Tips for creating a dementia-friendly environment this Alzheimer’s Awareness Month

Destiniee Jaram, Times-News
·3 min read

November is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month.

An estimated 6.5 million Americans, 65 and older, had Alzheimer's dementia in 2021, including 180,000 in North Carolina alone, according to the the Alzheimer’s Association . It is estimated that this number will rise to 210,000 by 2025, the Alzheimer’s Association.

In North Carolina, 356,000 caregivers provided a total of 514 million hours of unpaid care, valued at a total of $7.3 billion, according to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Families can change their homes and environments to make life more comfortable for loved ones with Alzheimer's dementia, according to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America.

“Most homes were not designed with the needs of someone living with a dementia-related illness in mind, but virtually every aspect of a home can affect the person’s quality of life,” said AFA President & CEO Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr.

Here are some tips from the Alzheimer’s Association and AFAto make life more comfortable for families who have a loved one with Alzheimer's dementia.

Color Choices

Colors can be used to help with mood, according to AFA. For bathrooms, bedrooms or lounge areas, the color blue can have a calming effect while brighter colors like red, purple, and orange can be stimulating.

Contrasting colors can help with vision, depth perception, and spatial orientation, according to AFA. One way to incorporate contrasting colors is through dishware that contrasts with the tablecloth color, making it easier for someone with dementia to see the food on the plate.

Visual Cues

Decor and photos can serve a purpose beyond making a home beautiful, they can promote familiarity, aid with mood and assist with memory recall, according to the AFA. Here are some ways to use simple items to help with memory recall.

  • Put labels on dresser drawers with the name of the contents.

  • Add photos or keepsakes that evoke positive memories.

  • Add orienting items like an easy-to-understand clock and calendar.

Safety First

Safety is any caregiver's first priority when taking care of a loved one. Here are some easy safety precautions to take around the house.

  • Prevent falls by avoiding scatter. Items such as rugs and extension cords cause falls. Install handrails or grab bars in critical areas.

  • Installing locks on cabinets that contain anything potentially dangerous, such as medicine, alcohol, guns, toxic cleaning substances, dangerous utensils, and tools.

  • Check water temperature. Lower the thermostat on the hot-water heater to prevent burns.

Embrace Technology

Technological tools can give extra support to care partners, even remotely. Interactive virtual assistants allow caregivers to schedule reminders for meals and medication that can be audibly heard.

Another way to use tech to help care for a loved one with dementia is apps. Families can use apps to check thermostats, program and change the temperature remotely or use smart smoke/carbon monoxide alarms, which can be programmed with friendly human voices, according to the AFA.

More:Alzheimer's drug slowed progression of disease in late-stage study, drugmakers say

Resources

Families can learn more about these and additional ways to create a dementia-friendly home by visiting The Apartment page on AFA’s website at www.alzfdn.org/theapartment.

Individuals can also contact AFA’s Helpline 7 days a week by phone (866-232-8484), webchat (www.alzfdn.org), or text message (646-586-5283).

Connect with the Alzheimer’s Association in Eastern NC at alz.org/nc or call at 800.272.3900.

This article originally appeared on Times-News: Alzheimer’s Awareness Month: Tips to make life more comfortable