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Tips on how to create a Dementia-Friendly Home: What would you add?
I found this article about creating a dementia-friendly home. Some of the tips are very helpful. If you scroll down the page slightly, there is a video showcasing the different tips. Just below the video is a PDF you can print that contains the specific details. https://alzfdn.org/theapartment/
I wish I had seen this when my M-I-L and F-I-L were in their care home. I feel like some of the tips could have been applied in that situation. Now that my DH has Alzheimer's, I plan to utilize some of these tips in my own home. Some of them are cost-prohibitive for us, like the smart refrigerator, but many of them could be easy enough for us to put into place, such as reminiscent decorations and labeling drawers/cabinets.
If you have anything you have found to provide more safety, convenience, or joy for your loved ones, please share. Thank you!
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@callmegram I have one tip when labeling cabinets and drawers - LARGE black text on a WHITE background. Eye-catching contrast helps a lot. It doesn't need to be fancy - just white peel-off labels and a Sharpie. My Mom didn't have classic dementia, but post-stroke cognitive deficits, which mimicked dementia quite a bit.
It was helpful for her to see labels "Glasses, plates, cups, bowls" instead of "Dishes" and "Spoons, Forks, Knives" instead of "Silverware" etc. It seems if the mind is seeking a coffee cup, the generic label "dishes" may not be enough. Also, we removed seldom or never used items from a lot of drawers and closets to stop the ever-present urge to search.
So the "junk drawer" held one roll of transparent tape, one roll of masking tape, one pair of scissors, one (clear) container each of rubber bands and paper clips, one stapler...fewer choices seemed to result in less confusion.
We live in 2 vastly different houses (one 2-story with lots of nooks and crannies, one tiny home with little storage) - I have found this method helpful especially in the little one - with an ADD partner.
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11 ReactionsBathroom toilet rails are helpful/necessary for a lot of people with cognitive impairment. And with so much incontinence, there should be someplace to easily store/access briefs, pads, wipes, and gloves.
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