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LD The Hop My homeIt is important to stay safe at home. Some conditions such as epilepsy or dementia can affect your safety.

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Dementia

10 things that could help you to take care of someone in the home

Trip hazards: Be aware of rugs, loose cables, items on the stairs or low tables.

Soft furnishings: Cushions, rugs, carpets, heavy curtains, tablecloths will help absorb noise.

Layout: Don’t make major changes in the home environment for example moving furniture, unless really needed and ask someone for help if you need to.

Make it personal: Rooms should reflect their use and be individualised, use photos and objects that are interesting to the person.

Noise: Reduce background noise to support the person to engage in daily activities.

Flooring: Try not to use patterned or shiny flooring. Keep it plain.

Lighting: Use natural light by day and soft-coloured lighting at night time.

Visual cues: Use pictures to help with finding their way round, for example, ‘bathroom’ and ‘kitchen’.

Contrasting: Use bright and contrasting colours but avoid patterns to reduce confusion and distraction.

Here are some websites you may find helpful:

Supporting someone with dementia

If you are caring for someone with dementia here are some tips:

  • Don’t assume: Don’t over or under estimate the person’s ability, it changes day to day.
  • Offer encouragement: Offer encouragement and give the person time to process the request and repeat if required.
  • Coping with distress: Sometimes a person believes something which may not be true. Do not dismiss this as untrue but get them to talk about it. Remain calm and redirect the conversation.
  • Visual cues: Support understanding with pictures.
  • Noise: Try to reduce any background noise.
  • Activities: Use reminiscence (remembering) activities to relive good memories. This could be through sounds, smells, taste or pictures.
  • “Use it or lose it”: Encourage everyday activities even if they can only complete a little bit of the task. Stick to your everyday routine as much as you can.
  • Memories: Create memory boxes or/and life story books, make sure the person is involved as much as possible.
  • Contrasting: Use bright and contrasting colours but avoid patterns to reduce confusion and distraction.

Here are some websites you may find helpful: