Dementia-related illnesses such as Alzheimer’s disease can affect memory, judgement, movement, sensory processing abilities and behaviour. These changes can alter how a person experiences their surroundings, making even a familiar home feel confusing or unsafe.

If someone you care for is experiencing cognitive changes and remaining at home is the goal, thoughtful adjustments can help create a safer, more supportive environment that encourages confidence and independence. Depending on your loved one’s needs and living situation, the following strategies can guide you in making small updates or larger changes to adapt the home to their changing abilities.

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Prioritize Safety

As dementia progresses, everyday activities can bring new safety risks such as falls, burns or wandering. Taking steps early can reduce hazards and prevent injuries at home. Ways to improve safety include:

• Installing grab bars near the toilet and shower or bath.
• Placing non-slip mats in bathrooms both inside and outside of the shower or tub.
• Setting the water heater to a safe temperature to prevent burns.
• Clearing walkways and open spaces of excess furniture or clutter to create unobstructed pathways.
• Removing or securing throw rugs with non-slip backing to prevent tripping.
• Using safety locks on cupboards containing medications, cleaning products or tools.
• Choosing appliances with automatic shut-off features or adding safety covers to stove knobs.
• Using door chimes or motion alerts for exits that lead directly outside.

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Use Colour and Contrast

Dementia can affect how people perceive depth, space and colour, which can make it harder to navigate or recognize objects. Using contrasting colours strategically can improve visibility and reduce confusion. Try strategies like:

• Painting or applying contrasting coloured tape to doors, chairs, stair edges, light switches, toilet seats etc. to make them more visible.
• Using brightly coloured plates, cups and utensils that contrast with the table.
• Avoiding busy patterns on furniture or bedding that may cause confusion or overstimulation.
• Eliminating dark rugs or mats that can be mistaken for holes or obstacles.

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Improve Lighting

Good lighting can help reduce falls, confusion and support movement, especially in shadowy or high-traffic areas. Improve lighting around the home through:

• Increasing natural light during the day by opening curtains and blinds, keeping windows clean and trimming plants outside.
• Adding bright, even lighting in hallways, bathrooms and stairwells.
• Installing motion sensor night lights to illuminate paths between the bedroom and bathroom.

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Create Calm and Familiar Spaces

A noisy or overstimulating environment can make it harder for someone with dementia to relax or engage in activities. Maintaining familiar surroundings can reduce agitation and provide comfort. Create these spaces with approaches such as:

• Setting up a quiet corner or room for rest and relaxation away from noise and activity.
• Providing calming activities in that space such as puzzles, crafts or other favourites.
• Displaying familiar photos, keepsakes or comforting objects to spark positive memories.
• Keeping TVs or radios at a low volume and avoid having multiple devices playing at the same time.
• Encouraging safe outdoor time with level, well-lit walkways and a shaded seating area for rest.

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Incorporate Helpful Cues and Tools  

As memory changes, visual cues and adaptive tools can reduce frustration and support independence. Consistent routines also help with orientation and daily activities. You can  incorporate these aids with strategies such as:

• Labeling rooms, drawers and cupboards with words and pictures for easy identification.
• Using a large calendar or daily schedule to provide structure.
• Breaking down personal care into simple, step-by-step routines.
• Providing adaptive tools such as Velcro clothing fasteners, easy-grip utensils or lightweight cordless kettles.
• Keeping frequently used items, such as glasses, remotes and books in visible, accessible spots and using see-through drawers for storage.

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Your loved one’s needs will likely change over time. Planning ahead allows you to adapt the home gradually while balancing safety, dignity and independence. Start with manageable changes and build from there, involving your loved one in decisions whenever possible.

If you need extra guidance, an occupational therapist can provide an in-home assessment to identify potential risks and suggest modifications tailored to your loved one’s needs and routines. For more information about occupational therapy services available for purchase, contact VHA’s Enterprise Health Solutions Team at (416) 489-2500 ext. 4649 or by email at ehs@vha.ca.

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If you enjoyed this article, you may also want to read:

• Compassionate Care Strategies Using the 7 ‘A’s of Dementia
• Age-Related Memory Changes Or the Early Signs of Dementia? Recognizing the Difference