Make Your Home Safe for a Loved One with Dementia

When a loved one is diagnosed with dementia, the goal for most families is to keep them at home for as long as possible. Home is where the heart is—it is familiar, comforting, and filled with memories.

But as memory fades and cognitive abilities change, the home can become a difficult, and sometimes dangerous, place to navigate. What was once a cozy living room can become an obstacle course.

For families in Evanston and the surrounding North Shore areas, creating a "dementia-friendly" environment is the first step to ensuring safety.

Simplify the Layout

Clutter is the enemy of safety for someone with dementia. Too much furniture or "stuff" can be visually overwhelming and confusing.

Clear the Pathways: Remove throw rugs (which are major trip hazards) and arrange furniture to create wide, clear walking paths.

Reduce Visual Noise: Simplify decor to help your loved one focus on where they are going.

Improving Lighting is Key

As we age, we need more light to see clearly. For someone with dementia, shadows can be terrifying—they might look like holes in the floor or even intruders.

Eliminate Shadows: Ensure hallways, staircases, and bathrooms are brightly lit.

Nightlights: Install automatic nightlights in the bedroom and bathroom to prevent falls during late-night trips.

Structure the Day

Safety isn't just about physical objects; it is about routine. Dementia can cause anxiety and confusion about time.

Routine Reduces Anxiety: Waking up, eating, and resting at the same time every day provides a sense of security and rhythm.

Visual Cues: Use large clocks and calendars to help orient your loved one to the time of day and season.

Kitchen Safety

The kitchen is often the most dangerous room in the house.

Appliance Safety: Consider installing automatic shut-off devices for the stove or removing the knobs when not in use.

Lock Hazardous Items: Keep cleaning supplies and sharp knives securely locked away.

Bathroom Modifications

Falls happen most frequently in the bathroom.

Grab Bars: Install grab bars near the toilet and in the shower—do not rely on towel racks, which cannot support weight.

Non-Slip Mats: Use non-slip mats inside and outside the shower.

The Role of a Companion

The most effective safety measure cannot be bought at a hardware store. It is supervision.

This is where Companionship Care becomes essential.

It allows your loved one to maintain their independence at home while you have the peace of mind that someone is watching over them.

Safety isn't just about furniture; it's about having someone there. A trained companion can gently redirect a senior who is confused, preventing them from wandering out the front door or trying to use unsafe appliances.

Worried about leaving them alone? Discover how Companionship Care provides safety.

Conclusion

Aging in place with dementia is possible.

With a few home modifications and the right support system, your loved one can stay safe, happy, and right where they belong.