{"id":1214384,"date":"2023-12-22T16:30:05","date_gmt":"2023-12-22T21:30:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.prime-wow.com\/?p=1214384"},"modified":"2023-12-22T16:30:05","modified_gmt":"2023-12-22T21:30:05","slug":"how-to-design-the-best-home-environment-for-someone-with-dementia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.prime-wow.com\/?p=1214384","title":{"rendered":"How to Design the Best Home Environment for Someone With Dementia"},"content":{"rendered":"

Aging in place<\/a>, or staying in one\u2019s own familiar home environment during the later years of life, is often beneficial to people with dementia. However, as dementia progresses, their home may not be perfectly suited to your loved one\u2019s needs.<\/p>\n

Healthcare designer Barbara J. Huelat<\/a> shared some solutions for modifying a home environment to improve safety and comfort for a loved one with dementia. Huelat has spent her career implementing design principles that support healing, comfort, and safety. Through her personal experience, she has a special interest in environments that support people with dementia and their caregivers. Huelat recently collaborated with her daughter Sharon T. Pochron to write Taming the Chaos of Dementia: A Caregiver\u2019s Guide to Interventions That Make a Difference<\/em><\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cScience shows that as dementia sufferers lose their cognitive functions, they do not lose their ability to enjoy life, love and be loved, laugh, cry, and connect with relationships,\u201d Huelat and Pochron wrote.<\/p>\n

The principles of home design for dementia<\/h2>\n

Two key ideas to keep in mind when creating a home environment for someone with dementia are <\/p>\n

    \n
  1. \n

    Support physical needs.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  2. \n

    Engage positive emotions.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    \u201cCreate a safe and comfortable environment. This includes making sure that the home is well-lit, free of clutter, and easy to navigate. It is also important to remove any potential hazards, such as sharp objects or tripping hazards,\u201d Huelat said.<\/p>\n

    Maximize natural light<\/h3>\n

    Keep windows clean and curtains open in the day time to maximize the natural light in living areas.<\/p>\n

    \u201cNatural light is important to people living with dementia because the older eye needs more light to see,\u201d Huelat said. \u201cAnd when you add dementia on top of age it becomes even more important.\u201d<\/p>\n

    People with dementia need three times as much light as someone with normal vision. \u201cThis is important because people with dementia can get scared or confused when they can\u2019t see something properly,\u201d Huelat said.<\/p>\n

    Avoid shadows and glare<\/h3>\n

    You may need to use higher-wattage light bulbs and additional lamps to brighten spaces for an older person. To avoid glare from the extra light, use warm white bulbs, indirect light sources, and remove reflective surfaces.<\/p>\n

    \u201cGlare creates shapes, and people with dementia can\u2019t figure out what they are. This becomes scary at night for people with dementia when they think they see something that isn\u2019t really there,\u201d Huelat said.<\/p>\n

    Also, be aware of shadows cast by the movement of ceiling fans\u2014they can be confusing and frightening to a person with dementia.<\/p>\n

    Reduce mirrors<\/h3>\n

    A mirror over the bathroom sink is useful and expected, but consider removing mirrors in other parts of the house.<\/p>\n

    \u201cReflective surfaces such as mirrors, windows, and glass doors, which might present distressing or unrecognizable images, provide common triggers,\u201d Huelat wrote in her book. \u201cTry using mirrors only over sinks or in grooming areas that often make sense to those with dementia\u2014avoiding mirrors that can be seen from a distance or while walking, which can present images that are harder to understand.\u201d<\/p>\n

    Remember, windows become reflective at night and can cause confusion. Once you\u2019ve enjoyed the day\u2019s natural light, close curtains at night.<\/p>\n

    Consider ergonomics<\/h3>\n

    As dementia progresses, people become less mobile and will likely spend most of their time in a favorite chair. You can help make sure that chair is not only a comfortable favorite but also provides support for correct posture.<\/p>\n

    \u201cErgonomics is not only about comfort, it is also about maintaining working organs,\u201d Huelat said. \u201cIf you see slouching, get pillows under their arm or back. Slouching can lead to respiratory problems. Good posture is essential to keep internal organs working.\u201d<\/p>\n

    Look for these signs that a chair is a good ergonomic fit:<\/p>\n