The Changing Home

“There were a number of modifications we had to make to the home…”

A Safer Space

As dementia progresses, even simple tasks and familiar environments can become confusing and overwhelming. Mitigating some of the risks of the home doesn’t come naturally to most people. Listen to our caregivers share handy hints about how they were able to make their loved ones lives easier by mitigating risks in the home:

Considerations to make a home safer

Remove Trip Hazards

Clear away clutter, secure loose rugs, and ensure that cords are out of walking paths. This may help to prevent falls, which are a common risk for people living with dementia.

Install Safety Devices

Consider motion-activated night lights in hallways, bathrooms, and bedrooms to assist navigation in the dark. Ensure smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are functioning properly and are loud enough to be heard.

Secure Dangerous Items

Lock away sharp objects, cleaning supplies, and medications. People living with dementia might confuse these items with something safe or edible.

Use Clear Signage

Label rooms and important items with brightly coloured signs or pictures to help identification of spaces and objects more easily. This can reduce confusion and help in the maintenance of some independence.

Consider Home Modifications

The use of contrasting colours in the bathroom and removing patterned floors or kitchen surfaces, thereby reducing ‘visual clutter’ can reduce stress for someone living with dementia. Visit Dementia Training Australia to learn how to modify the home to make life easier for your loved one living with dementia.

“I have to remind them how important these services are, and to maximise support packages so that they can continue to live at home comfortably”

Seeking Assistance and Respite

While there are many services available for people living with dementia and their caregivers, there may be hesitance in seeking out such services due to stigma or perceived loss of independence.

It is important for caregivers to understand the scope of services available to their loved ones and to delicately balance the desire for independence with the need for assistance.

Listen to our caregivers provide an important perspective on the types of services that were sought for their loved ones:

Tips for seeking respite

Start with myagedcare: This is the Australian Government’s central point for accessing aged care services. This service links you to information and resources on types of care available (in the home, respite or aged care) including providers, eligibility criteria and assessments required.
Explore Dementia-Specific Support: Organisations across Australia can offer a wide range of services, including counselling, educational programs, and support groups for both caregivers and people living with dementia.
Plan for Respite Care: Caregivers need breaks, and respite care services can provide temporary relief while ensuring the person living with dementia receives quality care. Options include in-home respite, day centres, and residential respite care.
Join Support Groups: Connecting with other caregivers through support groups can provide emotional support, practical advice, and a sense of community. Support groups can be both in-person and online and offered by a range of organisations.
Access Professional Help: Don’t forget to consult with healthcare professionals which also includes counsellors and therapists, who can offer guidance and support tailored to your specific situation.
Stay Informed: Try to keep up-to-date with the latest information and resources available for dementia care.

Check out our resource directory for useful organisations that cover the points above.

“When you get to a crisis point, you have to make a decision and sometimes you have to take what is available”

References

Thank you to our caregivers Jane, Marta, Neil, and Luke who were an invaluable primary resource for the content on this website. Other online resources that were consulted include the following (all were accessed in March 2025). The information in these sources may not comply with the Australian regulatory environment. The intent of providing this further material is informational and not as advice; any information provided in these sources should be discussed with your healthcare professional and does not replace their advice.

Dementia Society of America. How to Make a Home Safer for Those with Dementia.

Dementia Australia. Designing dementia friendly care environments.

Dementia Training Australia. Environmental Design Resources Handbook.

Alzheimer’s WA. Signage in Dementia Enabling Environments.

AARP. Care Tips to Keep Dementia Patients Safe at Home.