These tools should always be discussed openly and used in a way that respects dignity and personal comfort.
5. Manage medication and household hazards carefully
Medication errors can pose serious risks for people living with dementia. Missed doses, double dosing or confusion between medications may occur as memory declines.
Pill organisers with clear labelling can help in the earlier stages, but many families eventually need to take full responsibility for medication management. Medicines should be stored securely, supported by a simple written schedule. Regular medication reviews with a GP or pharmacist are important, as some medications can increase confusion or the risk of falls.
Other household hazards should also be reviewed regularly. Smoke alarms should be fitted on every level of the home and tested frequently. Carbon monoxide detectors are essential where gas appliances are present.
Electrical appliances should be unplugged when not in use, and heating controls set to prevent unsafe temperature changes. People living with dementia may not always recognise when a room is too hot or too cold, so regular checks are important.
Supporting emotional safety and wellbeing
A dementia friendly home is not only about physical safety. Emotional wellbeing plays a key role in reducing distress, agitation and behaviours that may lead to unsafe situations.
Clear, calm communication helps minimise frustration. Use simple language, speak slowly and give one instruction at a time. Allow extra time for responses and avoid correcting unnecessarily, as this can increase anxiety.
Identifying triggers for distress, such as noise, fatigue or hunger, allows families to intervene early. A quieter environment, reassurance and familiar activities can help maintain calm and reduce risk.
The role of support for families
Supporting a loved one with dementia can be physically and emotionally demanding. Many families feel pressure to manage alone, even as safety concerns increase.
Professional care can provide valuable reassurance and practical help, from supporting daily routines and medication to offering companionship and monitoring safety. This support can help the one you love remain safe at home while allowing family carers time to rest and protect their own wellbeing.
If you are caring for someone with dementia in the Birmingham area and would like guidance on making your home safer or exploring care options, you can speak to us at Bluebird Care Birmingham by visiting our contact page.
Planning ahead as needs change
Dementia is a progressive condition, which means safety needs will change over time. What feels manageable now may become more challenging in the future.
Regularly reviewing the home environment, routines and level of support can help prevent crises and reduce stress. Involving your loved one in decisions wherever possible supports dignity and a sense of control.
Planning ahead for future care needs, including additional home support or respite care, can make transitions smoother and less overwhelming for everyone involved.
When to seek additional help
There may come a point when caring alone becomes unsafe or unsustainable. Warning signs can include frequent falls, wandering incidents, medication errors or carer exhaustion.
Seeking help is a positive and responsible step. Professional carers are trained to manage safety risks while supporting independence and quality of life.
If you are unsure what level of support is right for your family, we are here to help. You can contact Bluebird Care Birmingham to talk through your situation and explore next steps.