September 5, 2025 • 13 mins
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We delve into creating dementia-friendly homes through thoughtful design and practical modifications that transform daily life for those with dementia. By reimagining living spaces with strategic tweaks rather than expensive remodels, we can create sanctuaries that boost safety, confidence, independence, and happiness.
• Universal principles include brighter lighting, contrasting colors, simplified navigation, and enhanced safety features
• Strategic tweaks like labels, pictures, and see-through cabinets help maintain independence
• Room-by-room modifications for entrances, living rooms, kitchens, bedrooms, bathrooms, and hallways
• Technology solutions that serve rather than complicate
• Creating an emotional environment that celebrates achievements and maintains familiar routines
• Professional resources like occupational therapists can provide customized solutions
• Quick-fire checklist of immediate improvements anyone can implement today
For more tips, checklists and local resources, visit us at aginginplacedirectory.com.
Thanks for listening!
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:33):
Hello and welcome to the Aging in Place Directory
podcast, where we help you livesafely, comfortably and
independently right in your ownhome.
I'm your host, robin Schiltz,and today's episode is both
practical and close to the heart.
We're delving into how tocreate a dementia-friendly home,
whether for yourself, a spouse,a parent or anyone you care
(00:55):
about who is living withdementia.
Why does this matter?
Excuse me, because athoughtfully designed home can
transform daily life for someonewith dementia, boosting not
just safety but confidence,independence and happiness.
So today we'll blend experttips, caregiver wisdom and a
pinch of good-humored reality tohelp you reimagine any dwelling
(01:18):
into a true sanctuary for agingin place.
Let's start with big picturethinking.
Dementia changes the way aperson interacts with their
environment.
Simple tasks like finding thebathroom, making tea, getting
dressed can all become trickyand sometimes even dangerous.
But the good news is we don'tneed expensive remodels or
(01:40):
futuristic tech to make a housemore welcoming.
Often small strategic tweaksare the key.
Think of your home as a stageand the person as the star
performer.
We want to set the scene forcomfort, clarity and safety,
where the plot always unfolds assmoothly as possible.
So let's break down someuniversal principles you can
(02:03):
apply anywhere at home.
First is lighting the brighterthe better.
Let in as much natural light aspossible.
Pull back curtains.
Trim hedges outside windows.
Pull back curtains.
Trim hedges outside windows.
Supplement with bright,consistent and even artificial
lighting, especially over stairs, in hallways and in the
bathroom.
(02:23):
Avoid shadows and glare.
These can be confusing orunsettling.
Night lights or motion sensorswork wonders for late night
wanderings.
Next is colors and contrast.
To help you see the difference,using contrasting colors for
(02:48):
walls, floors, doors andhousehold items.
For example, a bright red mugon a white countertop makes it
easier to spot something than awhite mug on a white background.
Avoid overly busy patterns.
Avoid stripes and wavy designsin upholstery or rugs.
These can cause confusion oreven be perceived as moving
patterns Yikes.
And you want to paint key doors, like the bathroom, a
(03:10):
distinctive, bold color.
Number three on the list is tosimplify navigation.
First, reduce clutter.
Every item left lying around isboth a tripping hazard and a
potential source of confusion.
Clear the walkways and minimizeobstacles.
Think wide funnels, not tightmazes.
(03:33):
You want to store frequentlyused items like glasses, remotes
or favorite snacks wherethey're visible and easy to
reach.
Next is labels and memory aids.
You want to use labels andpictures on cabinets, drawers
and doors yes, even the fridgeor the closet.
This can jog memory and buildconfidence, and using large
(03:57):
print and simple icons are best.
Next is safety first.
Everywhere you want to anchorheavy furniture, remove or
secure rugs and mats, as thesecan trip people up.
Install grab bars near thetoilet, shower and in hallways
if needed.
Consider child locks forcleaning supplies and knives,
(04:20):
and eliminate locks on bathroomdoors to prevent accidental
lock-ins.
