It can be hard for people with dementia and their loved ones to watch them fight to live on their own in supported independent living homes. Living with dementia can make daily tasks very hard for people, and as the disease gets worse, they may not be able to do easy things on their own, needing more help from family and friends. As dementia worsens, it's important to ensure the SIL environment is safe, comfortable, and familiar for the person with it. For example, if someone you care about has memory loss or finds it hard to learn new things, they might forget that they're in their own home where things are and how they work. This article will explain how to make a SIL environment dementia-friendly and how dementia caregivers can help make your loved one's home safe and comfortable for them.
What is Dementia?
There are a lot of different brain diseases that can cause memory, thinking, and cognitive problems. Alzheimer's is the most common reason people get dementia, but it's not the only one. In Alzheimer's disease, brain cells are surrounded by an abnormal protein, and another protein harms the inside of those cells. Over time, brain cells lose the chemical links that hold them together and start to die. Most of the time, memory problems are the first thing that people notice. Other signs may include having trouble finding the right words, solving problems, making choices, or seeing things in three dimensions.
How to make an SIL environment dementia-friendly
Older people are more likely to get dementia, so they should get regular eye exams to better spot and avoid possible dangers. Even though eye exams are important, let's consider what you can do to make a SIL environment more accessible.
1. Better lighting
Better lighting can help most people with dementia, especially older people. Aside from keeping them from getting lost, this can also make them less likely to crash. Here are some ways to make the light better:
- First, do everything possible to reduce rays, glare, and shadows.
- There should be good light, even if it comes from outside.
- During the day, open the blinds.
- Get rid of any nets and blinds that aren't needed.
- Hedgerows and trees should be trimmed back if they block the window from getting sunlight.
It's important to have good lighting on the stairs and in the bathroom, and the light switches should be easy to reach and use. You could also use automatic light monitors to turn on the lights when something walks by them.
2. Furniture and fittings
People with dementia may feel lost even in familiar places, and some forms and patterns may confuse things. Also, they might have trouble recognising themselves in the mirror, which can be very upsetting. To avoid this, some people cover up or remove mirrors from their homes until they need them. If you need to make any of these changes, try not to switch around the layout of a room too much at once, as it might not work out as planned.
- Take away or cover up furniture with stripes or big patterns; they can be hard to understand.
- So it's easy to tell chairs and tables apart from walls and floors to use bright colours that stand out.
- Add a chair with arms that can help you get up.
3. Lessen confusion
There are several things that caregivers can do outside of assisted living facilities to make the surroundings better for their loved ones with dementia so that the changes in behaviour are less severe. A lot of stuff around the house can confuse dementia patients and raise the risk of them getting hurt because of this, trash and recyclables must be constantly removed from all areas of the house.
The phone should also have its sound turned down and its rings set to as few as possible. This is important so that memory patients don't have to deal with too much noise and that these weak people aren't taken advantage of on the phone. People with dementia should have their home addresses and emergency contact numbers posted next to all their phones in the house.
4. Protection from harm
Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide monitors need to be put in every room of the house, but especially in the kitchen and bedrooms. It is important to check these systems often to ensure they are working correctly and that their batteries have enough power. Any volatile or flammable compounds should be avoided, especially in the kitchen, where gas machines are used often. This includes alcohol, which should be kept out of reach of people with dementia and locked up in a cabinet. Drinking alcohol can also make these people more confused.
Guns and other weapons should not be kept in the house and should be locked up somewhere safe. In the same way, heavy equipment like power tools should be locked up and kept in a different part of the house, like the shed, an office, or the basement. It is suggested that childproof knobs be put on doors and door latches be put on storage boxes and drawers, especially in places where breakable or dangerous things are kept. Lock up and keep safe any other valuable things you own, like cleaning tools, matches, knives, scissors, blades, small appliances, and so on. Any prescription or over-the-counter drugs, even ones that are specifically for a person with dementia, should be kept in a safe place.
5. Put up easy signs
For people with dementia, simple signs that are easy to read can be very helpful. If you put notes or signs on doors, drawers, and cabinets, finding things you need and getting around the house will be easier. To make sure things stand out, use colours that contrast each other and big, easy-to-read styles. To help them find their way, you can put up one-word or picture signs like FOOD, KITCHEN, or TOILET with arrows going in the right direction. These visual cues help your loved one feel at ease and allow them to stay independent in their home for longer.
