Learn how to create dementia-friendly home environments with expert design tips. Discover lighting, colours, accessibility, and safety modifications to support people with dementia.
Creating a dementia-friendly home environment is one of the most powerful ways to support someone living with dementia. The right home design can reduce confusion, anxiety, and frustration while promoting independence, safety, and wellbeing.
Research shows that environmental modifications can reduce challenging behaviours by up to 50% and significantly delay the need for residential care. This guide provides practical design strategies to transform your home into a supportive, dementia-friendly space.
Understanding Dementia and the Home Environment
As dementia progresses, cognitive abilities decline, making familiar environments increasingly important for memory, safety, and emotional stability. A well-designed home can:
• Reduce confusion and disorientation
• Prevent accidents and falls
• Support independence in daily activities
• Decrease anxiety and agitation
• Maintain routines and familiar rituals
• Preserve dignity and autonomy
- Enhance Lighting Throughout Your Home
Lighting is one of the most important factors in dementia-friendly design. Poor lighting increases confusion, falls, and agitation.
Lighting strategies:
• Use bright, even lighting throughout all rooms, avoiding shadows and glare
• Install high levels of lighting in hallways, bathrooms, and kitchens where falls are most common
• Use warm colours (2700K colour temperature) rather than cool fluorescent lights, which can feel institutional and increase agitation
• Maximize natural light during the day; open curtains to maintain circadian rhythms and support better sleep
• Install motion-sensor lights for nighttime navigation without the confusion of switches
• Ensure light switches are accessible and clearly marked
• Use nightlights in hallways and bathrooms for safe nighttime movement
• Minimize glare by using indirect lighting and avoiding reflective surfaces - Reduce Clutter and Simplify Spaces
Clutter creates confusion and hazards. Simplification supports independence and safety.
Decluttering strategies:
• Remove unnecessary items from rooms to reduce visual confusion
• Keep clear pathways throughout the home free of obstacles
• Organize items logically: Group similar items together (dishes in kitchen, toiletries in bathroom)
• Store rarely-used items out of sight
• Label drawers and cabinets clearly so important items are easy to find
• Use storage solutions that keep items organized and accessible
• Minimize decorations that might create visual confusion
• Keep favourite items visible to support memories and emotional connection - Use Colour and Visual Contrast
Colour and contrast can greatly assist people with dementia in identifying important items and navigating spaces.
Colour strategies:
• Use high colour contrast between walls and floors to help with spatial awareness
• Make bathroom fixtures stand out: Use towels, soap dispensers, and toilet seats in colours that contrast sharply with walls
• Colour-code areas: Use consistent colours to identify different spaces (e.g., blue for bathrooms, green for bedrooms)
• Avoid busy patterns that might cause visual confusion or appear as obstacles
• Choose calm colours like soft blues and greens rather than bright, stimulating colours
• Use warm, familiar colours that feel comfortable and safe
• Paint doors different colours from walls to help people locate them
• Highlight hazards: Use bright colours to mark edges of steps, uneven surfaces, or potential hazards - Improve Accessibility and Safe Mobility
Accessible, safe spaces support independence and prevent accidents.
Accessibility improvements:
• Ensure level flooring throughout the home; avoid steps or use ramps
• Install grab rails in bathrooms, hallways, and beside beds
• Choose non-slip flooring materials to prevent falls
• Widen doorways if possible for easier navigation
• Lower light switches and thermostat controls to accessible heights
• Remove threshold transitions or keep them minimal
• Ensure pathways are at least 3 feet wide for safe movement
• Install handrails on both sides of staircases
• Create level access to outdoor areas
• Use ramps or step-free entries where possible - Create Familiar, Homely Spaces
Familiarity is emotionally important for people with dementia and supports memory.
Maintaining familiarity:
• Preserve favourite furniture arrangements when possible
• Keep beloved items visible, like family photos, favourite plants, or cherished ornaments
• Display photos and memories throughout the home to support recognition and conversation
• Maintain familiar routines and daily rituals
• Keep personal possessions accessible and meaningful
• Create memory spaces with photos and mementoes from different life stages
• Play familiar music to create comfort and emotional connection
• Use favourite colours and decorative styles from earlier in life - Secure Potentially Dangerous Areas
Safety is paramount; certain areas need to be restricted or modified.
Security measures:
• Install locks on doors to potentially dangerous areas (garage, basement, sheds)
• Use childproof locks on cupboards containing cleaning products, medications, or sharp objects
• Secure access to the garden if wandering is a concern; install gate locks
• Remove access to kitchen hazards like cookers; consider switching to a microwave
• Safeguard medications and cleaning products in locked cupboards
• Install window locks to prevent accidental falls
• Remove or disable potentially dangerous appliances
• Use door alarms to alert carers if someone leaves the home - Optimize the Bathroom
Bathrooms are high-risk areas; modifications are essential.