So now let's tour the home roomby room, tackling each with
creativity and a dash of empathy.
Here's where the real magic andthe real fun happens.
First is entrances and exits.
Make the front door distinctivewith color, flowers or a sign
(04:45):
to help with recognition and togive that Airbnb vibe in the
best possible way.
You want to consider levelentryways and ramps for
wheelchair or walker access, andyou want to keep exit doors
that should be off-limits,secure, while commonly used
doors remain open and easy tofind.
(05:07):
Moving into the living room, youwant to remove tripping hazards
like extra cords, wobbly stoolsor area rugs, especially those
with patterns like we talkedabout before.
Also, I would tell you to avoidblack, because that can look to
somebody who has not greatvision like a hole in the floor
and be very scary.
(05:28):
You also want to arrangeseating to support social
interaction and rest and youwant to use familiar,
comfortable furniture andminimize room changes.
New furniture arrangements canbe disorienting.
Display family photos andmementos to provide comfort and
spark positive memories Movinginto the kitchen.
(05:51):
Label cabinets with words orpictures Plates, cups, snacks.
Better yet, try see-throughcabinet doors for instant
visibility.
You want to keep dangerousitems like knives and cleaning
supplies stowed away and lockedup.
You want to use appliances withautomatic shutoffs.
(06:13):
Now I'm talking like thestovetop, the oven, your iron.
Trust me, this is peace of mindin electrical form.
You want to organize keyingredients and utensils at eye
level and in the same spot everyday and use contrasting plates
and placemats to help define theedges of dishes.
Talking about the dining area,you want to keep table settings
(06:37):
simple, matching, unclutteredand with strong color contrast.
Use spill-proof cups orweighted cutlery if needed for
tremors.
Use spill-proof cups orweighted cutlery if needed for
tremors, and encourageindependence and dignity, even
if the result is a Picasso withpeas and carrots Moving into the
bedroom.
Blackout curtains or blinds willhelp with nighttime confusion
(07:01):
and sleep quality, but nightlights may aid those who find
the dark unsettling.
Keep the path to the bathroomclear and line it with motion
sensor lights along the way.
Encourage a regular sleeproutine with familiar bedding, a
consistent layout and favoritenighttime comforts.
Put labels on drawers for socks, shirts and pajamas, as these
(07:27):
can help maintain independence.
Talking about the bathroom,non-slip mats and grab bars are
essential, and they should beplaced by the toilet, the bath
and the shower.
A raised toilet seat can makegetting up and down easier.
Consider a contrasting toiletseat cover to make the toilet
clearly visible against white orpale fixtures.
(07:49):
Remove door locks, just in case, and replace glass with
shatterproof options.
In the hallway and stairs youwant to install sturdy railings,
double railings if possible onall stairs.
You want bright, even lighting,no spooky shadows or sudden
glares.
You want to mark stair edgeswith a contrasting tape or paint
(08:12):
for extra visibility andconsider installing a safety
gate if stairs pose a risk foryou or your loved one.
Next, let's talk abouttechnology and assistive devices
.
Technology can be a gamechanger, but it should always
serve, not complicate.
Here are some practical optionsAgain motion sensor lights for
(08:36):
night navigation, door alarms toprevent wandering, medication
dispensers with reminders, videodoorbells or cameras for family
monitoring and peace of mind,and smart speakers for reminders
, such as Alexa, remind dad todrink water at 2 pm.
Remember test thoroughly andkeep it as simple as possible.
(09:00):
Sometimes simpler, low-techsolutions are best.
Part four the emotionalenvironment.
Modern life is about more thanphysical space.
The emotional climate mattersjust as much.
Celebrate achievements, nomatter how small you wore.
Matching socks, yay, gold medal.
(09:21):
Foster favorite hobbies in asafe way A music corner, a nook
for puzzles, a garden for gentledigging.
Encourage connection.
Arrange phone calls, videochats or safe in-person visits
with friends and loved ones.
