How to make your home dementia-friendly

PICTURE MEMORIES

Putting up subtle reminders around the house to trigger fond memories is a simple way to help your loved one with dementia. Photos of friends, family members and of familiar places such as a favourite holiday spot, will bring feelings of reassurance.

LABELS

Labelling the cupboards with the contents such as mugs, or tinned food, will make it easier for people with dementia to get around their kitchen and carry on with business as usual.

DON’T MOVE EVERYTHING

People with dementia rely on familiarity so rearranging things can be quite distressing. If they’ve lived in a house for 25 years, they may remember the house as it was then, rather than how it is now.

DAY AND NIGHT

Scientific research has proven the benefits natural light has on improving mood, body rhythms and increasing vitamin D levels. Make sure that all windows are regularly cleaned to maximise light levels, and the curtains are always open in the day.

THE GARDEN

Placing bird feeders or planting flowers can bring life into the garden. Watching the world go by in the garden is calming and enjoyable for people with dementia – and the wider family too.