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Home adaptations for people with dementia
Home modifications for people with dementia must to take into account the physical changes, cognitive deficits and behaviours associated with dementia — memory loss, wandering, pacing, stumbling, rummaging, incontinence, sleeplessness, disorientation, confusion, agitation, fear of shadows and reflections. Safety is of paramount importance and access usually has to be limited or controlled. The home modifications should provide a calm, safe and comfortable home environment where a person with dementia can perform the activities of daily living to the best of his abilities. The changes may also help limit anxiety and stress for both the person with dementia and the caregiver.

Home adaptations to accommodate specific behaviours, deficits and requirements of people with dementia

Wandering

install a home alarm system
install bells or buzzers on exit doors
add dead-bolts and chain locks to exit doors
install locks that take two or more steps to operate
place locks higher than usual, near top of the door
install invisible door locks
install alarms on bedroom doors
install a portable motion detector in the bedroom or near exits
keep yards fenced and locked
keep outside lights off at night
disguise exit doors with curtains or posters
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Disorientation

simplify the environment — remove distracting objects
mark doors to reduce confusion
post signs, symbols, and pictures on doors to identify the purpose of rooms
mark a clear path from the bedroom to the bathroom
use a contrasting coloured toilet seat
place coloured tape around the edge of the toilet and tub
place a commode or urinal in the bedroom
remove from sight open containers that may be mistaken for toilets
leave a night light on in the bathroom
install bright, even lighting throughout the home
create turning points in dead-end hallways
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Pacing

create a track or path for safe pacing
push furniture against walls
remove low pieces of furniture and standing objects
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Agitation

remove or cover mirrors
keep curtains drawn at night
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Perceptual problems

remove glass tables
place decals on glass sliding doors and windows
outline steps with brightly coloured paint or non-skid tape
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Safety

limit access to one or more rooms
limit access to basements
install a gate in front of stairs
remove clutter from rooms and hallways
secure cords and wires
remove sharp objects
put plastic plugs in unused electrical outlets
attach thermostat covers
remove or lock away hazardous materials
close off fireplaces
remove small kitchen appliances from countertops
install a separate power switch for the stove
install a child-proof lock out of sight at the top of the refrigerator
remove control knobs from stove, oven and inside the refrigerator
remove locks from bathroom door
remove medicines from the bathroom
store medications in a locked or out-of-reach cabinet
remove sink stoppers