Remember to have familiarscents available, like lavender,
(09:42):
cinnamon rolls, freshly brewedcoffee, because they can be
powerful mood boosters.
Keep routines predictable.
Consistency is key for peopleliving with dementia.
Part five is when to seekprofessional help.
Don't go it alone.
Occupational therapists can doa walkthrough of your home,
(10:03):
suggest custom solutions andtrain caregivers in creating a
truly dementia supportiveenvironment.
Get a needs assessment throughyour health care provider or
local area agency on agingcouncil, especially if your
loved one would benefit frommobility aids, remodeling or
extra care resources.
(10:26):
So now let's tackle a few commonmisconceptions.
My parent is still pretty sharp.
Do we really need these changes, making the home safer and
easier to navigate, especiallyin the early stages, preserves
independence longer and can easethe transition as needs change.
Well, if we add grab bars,won't that make the house look
(10:48):
like a hospital?
Well, today's support productscome in stylish, sleek designs.
Safety can absolutely meetstyle and your interior
decorator will approve.
Well, smart home technology isonly for techie people?
Well, not really.
Many devices are as simple asplug and play.
Nothing beats a coffee makerthat won't stay on all night.
(11:10):
So quick fire tips.
Do this today To bring it allhome.
Here's a rapid fire checklistfor instant improvements Clear
clutter from floors and hallways.
Label the bathroom door.
Put away cleaning products andknives and lock them up.
Add a lamp to any shadowycorners.
(11:32):
Print family photos for easysmiles.
Move favorite items into sight,which minimizes the frustrating
searching.
Place a chair by the front doorfor putting on shoes.
Remove door locks on bathroomsand bedrooms.
Install a nightlight along theroute from the bed to the
(11:54):
bathroom.
So, in closing, adementia-friendly home is, at
its heart, a kind home.
It's a place where patience,humor and love light the way.
There's no such thing as aperfect setup, just a space that
feels safe, nurturing anduniquely.
You Remember, adaptability isthe name of the game.
(12:15):
What works one day might needtweaking the next, and that's
okay.
Each small thoughtful changeadds up to greater joy, dignity
and comfort.
For more tips, checklists andlocal resources, visit us at
aginginplacedirectorycom and ifyou have your own stories, send
them in to us.
(12:35):
We would love to hear from you.
So again, thanks for listeningand here's to making every home
a haven at every stage of life,until the next podcast episode.
Thanks for listening, Take care.
Bye.
Hello and welcome to the Aging in Place Directory
podcast, where we help you livesafely, comfortably and
independently right in your ownhome.
I'm your host, robin Schiltz,and today's episode is both
practical and close to the heart.
We're delving into how tocreate a dementia-friendly home,
whether for yourself, a spouse,a parent or anyone you care
(00:55):
about who is living withdementia.
Why does this matter?
Excuse me, because athoughtfully designed home can
transform daily life for someonewith dementia, boosting not
just safety but confidence,independence and happiness.
So today we'll blend experttips, caregiver wisdom and a
pinch of good-humored reality tohelp you reimagine any dwelling
(01:18):
into a true sanctuary for agingin place.
Let's start with big picturethinking.
Dementia changes the way aperson interacts with their
environment.
Simple tasks like finding thebathroom, making tea, getting
dressed can all become trickyand sometimes even dangerous.
But the good news is we don'tneed expensive remodels or
(01:40):
futuristic tech to make a housemore welcoming.
Often small strategic tweaksare the key.
Think of your home as a stageand the person as the star
performer.
We want to set the scene forcomfort, clarity and safety,
where the plot always unfolds assmoothly as possible.
So let's break down someuniversal principles you can
(02:03):
apply anywhere at home.
First is lighting the brighterthe better.
Let in as much natural light aspossible.
Pull back curtains.
Trim hedges outside windows.
Pull back curtains.
Trim hedges outside windows.
Supplement with bright,consistent and even artificial
lighting, especially over stairs, in hallways and in the
bathroom.
