Senior Care News

5 Ways To Create A Dementia-Friendly Home For Your Mom

Alzheimer's Care in Bay City TX
Alzheimer’s Care in Bay City TX

Living with Alzheimer’s means that your mom will soon experience a lot of changes in her cognition. Taking steps now to accommodate those changes will help her stay safe and comfortable at home. If your mom has Alzheimer’s and she wants to age in place, there are things that you can do to make her home more suited for her. The first thing that you should do if your mom wants to continue living at home is hire Alzheimer’s care at home.

Alzheimer’s care at home is specialized care for seniors that have Alzheimer’s. The care providers who provide this specialty care have training and experience that helps them anticipate and meet the needs of seniors with Alzheimer’s.

In addition to having Alzheimer’s care at home for your mom, you can also:

Simplify the Environment

Your mom has a high risk of falling because of the changes she’s going through. To help her stay safe at home reduce clutter and simplify the home’s layout. Make it as easy as possible for your mom to navigate through the house. Keep furniture arrangements simple and consistent to avoid confusion. Minimize the number of items on countertops and tables to help her focus on essential tasks.

Improve Lighting

As your mom’s Alzheimer’s progresses she may have trouble with her vision and balance. Improving the lighting will help her see where she is stepping and help keep her depth perception consistent.

Ensure that all areas of the home are well-lit to reduce shadows, which can cause confusion or fear. Use soft, even lighting in hallways, staircases, and frequently used rooms. Consider using nightlights in the bedroom and bathroom to help her orient herself during the night. Motion activated lighting is a great way to prevent falls at night.

Use Clear Signage and Labels

Place clear, easily readable signs on doors, cabinets, and drawers to help your mom identify rooms and items. Use pictures along with words, as visuals can be more easily recognized. For example, place a picture of a toilet on the bathroom door or label the kitchen cabinets with pictures of what’s inside.

As time goes on your mom may not remember what each room is or what the words she’s reading mean. Pictures will make it easier for her to understand what each room is.

Create Safe Spaces

Make the home safer by securing or removing potential hazards, such as loose rugs, electrical cords, and sharp objects. Install grab bars in the bathroom and consider using non-slip mats in the shower or tub. If necessary, limit access to dangerous areas like the kitchen or basement by using childproof locks.

Don’t use baby gates to secure rooms, because there is a high probability your mom won’t see them and will end up tripping and falling over them. If there are rooms you don’t think are safe for her close the door and put a child lock on it.

Make The House As Familiar As Possible

Surround your mom with familiar objects, such as family photos, favorite decorations, and cherished belongings. Familiar items can provide comfort and help maintain a sense of identity. Keep daily routines consistent to reduce confusion and anxiety.

If you still have old furniture in the attic or garage, bring it back and put it in the house. It could trigger some memories for your mom and make her feel more comfortable in the home.

If you are considering Alzheimer’s care in Bay City, TX for an aging loved one, please call the caring staff at At Your Side Home Care. We will answer all of your senior care questions. Call today: (832) 271-1600.

At Your Side Home Care, provides exceptional home care assistance for seniors and families in Houston, West Houston, Katy, Memorial, The Heights, Spring Valley, Garden Oaks, Hunters Creek, River Oaks, Hilshire Village, Galleria, Cinco Ranch, Spring Branch, Sugar Land, Missouri City, Richmond, Rosenburg, Piney Point, Bay City and surrounding areas.

Donna Wrabel, LMSW

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