Creating Dementia friendly environments Heidi Macdougall

Checklist Lighting Flooring Furniture and furnishings Memory – knowing where things are Eating and drinking Toilets and bathroom  Staying safe Enjoying nature Signage - orientation Quiet space    

lighting Maximum natural light through windows – no blockages Clean windows regularly Use brighter bulbs if safe to do so or have more lights Can bedroom be made dark at night? Adjust settings, move other light sources to reduce glare from TV

flooring Remove mats and rugs to prevent trips and falls Wires for lights and appliances can be trip hazard Carpet edging between rooms must be similar colour or might be seen as a step Where possible have matt, plain coloured flooring throughout home Avoid reflective flooring in bathrooms that can look like water

Furniture and furnishings Check mirrors and pictures don’t cause confusion Use plain, brightly coloured table and bed linen that contrasts with walls and floor Colour of switches for lights and appliances to contrast with background Replace furnishings that have busy patterns or stripes Have plain coloured furnishings that contrast with walls and floors

Furnishings

Knowing where things are Keep keys and spectacles in the same place Label cupboards and drawers with pictures or text to say what’s inside Take doors off cupboards if safe to do so Leave bathroom door open so toilet can easily be seen and reached Remove excess clutter and keep things in order and in the same place

Eating and drinking Use brightly coloured cloths and towels that contrast with backgrounds Ensure appliances like kettles can be seen and are easy to use Use coloured crockery that contrasts with food you’re going to eat, as well as the table or table cloth Use clear, plastic containers to store food so you can see what’s inside If you need to replace equipment or appliances, try and get the same model to make it easy to remember how to use them

Using the bathroom De-clutter surfaces Put a sign, maybe with picture on the door where it can be seen easily Use towels in contrasting colours to the wall Try leaving the bathroom light on in the night Consider removing the toilet lid Use flood-safe plug in the basin and bath Change door locks so they can be easily opened in an emergency Remove waste paper bin if it could be mistaken for a toilet

Staying safe Lock away potential hazards or sharp items Check thermostat settings as weather changes Reduce temperature of hot water to prevent scalds Make sure emergency numbers are near the telephone in large print Get all appliances checked for safety Check door handles and locks are easy to see and use Consider installing grab rails on stairs and along all long walls

Enjoying nature Take opportunities to get outdoors throughout the year Make sure you can see outside through windows. Place a chair and table so you can see outside and watch what’s happening Check the front door is easily distinguishable from the others in the road or block Make sure the door lock and keys are easy to use Check the paving is safe and even Make sure there is somewhere sheltered to sit outside and rest

Visitors at home - Stay connected Its important to have regular contact with others Ask visitors not to move furniture or sort out cupboards unless asked Ask visitors to put things back where they found them to aid memory and orientation Ask then to turn on/off any lights and open/close any doors as they go, so things were as you left them

summary Most things we do for someone with dementia will be helpful for all Creating an appropriate environment can significantly reduce falls, agitation and nerves Be aware that someone you know very well can change, in ways you don’t expect and you must respect this The university of Stirling Dementia Services Development Centre (DSDC) has launched an online app for use in people’s homes and in care facilities to check the environment is suitable for someone with dementia called Iridis: Iridis – enabling individuals, families, health professionals and others to undertake researched, evidence based assessments of their environments; provides recommendations on design improvements to support people living with dementia.