(02:23):
Avoid shadows and glare.
These can be confusing orunsettling.
Night lights or motion sensorswork wonders for late night
wanderings.
Next is colors and contrast.
To help you see the difference,using contrasting colors for
(02:48):
walls, floors, doors andhousehold items.
For example, a bright red mugon a white countertop makes it
easier to spot something than awhite mug on a white background.
Avoid overly busy patterns.
Avoid stripes and wavy designsin upholstery or rugs.
These can cause confusion oreven be perceived as moving
patterns Yikes.
And you want to paint key doors, like the bathroom, a
(03:10):
distinctive, bold color.
Number three on the list is tosimplify navigation.
First, reduce clutter.
Every item left lying around isboth a tripping hazard and a
potential source of confusion.
Clear the walkways and minimizeobstacles.
Think wide funnels, not tightmazes.
(03:33):
You want to store frequentlyused items like glasses, remotes
or favorite snacks wherethey're visible and easy to
reach.
Next is labels and memory aids.
You want to use labels andpictures on cabinets, drawers
and doors yes, even the fridgeor the closet.
This can jog memory and buildconfidence, and using large
(03:57):
print and simple icons are best.
Next is safety first.
Everywhere you want to anchorheavy furniture, remove or
secure rugs and mats, as thesecan trip people up.
Install grab bars near thetoilet, shower and in hallways
if needed.
Consider child locks forcleaning supplies and knives,
(04:20):
and eliminate locks on bathroomdoors to prevent accidental
lock-ins.
So now let's tour the home roomby room, tackling each with
creativity and a dash of empathy.
Here's where the real magic andthe real fun happens.
First is entrances and exits.
Make the front door distinctivewith color, flowers or a sign
(04:45):
to help with recognition and togive that Airbnb vibe in the
best possible way.
You want to consider levelentryways and ramps for
wheelchair or walker access, andyou want to keep exit doors
that should be off-limits,secure, while commonly used
doors remain open and easy tofind.
(05:07):
Moving into the living room, youwant to remove tripping hazards
like extra cords, wobbly stoolsor area rugs, especially those
with patterns like we talkedabout before.
Also, I would tell you to avoidblack, because that can look to
somebody who has not greatvision like a hole in the floor
and be very scary.
(05:28):
You also want to arrangeseating to support social
interaction and rest and youwant to use familiar,
comfortable furniture andminimize room changes.
New furniture arrangements canbe disorienting.
Display family photos andmementos to provide comfort and
spark positive memories Movinginto the kitchen.
(05:51):
Label cabinets with words orpictures Plates, cups, snacks.
Better yet, try see-throughcabinet doors for instant
visibility.
You want to keep dangerousitems like knives and cleaning
supplies stowed away and lockedup.
You want to use appliances withautomatic shutoffs.
(06:13):
Now I'm talking like thestovetop, the oven, your iron.
Trust me, this is peace of mindin electrical form.
You want to organize keyingredients and utensils at eye
level and in the same spot everyday and use contrasting plates
and placemats to help define theedges of dishes.
Talking about the dining area,you want to keep table settings
(06:37):
simple, matching, unclutteredand with strong color contrast.
Use spill-proof cups orweighted cutlery if needed for
tremors.
Use spill-proof cups orweighted cutlery if needed for
tremors, and encourageindependence and dignity, even
if the result is a Picasso withpeas and carrots Moving into the
bedroom.
Blackout curtains or blinds willhelp with nighttime confusion
(07:01):
and sleep quality, but nightlights may aid those who find
the dark unsettling.
Keep the path to the bathroomclear and line it with motion
sensor lights along the way.
Encourage a regular sleeproutine with familiar bedding, a
consistent layout and favoritenighttime comforts.
Put labels on drawers for socks, shirts and pajamas, as these
(07:27):
can help maintain independence.
Talking about the bathroom,non-slip mats and grab bars are
essential, and they should beplaced by the toilet, the bath
and the shower.
