Those living with a senior loved one with Alzheimer's know it presents many challenges. The difficulties become more pronounced when the patient also experiences sundowning symptoms. Making fundamental changes to your home environment may help minimize disorientation and provide comfort and security for your loved one. In this blog post, we'll walk you through practical, well-researched tips to reorganize and decorate your home to better support a family member with Alzheimer's, with a specific focus on their bedroom, kitchen, shared living spaces, and outside areas.
Making Your Senior Loved One's Bedroom More Comfortable
Comfort and familiarity represent vital components when designing or decorating a bedroom for an Alzheimer's patient. Start by surrounding them with familiar items such as photos, memorabilia from their past,and their favorite bedding and furniture. These recognizable objects will help them feel at ease and connected to their personal history. Abundant natural light during the day will help improve their mood, and ample night lights and lamps for evening hours also help reduce disorientation and anxiety.
To further aid in reducing confusion, keeping the bedroom organized is essential. Clear walkways, clutter-free spaces, and labels on drawers and closets will assist your loved one in more easily locating their belongings and navigating the room.
Arranging the Kitchen to Accommodate a Patient with Alzheimer's
When it comes to the kitchen, safety always comes first:
- Install locks on cabinets that contain dangerous items such as knives and cleaning chemicals.
- Consider investing in automatic shut-off appliances to minimize the risk of accidents.
- Labeling cabinets and drawers will help your loved one easily locate needed items, and having frequently used items within easy reach makes mealtime less stressful.
Visual cues like clocks and calendars placed around the kitchen will also help with orientation and assist your senior family member in maintaining a daily routine.
Creating a Comfortable Shared Living Space
As for shared living spaces, it's essential to ensure that walkways are clear of clutter and potential tripping hazards. Arrange furniture in a way that makes navigation easier for your loved one. You'll want to provide comfortable and familiar seating options. Ensure your senior loved one has easy access to blankets and pillows to help them feel cozy and secure. Make visual cues and reminders, like clocks and calendars, prevalent in the shared living spaces. Consider labeling doors and rooms to aid in orientation and prevent confusion.
Outdoor Spaces Offer Serenity to Alzheimer Patients
Outdoor spaces should provide a calming retreat for seniors with Alzheimer's. Creating a safe and secure environment for them to enjoy is crucial. Fenced-in yards with locks on gates and doors give you and your loved one peace of mind.
Provide comfortable seating in shaded areas or with awnings and umbrellas to protect your senior loved one from too much sun exposure.
Familiar and calming elements, such as bird feeders, bird baths, or flower gardens, may also enhance the outdoor experience for your loved one.
We Can Help
Creating a supportive and calming environment for a senior with Alzheimer's and sundowning symptoms may need ongoing revisions, but the home reorganization tips shared above can make a significant difference. Consider the unique needs of your loved one to create an environment that reduces disorientation, promotes safety, and offers comfort. If you live in Irvine, Orange County, Santa Ana, or Tustin, CA, and need assistance caring for a senior with Alzheimer's or require further guidance on home adaptations, Senior Helpers South Orange County is here for you! Contact us for professional and compassionate support.