This week is Dementia Action Week, a good moment to think about the small things that can make daily life easier for someone living with dementia. Most people with dementia want to stay in their own home for as long as possible, and with some thought and the right support, many can.
These practical changes cost little or nothing, and can make home feel safer, calmer and easier to manage.
Good lighting
Dementia can affect how people see and interpret what is in front of them. Shadows can look like holes, and dim rooms can increase confusion, especially in the late afternoon and evening.
- Keep rooms evenly and brightly lit, and open curtains during the day.
- Use night lights or plug-in sensor lights between the bedroom and the bathroom.
- Reduce glare from shiny floors and windows.
Contrast and colour
A white toilet seat in a white bathroom, or a white plate on a white tablecloth, can be hard to see. Using contrasting colours helps: a coloured toilet seat, a bright plate, a strip of contrasting tape on the edge of a step.
Clear signs and labels
Simple signs with words and pictures on doors (bathroom, bedroom) and labels on cupboards (cups, plates, tea) can help someone find what they need without having to ask.
Keep things familiar
Familiar furniture, photos and objects are reassuring. Try not to move things around, and keep everyday items in the same, visible place. If you are replacing something, such as a kettle or remote control, choose one that looks and works like the old one.
Reduce clutter and trip hazards
- Remove loose rugs and trailing wires.
- Keep walkways clear.
- Fit grab rails by the toilet, bath and front door.
Our guide to preventing falls at home has more ideas.
Patterns and mirrors
Busy patterns on carpets or curtains can be unsettling. Some people with dementia do not recognise their own reflection and may find mirrors distressing; covering or removing them can help.
Clocks and calendars
A large, clear clock that shows the day and date, and whether it is morning or afternoon, helps people keep track of time. A simple calendar or whiteboard for the day’s plans, including carer visits, can reduce worry.
Safety in the kitchen
Consider an automatic shut-off device for the cooker, a kettle tipper, and a thermostatic valve to stop hot water getting too hot. Keep medication and cleaning products safely stored.
Routine matters most
Above all, people living with dementia do best with a calm, predictable routine: getting up, meals, a walk, a rest, at similar times each day. This is where good home care makes a real difference. Carers who visit regularly become part of that routine, and familiar faces are reassuring.
Dementia care at home in Saffron Walden
Here to Care provides dementia care at home across Saffron Walden and the surrounding villages. Our carers help with personal care, meals, medication reminders, housework, companionship and outings, built around each person’s own routines and preferences. We also give family carers time to rest.
To talk about dementia care, call us on 01799 218190 or contact us online. You can also read our earlier article on specialist dementia care in Saffron Walden.
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