1. Creating Dementia friendly environments
Heidi Macdougall

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

7. Furnishings

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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.