How to Create a Dementia-Friendly Home

Living with dementia can present many daily challenges not just for the person experiencing the condition, but for their loved ones too. One of the most effective ways to support someone living with dementia is by adapting their living environment to better suit their changing needs.

Creating a dementia-friendly home doesn't require a complete renovation. In fact, small, thoughtful adjustments can make a huge difference in helping reduce confusion, prevent accidents, and foster a sense of calm and independence. Below are some simple but powerful changes that can help transform a home into a more supportive space.

1. Reduce Clutter and Keep It Consistent

A cluttered or chaotic space can quickly become overwhelming for someone living with dementia. Reducing visual and physical clutter helps create a calmer environment and makes it easier to find essential items. Try to keep surfaces clear, remove unnecessary decorations or furniture, and store items that aren’t needed daily out of sight.

Keep frequently used items like keys, glasses, and wallets in a visible and consistent place, such as a basket or tray near the front door. Predictability brings comfort, so maintaining a familiar layout around the home can be reassuring.

2. Use Clear Signage and Labels

As memory and recognition skills change, navigating even a once-familiar home can become confusing. Adding clear labels to doors, cupboards, and drawers can help someone living with dementia retain their independence and reduce frustration.

Opt for large-print labels with both words and pictures, for example, a bathroom sign that includes an image of a toilet. Colour coding different rooms or zones can also be helpful. These small visual cues can provide confidence and clarity in everyday routines.

3. Maximise Natural and Artificial Lighting

Lighting plays a crucial role in how safe and secure a person feels in their home. Poor lighting can create shadows or dark corners, which may increase feelings of anxiety or lead to accidents. Aim to let in as much natural light as possible during the day, and keep walkways and key rooms, like the bathroom and kitchen, well lit in the evening.

Using motion sensor lights in hallways or night lights in the bedroom can also help reduce disorientation during the night.

4. Make the Home Safer

Safety is essential in a dementia-friendly home. Small changes can go a long way in preventing slips, trips, and falls.

Some simple steps include:

• Removing or securing loose rugs and cables
• Using non-slip mats in the bathroom and kitchen
• Installing grab bars in the bathroom near the toilet and shower
• Making sure furniture is sturdy and positioned to allow easy movement around the home

Additionally, it may be helpful to use appliances with automatic shut-off features or cover unused electrical sockets to prevent hazards.

Supporting Independence and Wellbeing

The goal of making a home dementia-friendly is not just about safety, it's also about empowering your loved one to live with as much independence and dignity as possible. These small changes can ease day-to-day life, reduce stress and confusion, and create an environment that feels calm, familiar, and secure.

At the heart of it, a dementia-friendly home is one filled with compassion, patience, and understanding. If you’re caring for someone living with dementia and would like further advice or support, don’t hesitate to reach out to local care professionals or dementia organisations in your area.