Bathroom adaptations:
• Install grab rails near the toilet, in the shower, and bathtub
• Use a walk-in shower or low-step bath to reduce fall risk
• Place non-slip mats both inside and outside the shower/tub
• Ensure good lighting and easy-to-reach light switches
• Use a raised toilet seat for easier transfers
• Install a shower chair for safety during bathing
• Use a handheld shower head for easier washing by carers
• Keep the door unlocked or have a keyed access in case of falls
• Use contrasting colours for towels, toilet seats, and soap dispensers
• Keep temperature controlled to prevent scalding; set water heaters to a safe temperature
• Ensure privacy while maintaining safety - Support the Bedroom
A dementia-friendly bedroom supports sleep and safety.
Bedroom considerations:
• Position the bed at an appropriate height for safe transfers
• Use bed rails if the person is at risk of falling
• Install a nightlight or motion-sensor light for nighttime safety
• Ensure pathways to the bathroom are clear and well-lit
• Keep essential items (water, phone, tissues) within reach
• Use a comfortable, familiar bed with familiar bedding
• Keep the room quiet and free from overstimulation
• Maintain a comfortable temperature for good sleep - Make the Kitchen Accessible and Safe
The kitchen requires careful design for safety.
Kitchen adaptations:
• Store frequently-used items at waist height for easy access
• Label cupboards clearly with pictures or words
• Use a microwave instead of a cooker if possible
• Install an automatic cooker shut-off device for safety
• Remove access to sharp knives; store safely
• Ensure good lighting on work surfaces
• Keep cleaning products locked away
• Use contrasting colours for kitchen edges and work surfaces
• Simplify meal preparation with easy-to-use equipment - Create Safe Outdoor Spaces
Outdoor areas can support wellbeing if designed safely.
Garden and outdoor safety:
• Ensure level surfaces without trips or hazards
• Install secure fencing with lockable gates
• Create seating areas with good views and natural light
• Maintain clear pathways free of obstacles
• Plant low-maintenance gardens with familiar plants
• Use contrasting paving colours to highlight pathways and edges
• Ensure good lighting for evening use
• Provide shaded areas for hot weather
• Create memory gardens with familiar plants from earlier in life - Manage Noise and Stimulation
Excessive noise and stimulation increase agitation; reduce unnecessary stimulation.
Reducing overstimulation:
• Minimize background noise from TVs, radios, or busy environments
• Use soft, calming music rather than harsh sounds
• Avoid multiple conversations happening simultaneously
• Limit visitors to reduce overstimulation
• Create quiet spaces for rest and relaxation
• Use soundproofing if near traffic or noisy areas
• Speak clearly and calmly rather than raising voices - Support Wayfinding and Orientation
Help people navigate and find their way around the home.
Wayfinding strategies:
• Use clear signage with pictures and words to identify rooms (Bathroom, Bedroom, Kitchen)
• Paint room doors in different colours for easy identification
• Use contrasting colours to highlight doorways and pathways
• Place mirrors strategically to help with orientation (but avoid multiple mirrors causing confusion)
• Use familiar artwork and photos to help with navigation
• Label drawers and cupboards clearly
• Create consistent pathways and familiar routes
• Use nightlights to help navigation in darkness
Design Tips by Room
Living Room: Comfortable furniture, familiar items, good lighting, minimal clutter, access to entertainment
Dining Area: Accessible seating, clear table contrasts, good lighting, reduced distractions
Bathroom: Grab rails, good lighting, contrast in fixtures, non-slip surfaces, door security
Bedroom: Comfortable bed, nightlight, clear pathways, emergency call button, familiar items
Getting Professional Support
Consider consulting with an occupational therapist or dementia care specialist to assess your home and recommend specific modifications. They can identify risks and suggest adaptations tailored to your loved one’s needs and abilities.
The Importance of Person-Centred Design
Remember that every person with dementia is unique. The best designs are:
• Personalized to the individual’s history, preferences, and interests
• Flexible and adaptable as abilities change
• Respectful of dignity and autonomy
• Supportive of independence and meaningful activity
• Safe while preserving as much freedom as possible
Conclusion
Creating a dementia-friendly home is an investment in safety, independence, and quality of life. Small modifications can have remarkable effects on reducing confusion, preventing accidents, and supporting wellbeing. The goal is to create a space where your loved one can maintain independence, feel safe, and continue to experience dignity and purpose.
At Caringg, our dementia care specialists can help you adapt your home and provide expert care support. Contact us to discuss dementia care services in your area.
