Research indicates the ability to complete everyday tasks declines in people with dementia, causing increased stress in their home environment. Home is the place where people with dementia spend most of their time. Modifying their home environment can help support their sense of independence and reduce anxiety and depression. Below are examples of the changes you can make to your home if you have a family member with dementia:
- People with dementia reportedly do better in rooms with clear functions (e.g., kitchen, dining room). The rooms using open-concept floor plans produce confusion.
- Label drawers, simplify the room, and remove clutter to make it easier for them to find things.
- Automated lighting increases safety.
- Play preferred music during mealtimes to increase food intake in people who have low appetite and forget to eat.
- Make “help yourself” meals instead of giving a person a pre-prepared plate to increase the use of utensils and social interaction.
- Display pictures showing how to brush teeth and use magnifying mirrors in the bathroom to help improve oral hygiene.
- Choose clothing items considering their individual style and cultural preferences and arrange them in order to make dressing easier.
- Place photos and objects bringing happy memories around their room to create a pleasant environment.
- Add easy-to-read digital clocks and keep window curtains open during the day to help them stay oriented to time.
If you have any questions about neuropsychological testing that will define the needs and treatment options for dementia patients, please call our office.
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Eleonora Gallagher, Psy.D.
Neuropsychology Post-Doctoral Fellow
NJ Permit: TP# 213-079