4 Home Décor Ideas for Dementia Patients

People with dementia are sometimes bewildered by environments which seem benign to us. One of many things a person can do to help a loved one with dementia is preventing possible sources of confusion in the home. This can be done by creating a friendlier environment that is cosy, functional, and comfortable.

Dementia care centers around the world are specifically designed in a way that patients of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia can easily feel like home.

We have jotted down below some home décor ideas that can help people with dementia and also be applicable for assisted living.

1. Keeping up with Colours and Contrast

Colour and contrast help drastically in facilitating independent living for dementia patients. By adding colours and contrast it is easier for dementia patients to locate their room and differentiate between various rooms in the house. Dementia care centers use colourful bedroom doors in order to allow patients to easily spot their room. If a dementia sufferer is going to live with you, try and match the colour of their bedroom door to their previous home.

Contrasting colours also sharpen room details for dementia patients. For example, colouring the skirting boards in contrast with the room walls will help dementia patients to understand the details better. The same idea can be applied to furniture.

2. Fitting and Fixtures

Complex fitting and fixtures can create unnecessary complications in the life of a dementia sufferer. While decorating the environment for your loved ones, it is essential to maintain user-friendly, high-quality fixtures and fittings. This allows patients to easily operate them rather than being completely dependent on others.

This is of crucial when installing grab rails and handrails in the bathroom stairs. Having handrails and grab rails in a colour that contrasts with the background will help dementia patients a lot. Tactile markers can also play a key role in helping your loved ones navigate the house.

3. Lights

Light is also important when decorating a home for dementia patients. Effective positioning, uniformity, control, and intensity of light can assist patients and give them more control. Natural daylight is better than artificial lighting to make the corridors and various details of the house more visible.

When daylight is not available, artificial light fittings that support sufficient intensity can help. Adding strip lights under cabinets can assist with cooking. Positioning light switches at the correct level is crucial so that your loved ones can access them without trouble.

4. Room Furnishings

Memory loss can be a distressing aspect of dementia. When furnishing a room for your loved one, it will help to keep items from their past (photos etc.) inside their room to assist with recall. The room should be decorated in a way to remind them who they are and where they belong. People feel at home when surrounded by their belongings.

Apart from all the points mentioned above, the home should be decorated with well-designed and well-lit exits and entrances. Intercoms should be installed that can be answered from anywhere in the house with switches in contrast with wall colours. The doorways should be wide enough for easy accessibility. Complex floor designs and corridors with circle patterns should be avoided as they can cause confusion. An open plan without clutter is key to make your loved one relaxed and happy.

AUTHOR BIO

ABOUT ALMA CAUSEY

Alma Causey is a blogger by choice and profession. She loves to read and write about different aspects related to technology and medical. She is currently working as a blogger for www.braintest.com, providing dementia testing online.

Find her on Twitter:@Almacausey

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