Newmarket and Ely Living Jun - Jul 2021

ADAPT YOUR HOME FOR SOMEONE WITH
DEMENTIA The Key Changes to Make a Safer Space
Maintaining independence is
important for someone living with
dementia, as is having a familiar
living space. Whilst some people
may move out of their home into
residential care, some families are
helping their loved ones remain at
home.
With small adaptations to their living
space, it’s possible for someone with
dementia to stay in their own home
both safely and comfortably. Many local
authorities have funding available to make
minor adaptations to the home, and for
those with more acute needs, there are
also grants available to support with larger
adjustments.
Here are some of the key adaptations to
consider for the home to ensure it’s a safe
space for someone living with dementia.
Kitchen
If your loved one is in the mid to later
stages dementia, they may need
additional assistance and may even have
a carer living with them. If this is the case,
it’s unlikely they’ll be left unsupervised in
the kitchen. However, in order to ensure
the highest safety levels, it’s advisable to
consider:
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• Fitting cookers and any gas-supplied
equipment with an automatic cut off
• Ensuring all smoke detectors and
carbon monoxide alarms are working
• Removing any obstacles, such as rugs
and mats, to avoid trips or falls
• Clearing out the fridge regularly to
remove out-of-date food
• Storing cleaning products, irons,
knives and sharp equipment in a locked
cupboard or drawer
Bathroom
The bathroom can sometimes present
challenges for those with limited mobility
or cognitive challenges. Whilst your loved
one may have a carer present to help with
personal hygiene, it’s best to ensure the
bathroom is a safe and easily navigable
space:
• Clearly marking the taps for hot and cold
• Installing grab rails around the shower
and toilet
• Adding textured pads on surfaces which
may get slippery
• Removing the lock from the bathroom door
• Locking away any medication, cleaning
products, and sharp items
Bedroom
In order to ensure the bedroom is a
calming space where your loved one can
sleep safely, the following should be of use:
• Avoiding electric blankets
• Installing a night light in the bedroom,
hallway, and bathroom to provide easy
vision if they get up in the night
• Making sure the room is a good
temperature
• Putting a clock next to the bed that
indicates whether it is day or night to
avoid confusion
Living Room
This is often where you spend most of
your time relaxing, so to ensure the space
is comfortable, familiar, yet safe, try:
• Removing obstructions which can cause
trips or falls
• Ensuring the room is well lit
• Having a clear path in and out of the
room - especially if your loved one needs
mobility aids
Hallway and Stairs
• Consider installing handrails up the stairs
• Making sure the front and back doors
are locked and car keys are locked away
- particularly if your loved one is prone to
wandering,
• Removing any obstructions such as
hallway tables or cables from phones
If you require further information the
Alzheimer’s Society have a support line
0333 150 3456