Dementia is a progressive disease, which means that no matter what you do the symptoms will worsen over time. As there’s currently no cure, symptom management and environment updates are essential. Those living with dementia can enjoy a happy life, but their needs must be fulfilled and their condition must be supported. With the right adjustments and planning, you can not only help them live more independently now but more comfortably later in life. This guide will highlight several ways in which you can update your home to help support someone living with dementia.
Install Safety Features
It's important to install safety features in the home to help those with dementia maintain their independence while also keeping them safe. For instance, you can add grab bars in the bathroom to help with getting in and out of the shower or bathtub. You can also install stairlifts or handrails throughout the house. Door alarms and locks can also be helpful in preventing wandering, which can be a common issue with dementia.
Use Visual Cues
Visual cues can be helpful in reminding people with dementia of specific tasks they need to complete. For instance, placing a picture of a toothbrush next to the sink can remind them to brush their teeth, while using labels on cabinets and drawers can also help them find what they need—making them more independent.
Create a Calming Environment
People with dementia can become overwhelmed and confused easily. Creating a calming environment can help reduce agitation and anxiety. Soft lighting and calming colors such as blue and green can help create a peaceful atmosphere. You can also use familiar items such as family photos or their favorite books to make them feel more comfortable and at ease.
Simplify Daily Living Tasks
As dementia progresses, it can become more challenging for people to complete daily living tasks including cooking, cleaning, and grooming. Therefore, simplifying these tasks can help them maintain their independence. For example, using pre-prepared meals or meal delivery services can make mealtimes easier, and breaking down tasks into smaller steps and using picture guides can also help them complete tasks more independently.
Care Updates
Upgrading your home (or theirs) is just step one. It’s far from the only approach that you can or should take. Those living with dementia will, steadily, require increasing levels of care. If they don’t currently live with someone who can provide that care, then you need to be prepared to give it to them in some way. If you’re bringing in residential care or respite workers, try to work with the same company you’ve set aside for the future. Eventually, after all, most, if not all, dementia patients will require the around-the-clock care that can only be offered in top dementia care home in Bury St Edmunds. Working with that care home and utilizing their residential or respite care services can mean getting your loved one familiar with the company, and even the people, that will be caring for them in the future.
Combining professional care with home upgrades for the time being, however, can help your loved one lead as independent a life as possible—for as long as possible. Try to stick with the same care service provider regardless of what level of care you opt for to help establish familiarity and routine. Doing this can help your parent, aunt, or whoever it is that’s living with dementia lead as fulfilling a life as possible.
