{"id":3833,"date":"2022-08-08T15:21:59","date_gmt":"2022-08-08T19:21:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.verveseniorliving.com\/news-events-blog\/?p=3833"},"modified":"2022-09-19T23:04:04","modified_gmt":"2022-09-19T23:04:04","slug":"6-tips-for-seniors-living-with-dementia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/verveseniorliving.com\/news-events-blog\/6-tips-for-seniors-living-with-dementia\/","title":{"rendered":"6 Tips for Seniors Living with Dementia"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Living with Alzheimer\u2019s or dementia is challenging. Keeping your older loved one feeling secure, happy, and above all safe, becomes top priority as they start to have trouble remembering, processing, and reasoning.<\/p>\n

Simply thinking about a routine daily task can be overwhelming. By introducing a few simple measures into your home, you can help boost their independence while reducing frustration, stress, anxiety \u2014 for them, and for you, as you learn to navigate this new challenge.<\/p>\n

6 Simple steps to make your home dementia-friendly<\/strong><\/p>\n

     1. Lock the door<\/strong><\/p>\n

Wandering is a common activity for those living with Alzheimer\u2019s or dementia. Deadbolts, child locks (like the toddler knob-covers), alarms, and even disguising the door to look like an extension of the wall can all help in preventing your senior loved one from inadvertently trying to escape.<\/p>\n

     2. Clear out the clutter<\/strong><\/p>\n

Removing distracting piles, clutter and items that aren\u2019t necessary can help those living with dementia focus on exactly what they need.<\/p>\n

     3. Simple signage<\/strong><\/p>\n

Putting up simple \u201cFood\u201d or \u201cBed\u201d signs with one-word or picture indicators can be helpful. In places like the bathroom and kitchen, labeling faucet handles with \u201chot\u201d and \u201ccold\u201d is a great way to make those rooms extra functional. Consider adding decals or other decorations on large windows or glass doors, as these can be difficult to see for those living with Alzheimer\u2019s or dementia.<\/p>\n

     4. Use contrasting colours<\/strong><\/p>\n

While painting the bathroom door a different colour is helpful, having a toilet seat that stands out is a great way as well to help make this task easier for those with dementia. Same goes for the kitchen. A bright plate on the plain table will highlight the food and because they\u2019re clearly able to see the food on a bright, un-patterned plate, they\u2019ll have an easier time eating it independently.<\/p>\n

      5. Support along the way<\/strong><\/p>\n

Installing handrails in stairways, adding no-slip strips to stairs, lighting the halls, and a gentle reminder to not carry anything while they\u2019re walking can all help aid balance and minimize falls.<\/p>\n

      6. Out of sight, out of mind<\/strong><\/p>\n

As much as you want to draw attention to certain items and places, hiding the things you don\u2019t want them to use \u2013 like knives, pet food, etc. \u2013 can help as well.<\/p>\n

Some companies make adaptive dining and personal hygiene products<\/a> to make these daily tasks easier on those living with Alzheimer\u2019s, dementia, and Parkinson\u2019s Disease.<\/p>\n

A few don\u2019ts<\/strong><\/p>\n