Creating familiar and safe home environments
Small changes at home can help a person with dementia stay confident and safe for longer. The aim is familiarity, not a clinical environment.
Keep the familiar visible
Photographs, favourite ornaments, the same tea towel in the same place. Familiar objects anchor memory and reduce anxiety.
Simple, obvious cues
A clear label on the bathroom door, a large clock showing day and time, contrasting colours between the plate and the tablecloth. These cues take the effort out of everyday tasks.
Reduce unnecessary risk
Remove rugs that slip, mark the edges of steps clearly, and consider a movement-activated light for night-time trips to the bathroom.
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