8 Ways to Keep People with Dementia Safer in Their Indiana Homes and How Comfort Keepers Can Help
Dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, affects millions of people worldwide, with over 6.7 million Americans aged 65 and older living with Alzheimer’s as of 2023, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. This condition brings unique safety challenges due to memory loss, confusion, disorientation, and mobility difficulties, all of which increase the risk of accidents and injuries.
For family caregivers, creating a safe and supportive home environment is crucial.
At Comfort Keepers of Logansport we understand the complexities of caring for a loved one with dementia and have been helping families in our community navigate these challenges for over a decade. Our specialized in-home care services are designed to assist with everyday activities, ensure safety, and offer the emotional support needed to manage the daily care of individuals with dementia.
From our experience providing dementia care in Logansport and the surrounding communities, here are 10 ways to make your loved one’s home safer and more dementia-friendly:
Remove or Cover Mirrors
Large mirrors can be confusing and disorienting for individuals with dementia, as they may not recognize their own reflection. This can lead to fear, distress, or agitation, especially if they mistake their reflection for someone else. To minimize these negative effects, consider covering mirrors with towels, curtains, or frosted film to reduce visual confusion and anxiety. If removing mirrors isn’t an option, replacing them with artwork or pictures can also help create a more comforting environment.
Adjust Slippery Surfaces
Falls are a major concern for seniors, especially those with dementia. Studies indicate that approximately 46% of individuals with dementia experience at least one fall annually, compared to 31% of those without dementia.Cognitive decline often affects depth perception, balance, and coordination, making it more difficult for them to navigate their environment safely. Slippery or uneven surfaces can exacerbate these challenges, increasing the likelihood of falls, which can lead to serious injuries.
To reduce the risk of falls, it’s important to address any hazards caused by slippery or unstable surfaces. Start by securing or removing loose rugs that could cause tripping. Frayed or torn carpets should be repaired immediately, as they can create uneven walking surfaces. High-risk areas, like bathrooms and kitchens, should be outfitted with anti-slip mats or rugs that offer better traction. Additionally, consider using non-slip adhesive strips in areas like stairs and hallways to ensure stability.
At Comfort Keepers of Logansport, part of our care process involves conducting a thorough assessment of a prospective client's home to identify potential safety hazards. We work closely with families to recommend modifications that can significantly reduce the risk of falls.
Add Anti-Slip Rugs for Visual Cues
Navigating the home can be especially challenging for individuals with dementia, as cognitive impairments often affect spatial awareness and depth perception. For people with dementia, recognizing the difference between various flooring types or identifying key areas within a room can be confusing, leading to disorientation or an increased risk of tripping and falling.
One effective solution is to use high-contrast, rubber-backed rugs in strategic areas of the home. Brightly colored, non-slip rugs placed at doorways or transitions between different types of flooring can provide clear visual cues, helping individuals with dementia better understand where they are and where they need to go. The color contrast helps to highlight boundaries and guide movement, improving both navigation and spatial awareness.
Additionally, non-slip mats help prevent tripping hazards, ensuring that the rugs stay securely in place while providing a stable surface for walking. By placing these rugs in key areas such as hallways, bathrooms, and kitchens, you can create a safer environment that reduces confusion and lowers the risk of falls.
Remove Clutter to Reduce Confusion
A cluttered home can significantly impact an individual with dementia, leading to confusion, anxiety, and heightened stress. Cognitive impairments often affect an individual’s ability to process information and recognize familiar objects, making a disorganized or overcrowded environment even more overwhelming. Not only can this result in difficulty navigating through spaces, but clutter can also increase the risk of accidents, such as tripping over items or knocking things over. For someone with dementia, this disarray can feel disorienting and may even trigger agitation or frustration.
One of the simplest and most effective solutions is to create a tidy, organized environment that reduces visual clutter and minimizes distractions. Start by removing unnecessary furniture or items that might obstruct pathways or create confusion. Store frequently used items in easily accessible locations, such as clear storage bins or labeled drawers, to help with recognition and reduce frustration.
Comfort Keepers of Logansport provides light housekeeping services to support clients in maintaining a clean, organized, and safer environment. Our caregivers can assist with tasks such as tidying up common areas, doing light cleaning, and helping with laundry.
Mark Glass Doors to Prevent Collisions
Recognizing glass doors can be a significant challenge for those with Dementia, as they may not perceive the glass as a barrier. This can lead to painful accidents, such as walking into glass doors, which can cause bruises, cuts, or more serious injuries. Cognitive impairments often affect spatial awareness and visual recognition, making it difficult for individuals to distinguish between transparent surfaces and open spaces. As a result, collisions with glass doors are a common yet preventable risk.
To address this, mark glass doors with bright, noticeable stickers or tape at eye level. These visual cues help improve visibility and make the glass more apparent, reducing the risk of accidental collisions. Alternatively, applying frosted film to the glass can provide an additional layer of protection, creating a clear barrier that’s easier for individuals with dementia to recognize.
Remove or Secure Hazardous Objects
Everyday household items that most people use without a second thought can present serious safety hazards for people with Dementia. Memory loss, confusion, and impaired judgment make it difficult for people with dementia to handle items like sharp knives, medications, or cleaning supplies properly, increasing the risk of accidents or injury. Even common items like lighters, matches, or power tools can pose serious risks if they are mishandled or left within easy reach.
Remove Interior Door Locks
Confusion and memory loss can lead to unintentional situations that create distress or anxiety. One common issue is the accidental locking of interior doors, such as those in bathrooms or bedrooms. When a person with dementia locks themselves inside a room, they may become frightened, disoriented, or unable to figure out how to unlock the door. This can lead to panic, feelings of isolation, or frustration, which can negatively impact their emotional well-being.
The solution to this is to remove locks from interior doors, such as those on bathrooms and bedrooms, where the risk of accidental locking is highest. With that being said, it's essential to still ensure the exterior doors of the home are securely locked to prevent wandering, which is another common concern for individuals with dementia.
For seniors who require around-the-clock monitoring and support, Comfort Keepers offers 24-hour in-home care services. Our caregivers are available to make sure that seniors remain safe in their homes.
Ensure Outdoor Safety
For individuals with dementia, outdoor spaces can present unique challenges. While fresh air and time outside can be beneficial for overall well-being, outdoor areas often contain hazards that may be difficult for those with dementia to navigate safely. Common issues include unmarked steps, unsecured gates, or the temptation to wander away from the home, all of which can increase the risk of falls, accidents, or getting lost.
For those with access to a yard, it's essential to take steps to secure the outdoor environment and minimize these risks.
Comfort Keepers caregivers can play a key role in helping clients enjoy the outdoors through engaging and safe activities. Our caregivers are trained to support individuals with dementia in a way that encourages physical activity, and cognitive stimulation.
Other Dementia Care Resources
How to Talk to Your Parents About a Care Plan
Finding Quality Alzheimer's Care for your Senior Loved One
Assisting Persons with Alzheimer’s and Other Chronic Conditions and Diseases
Dementia Care is a Way to Help the Entire Family
Learn More About Comfort Keepers Dementia Care Services
Caring for a loved one with dementia can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to do it alone. At Comfort Keepers, we offer specialized in-home care services for individuals with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia. Our compassionate caregivers provide both safety and companionship, ensuring your loved one is well cared for in a familiar, comfortable environment.
If you're concerned about your loved one's safety at home, we're here to help. Contact Comfort Keepers Logansport today to learn more about how our dementia care services can make a difference for your family. With our professional support, you can create a safe, secure, and joyful environment for your loved one.
