This is the 14th installment in the Critical Dementia Skills (CDS) series. For more information on the series, start HERE. You can also click on the CDS tags in the blog for more.
Just as we must change our attitudes to accommodate persons living with dementia, there are elements of the environment that we must change to keep our loved ones functioning as independently as possible. While safety is a paramount consideration, it’s important to understand that no environment is completely safe. The key is to balance independence and safety and make good prudential judgments.
This article will introduce some ideas on modifying the home setting with respect to the orientation and mobility of someone living with dementia.
Orientation refers to knowing where you are in time, place, and understanding your relationship with the people around you. An element of orientation is “wayfinding”: where you are currently, where you want to go, the best route, knowing when you arrived, and how to return. When experiencing dementia, some or all of the aspects can be challenges, not mention working some of the time. What are some things that we can do to orient our loved one?
- Ensuring that lighting is bright enough while avoiding glare is crucial for those who have aging eyes, especially with dementia.
- Posting signs to describe the room (bathroom, kitchen) may help if your loved one is able to recognize letters and words. Make sure that the letter size is large and printed.
- Cueing involves using arrows to communicate which way to travel or pictures to tell what the room is, for example, the picture of a toilet on the bathroom door.
Mobility is not just being able to move around in the home; it includes the ability to get up from a chair, use the toilet, bathe oneself, and perform activities that are important to each person. In this article, we will focus on moving around the home. Falls, and even the fear of falling, should be a priority when evaluating the environment. The following suggestions are important as we age and especially if we have dementia.
- Lighting is so important that it is worth mentioning again. How can someone walk safely and without fear if they cannot see the path?
- In hallways, bathrooms, and other areas of personal concern should have handrails. Leaning rails are an option in some areas where you may not need to grab; handrails and leaning rails can also coexist on the same wall.
- Furniture should be placed where it allows for a clear path of walking. Pathways that are clear of boxes, clothes, books are crucial to not tripping. Examine loose rugs that may also present a hazard.
- Dementia can impact our visual abilities, so floor color and patterns should be reviewed. “Visual cliffing” is when a dark area of flooring (think large black and white checkered tiles) may seem to be a hole in which to fall. Trying to avoid the perceived hole may cause fear and falling. Very “busy” patterns on a rug may also present similar issues.
There are many more things to consider when modifying the home environment. While this concludes Critical Dementia Skills #14, future articles will offer more ideas on adapting the home environment.
Questions for you to think, write down, and share in the comments section (any or all):
- What have you modified in your home to encourage independence?
- If you are a care partner, were you able to include the input of your loved one?
Thank you for reading this far and for commenting. Let’s tell hundreds more care partners about this concept by sharing the article. God bless you.
***
Support this ministry and get help at the same time. Visit MyCatholicDoctor.com to schedule a consultation with Matthew, join a Living with Dementia Support Group, or join a Dementia Caregiver Support Group.
If you do not need services but want to help, you can also support us at: https://www.patreon.com/PeaceWithDementia
Join the weekly email newsletter and receive new articles when they are available. Click HERE.