6. Get rid of background noise
Background noise can be especially annoying and confusing for people who have dementia. Carpets, curtains, and floors made of laminate or tiles can soak up background noise, making it less bothersome for them. Keep the TV or radio in a moderate setting and block out as many outside sounds as possible to lower the noise level. You might want to play soft, relaxing music to create a relaxing atmosphere. Your loved one can focus better and feel more relaxed if fewer sounds can confuse them.
7. Outside areas
It might help to make the front of the house stand out from the other homes in the neighbourhood so it is easier to find. You could do this by painting the front door differently or adding many plants or ornaments. Add covered seats to make your garden more useful so you can take a break when you're outside. It might also help to –
- Ensure the lawns and walks are level and free of things that could cause people to trip.
- Lock up the garden so that people don't wander off by chance.
- If the person likes planting, put in raised flowerbeds.
9. Lessen agitation
The calming benefits of music can help people with dementia act less irritable or difficult. People who go to music therapy can forget their pain or discomfort and focus on something fun instead. Also, if you can, let the person with dementia choose some of the music. This may help them feel better even faster than usual. You can see that music therapy can help people with dementia in many ways, so give it a try if you are caring for someone with dementia. Include more household things that are easy to understand. As dementia worsens, people may have trouble figuring out what everyday things are for and how to use them. Instead of buying complicated appliances or gadgets, think about getting ones that are easier to use and have clear directions. For instance, using colour-coded cooking tools, phones with big buttons, or clocks that are easy to read can help people be more independent and less frustrated. Your loved one will feel more independent and confident if you change the environment to fit their cognitive skills.
10. Assistive technology
Technology is making daily life easier and safer for persons with dementia. Numerous technologies are available to help people remember things, stay safe, and keep up with their regular routines. These include -
- Motion Sensors: Installing motion sensors can help detect falls or unusual activity, promptly alerting caregivers or support staff.
- Smart Home Devices: Utilising smart home devices allows for automated reminders for tasks like medication intake or appointments, enhancing independence.
- GPS Tracking: GPS tracking systems can be employed for wander management, ensuring the safety of individuals with dementia who may wander outside their designated area.
- Telehealth Services: Implementing telehealth enables healthcare professionals to monitor remotely, facilitating timely intervention and support.
Conclusion
Providing a secure and helpful space for a person with dementia can be very satisfying and helpful for everyone. People with dementia can benefit from having a safe and comfortable living space that supports their desire to live independently as much as possible. With the right knowledge, useful tips, and help, research has shown that you can ensure that the place where people with dementia live is safe and comfortable.
Making the space safe is important, but offering mental support and understanding is also important. People with dementia will eventually need more and more care, which can be hard for both the person with dementia and their family and friends. The main thing to remember is that it is possible to make a home safe and caring for someone with dementia. At Care Assure, we ensure that the person with dementia has a safe and comfortable place to live by learning about the condition and making changes to our homes consistently.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a dementia-friendly SIL environment?
A Dementia-Friendly Supported Independent Living (SIL) setting is intended to meet the specific needs of people with dementia. It includes the living environment's physical, social, and emotional components to improve quality of life and foster independence.
Why is it necessary to build dementia-friendly SIL environments?
Creating Dementia-Friendly SIL Environments is critical for helping people with dementia live comfortably and safely. These surroundings alleviate stress, anxiety, and bewilderment while allowing people to preserve a sense of autonomy and dignity. Read more on creating a dementia=friendly SIL environment by Healthdirect Australia.
What are the main characteristics of a dementia-friendly SIL environment?
Clear signs and labelling, uncluttered areas, simple layouts, safety elements like handrails and non-slip flooring, soothing colours and lighting, and familiar items and signals to increase identification and recall are all important characteristics.
How can technology be included in a dementia-friendly SIL environment?
Technology can significantly improve safety and communication. Motion sensors can detect falls or odd activity, smart home gadgets can provide reminders and assistance, GPS tracking can manage wandering, and telehealth services can provide remote monitoring and support.
How can family members and friends help create a dementia-friendly SIL environment?
Family members and friends can help by sharing information about individual preferences, hobbies, and routines. They can also help to personalise the space with familiar items and images. They can also participate in caregiver training and provide emotional support to the person with dementia and their caretakers.
