BLOG | Adapting the home for people with Alzheimer’s: practical tips

When we talk about caring for people with dementia, the most important thing is to help them maintain their remaining functions for as long as possible and prevent further deterioration. To do this, it is vital to make their environment as comfortable as possible, as this will encourage them to continue with their routines and basic daily activities for as long as possible. To encourage these activities, adapting the environment is very important, as the person will spend most of their life at home, so it is necessary to adapt the home to their needs, with the aim of continuing to perform the same functions they did before they had Alzheimer’s or other dementia. As a caregiver, there are several alternatives to make the home safer. The suggestions we present in this blog cover a wide variety of situations. Essentially, all of these can be grouped according to the reason for adapting the home:

• To prevent dangerous situations from occurring.
• To facilitate the performance of activities.
• To improve people’s quality of life (comfort, privacy, etc.).
• To optimize the use of the person’s functional abilities.
• To avoid problematic behaviors.
• Advantages for the caregiver. The more independent the person is, the less the burden of care will be.
• Psychological benefits.

When faced with the task of deciding which modifications might be useful, it is necessary to consider general modifications and other specific ones based on each person’s abilities and limitations. The most generic ones are:

• Avoid distracting stimuli.
• Avoid the unknown.
• Use cues that facilitate behaviors and abilities.
• Try to avoid sudden changes in the environment.
• Adapt the home.

To make all these adjustments, the starting point is to go through the entire house, room by room, to identify potential safety issues. First, correct any immediate hazards, such as loose handrails or poor lighting, and then focus on other specific measures to ensure that the person is as safe as possible at home. Some of these are: 1. Mobility

• To prevent falls, mark the edges of steps with brightly colored tape so that the person can see the steps when going up or down.
• Use brightly colored signs or simple images to label the bathroom, bedroom, and kitchen.
• Limit the size and number of mirrors in the home and be careful about where they are placed. Images in mirrors can confuse a person with Alzheimer’s.
• Paint walls a lighter color than the floor to create contrast. Avoid complicated designs.
• Install safety latches or locks on cabinets and drawers where fragile or dangerous items are stored.
• Place protective covers on sharp corners of furniture or replace or remove furniture with sharp corners.
• Place stickers at eye level on sliding glass doors, windows, or furniture with large glass panels so that they can be seen clearly despite their transparency.
• Consider placing a “No Solicitors” sign on the front door or gate.
• Install night lights and/or automatic light sensors.
• Post emergency phone numbers (such as ambulance and other medical numbers) and the person’s address near all telephones.

2. Bathrooms and toilets

• Adjust the water heater to prevent the tap water from running too hot.
• Label hot water taps in red and cold water taps in blue and/or write the words “hot” and “cold” near them.
• Store or lock away items such as toothpaste, lotions, shampoos, soaps, and perfumes. These may look and smell like food to a person with Alzheimer’s.
• Install grab bars in the bathtub and shower. A grab bar that contrasts with the wall is easier to see.
• Use a raised toilet seat with handrails or install grab bars next to the toilet.
• Place non-slip adhesive tape, stickers, or mats in the bathtub and shower.

3. Food

• Use smoke and natural gas detectors. Check them and their batteries often. People with Alzheimer’s may not be able to smell smoke or a gas stove that has been left on.
• Keep items that could be dangerous in a locked place or remove them from the home. These items may include: o Prescription and over-the-counter medications. o Alcohol. o Cleaning products, including solvents, matches, rubbing alcohol, and laundry detergent pods. o Poisonous plants. o Firearms and other weapons, such as scissors, knives, power tools, and heavy machinery.
• Learn basic first aid in case the person becomes ill or injured.
• Put signs near the oven, toaster, iron, and other objects that can get hot. Make sure the sign is not so close that it can catch fire.
• Check the food in the refrigerator frequently. Throw away any food that has gone bad.
• Add safety knobs and an automatic shut-off switch to the stove.

4. Sleep and rest

• Use a monitoring device (such as those used for babies) to alert you to any sounds that indicate a fall or that the person needs help during the night.
• Install bed rails and other devices to aid transfer or mobility.
• Adjust the height of the bed and use a firm mattress. Prevent possible slips from the bed.

With these recommendations, the home can become a safer, more accessible space, adapted to the needs of the person with Alzheimer’s. It is not only about preventing risks, but also about preserving their autonomy and emotional well-being. A well-designed and prepared environment offers peace of mind to the family and caregiver.

Dra. Liliana Vargas Rodríguez Geriatrician at Ace Alzheimer Center Barcelona