Living With Memory Loss: Home Modifications for Alzheimer’s Caregivers

Home is where families make memories, but people with dementia might see it differently. For them, it might be the place where their world changes and their memories begin to fade. As a caregiver for an Alzheimer’s patient, you can make the difference and make this journey as comfortable and pleasant as possible.  

As of 2020, Alzheimer’s disease affects about 5.8 million Americans who are 65 years old and older. It can be your grandparent, your cousin, your sibling, or even your parent who faces the diagnosis. Eventually, those with Alzheimer’s require round-the-clock care, and for many families, that means taking the loved one into their own home. 

Homes are not often designed to meet the needs of people over 65. Research published in American Family Physician reports that the benefits of modifying and adapting a home for a person with dementia is that it promotes independence and prevents accidents. People suffering from Alzheimer’s are more comfortable at home or in a familiar setting. If you are taking care of a loved one with Alzheimer’s, a few pre-planning tips from Livingston County Consortium on Aging can go a long way. 

Safety

In addition to progressing memory loss, Alzheimer’s patients begin suffering from limited mobility, a loss of motor function and balance. The National Institute of Aging provides a general safety checklist that takes this into consideration. Follow these few tips:

Bathrooms: 

• Handrails: These are added to walls to aid in support of getting up from the toilet or out of the shower.
  
• Raised toilet seats: Because of a patient’s loss of strength a raised toilet seat can help make trips to the bathroom more comfortable and safe.
  
• Bath seat: Having a bath seat in the shower can prevent slips and falls that can cause serious injury.
  

Kitchen:

• Cabinets: Install child-proof latches on cabinets that hold prescription medicines or dangerous cleaning products and/or chemicals. 
  
• Appliances: Assess which appliances can become dangerous or a possible hazard and limit or supervise their use. This can mean installing shut-off valves or circuit breakers to stoves. 
  

Around the House:

• Lighting: Maintaining bright light can reduce the chances of falls. Keep night lights throughout the house, especially in bathrooms and dark hallways that are accessed at night. 
  
• Obstructions: Remove rugs or small objects from walking paths. Remember that people with Alzheimer’s become easily confused and disoriented; simplifying their surroundings can keep a sense of calm and order. 
  
• Outside: Those suffering from Alzheimer’s tend to wander off for a number of reasons including feeling nervous around others and general confusion. Consider installing a fence around the yard to help prevent your loved one from inadvertently leaving the property. Finding a fence contractor is easier than ever -- simply search online for “fencing companies near me” and use Angi to research and contact the pro of your choice.
  

Comfort

There are a few alterations people can do to help their loved one feel at home and ease anxiety or depression. According to the Huffington Post, implementing some design elements in consideration of common Alzheimer’s symptoms can provide familiarity and security. These modifications include:

• Contrasting colors: Alzheimer’s patients may have trouble distinguishing between similar colors as they experience a loss of spatial awareness. Providing contrast helps them identify what they’re looking for and prevent frustration. For example, putting bold signs on the doors to label rooms, painting handrails, and light switches. 
  
• Familiar environment: Making a person’s environment feel familiar provides ease and prevents stress and depression. Decorate their room with a theme of something they love, as well as pictures of close family members.
  
• Clutter: Having too many scattered items is not only a safety hazard but can also aggravate someone with Alzheimer’s disease. 
  
• Overstimulation: Someone with Alzheimer’s is very sensitive to outside stimuli. Avoid having too much noise happening at the same time.
  

While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, caretakers can take comfort in knowing that by providing these few accommodations their family member experiences far less frustration and confusion. Understanding Alzheimer’s can help you adjust and modify your home as the disease progresses. The important thing is to use pre-emptive measures to prevent unnecessary accidents and injury as well as improving quality of life. 

Photo Credit: Pexels

Livingston County Consortium on Aging provides for collaboration, advocacy and communication between agencies and persons concerned with the provision of services to all aging adults. Reach out to us today! [email protected]

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