A raised toilet seat can makegetting up and down easier.
Consider a contrasting toiletseat cover to make the toilet
clearly visible against white orpale fixtures.
(07:49):
Remove door locks, just in case, and replace glass with
shatterproof options.
In the hallway and stairs youwant to install sturdy railings,
double railings if possible onall stairs.
You want bright, even lighting,no spooky shadows or sudden
glares.
You want to mark stair edgeswith a contrasting tape or paint
(08:12):
for extra visibility andconsider installing a safety
gate if stairs pose a risk foryou or your loved one.
Next, let's talk abouttechnology and assistive devices
.
Technology can be a gamechanger, but it should always
serve, not complicate.
Here are some practical optionsAgain motion sensor lights for
(08:36):
night navigation, door alarms toprevent wandering, medication
dispensers with reminders, videodoorbells or cameras for family
monitoring and peace of mind,and smart speakers for reminders
, such as Alexa, remind dad todrink water at 2 pm.
Remember test thoroughly andkeep it as simple as possible.
(09:00):
Sometimes simpler, low-techsolutions are best.
Part four the emotionalenvironment.
Modern life is about more thanphysical space.
The emotional climate mattersjust as much.
Celebrate achievements, nomatter how small you wore.
Matching socks, yay, gold medal.
(09:21):
Foster favorite hobbies in asafe way A music corner, a nook
for puzzles, a garden for gentledigging.
Encourage connection.
Arrange phone calls, videochats or safe in-person visits
with friends and loved ones.
Remember to have familiarscents available, like lavender,
(09:42):
cinnamon rolls, freshly brewedcoffee, because they can be
powerful mood boosters.
Keep routines predictable.
Consistency is key for peopleliving with dementia.
Part five is when to seekprofessional help.
Don't go it alone.
Occupational therapists can doa walkthrough of your home,
(10:03):
suggest custom solutions andtrain caregivers in creating a
truly dementia supportiveenvironment.
Get a needs assessment throughyour health care provider or
local area agency on agingcouncil, especially if your
loved one would benefit frommobility aids, remodeling or
extra care resources.
(10:26):
So now let's tackle a few commonmisconceptions.
My parent is still pretty sharp.
Do we really need these changes, making the home safer and
easier to navigate, especiallyin the early stages, preserves
independence longer and can easethe transition as needs change.
Well, if we add grab bars,won't that make the house look
(10:48):
like a hospital?
Well, today's support productscome in stylish, sleek designs.
Safety can absolutely meetstyle and your interior
decorator will approve.
Well, smart home technology isonly for techie people?
Well, not really.
Many devices are as simple asplug and play.
Nothing beats a coffee makerthat won't stay on all night.
(11:10):
So quick fire tips.
Do this today To bring it allhome.
Here's a rapid fire checklistfor instant improvements Clear
clutter from floors and hallways.
Label the bathroom door.
Put away cleaning products andknives and lock them up.
Add a lamp to any shadowycorners.
(11:32):
Print family photos for easysmiles.
Move favorite items into sight,which minimizes the frustrating
searching.
Place a chair by the front doorfor putting on shoes.
Remove door locks on bathroomsand bedrooms.
Install a nightlight along theroute from the bed to the
(11:54):
bathroom.
So, in closing, adementia-friendly home is, at
its heart, a kind home.
It's a place where patience,humor and love light the way.
There's no such thing as aperfect setup, just a space that
feels safe, nurturing anduniquely.
You Remember, adaptability isthe name of the game.
(12:15):
What works one day might needtweaking the next, and that's
okay.
Each small thoughtful changeadds up to greater joy, dignity
and comfort.
For more tips, checklists andlocal resources, visit us at
aginginplacedirectorycom and ifyou have your own stories, send
them in to us.
(12:35):
We would love to hear from you.
So again, thanks for listeningand here's to making every home
a haven at every stage of life,until the next podcast episode.
Thanks for listening, Take care.
Bye.
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