As Alzheimer's disease progresses, individuals may experience confusion, memory loss, and changes in judgment or behavior—all of which can increase the risk of accidents at home. Creating a safe, supportive environment is essential not only for their safety but also for their comfort and dignity.
Here, we cover key areas to focus on when adapting a home for someone living with Alzheimer's.
Creating a Safe and Comforting Home Environment
Creating a safe home environment for someone with Alzheimer's involves both practical safety measures and thoughtful design that supports cognitive function. With preparation, patience, and regular adjustments, home can remain a comforting and secure place as their needs evolve.
Create Calm, Familiar Spaces
Familiarity brings comfort. Keep furniture and decorations consistent and avoid frequent rearranging. Label drawers, cabinets, and rooms with words or pictures to help with navigation. A memory box with personal items or photos can provide comfort and spark recognition.
Prevent Wandering and Unsafe Exits
Wandering is a common and potentially dangerous symptom of Alzheimer's. Consider installing door alarms, motion sensors, or childproof locks on exterior doors. Placing a curtain over or painting doors the same color as the wall can also reduce the urge to exit.
Secure Dangerous Items
Lock away or remove items that could pose harm, such as cleaning supplies, medications, sharp utensils, matches, and tools. Store car keys out of sight if the person is no longer driving safely.
Simplify and Declutter
A clean, uncluttered space reduces confusion and tripping hazards. Remove unnecessary furniture, excess rugs, and items that may cause distraction or distress. Keep frequently used items visible and easy to reach. Open shelving or clear containers can help the individual recognize where things belong, reinforcing a sense of independence.
Install Safety Features
Install grab bars in bathrooms near the toilet and shower, non-slip mats in tubs, and handrails on stairs. Make sure all areas are well-lit with minimal glare or shadows, especially hallways and staircases. Use nightlights in the bedroom and bathroom to help with orientation after dark.
Reduce Noise and Distractions
Excess noise can increase agitation or confusion. Soften background sounds by turning off unnecessary electronics and avoiding crowded, overstimulating environments. A quiet, peaceful atmosphere helps individuals feel more at ease.
Safe and Secure Senior Living Community with Hospice Accommodations
At BayView, we promote safety with a secured perimeter environment and trained staff available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our beautiful assisted living home and surrounding grounds are equipped with surveillance cameras in all public and outdoor spaces. Our home and spacious grounds meet all ADA requirements, including wide hallways, safety rails, shower chairs, and no lips or gaps at doorways. This allows for easy wheelchair and walker access, increasing ease of mobility for residents.
San Diego's Top Memory Care and Senior Care Community
BayView Senior Assisted Living in Point Loma, California, is one of the top assisted living facilities in the greater San Diego area. We're known for our compassionate caregivers, beautiful grounds, and personalized, individualized care. We consider it an honor to walk alongside families as they traverse the challenging and heartbreaking journey of Alzheimer's disease and dementia.
We understand that our residents' holistic experience of life (social, spiritual, emotional, mental, physical) is incredibly important. Our compassionate caregivers provide top-notch, individualized care to each of the members of our memory care communities.
