Making Home Dementia-Friendly
Simple, affordable adjustments that cut down on confusion and keep things safe — no big budget or builders required.
When someone has dementia, their brain plays tricks on how they see the world. A dark rug can look like a scary hole in the floor, and a confusing hallway can make them feel lost in their own home. You don't need a million dollars or a team of builders to fix this — making a home dementia-friendly is all about simple, affordable adjustments.
1. Clear up the confusion (visual tricks)
Dementia makes it hard for the brain to separate objects that are the same colour. We can use high contrast (bright colours against dark colours) to help them see clearly.
The plate test: If you serve mashed potatoes on a white plate, a person with dementia might not see the food at all and refuse to eat. Switch to bright blue or red plates — the food will pop out, making mealtime much easier.
The bathroom door: Paint the bathroom door a bright, bold colour that is completely different from the hallway walls. It acts like a giant beacon, helping them find it independently.
Beware of patterns: Swirly carpets or rugs with heavy patterns can look like moving bugs or uneven ground. Stick to plain, solid colours for flooring.
2. Bust the shadows (lighting hacks)
Bad lighting causes shadows, and shadows can look like intruders or obstacles to a changing brain.
Automatic nightlights: Plug motion-sensor nightlights into the hallways, bathroom and bedroom. If they get up at midnight, the lights turn on automatically so they never have to hunt for a switch in the dark.
Open the curtains: During the day, let in as much natural sunlight as possible. This helps keep their internal body clock on track so they sleep better at night.
Cover the mirrors: Sometimes a person with advanced dementia won't recognise their own reflection — they might think a stranger is in the room and get frightened. If this happens, simply hang a nice towel or curtain over the mirror.
3. Label everything (simple signs)
When memory fades, guessing where things are is incredibly stressful. Simple signs take away the guesswork.
Use pictures and words: Stick a simple sign on important doors — for example, a picture of a toilet with the word “BATHROOM” written in big, clear letters.
Clear cupboard doors: If you can, take the wooden doors off a couple of kitchen cabinets or replace them with clear glass. Seeing the cups and cereal boxes prevents them from opening twenty cupboards just to find a glass of water.
4. Prevent accidents (safety first)
A few quick fixes around the house can stop scary slips and falls before they happen.
| Danger zone | Affordable fix |
|---|---|
| Slippery mats | Remove all loose bath mats and throw rugs. They are the number one cause of trips and falls. |
| Hot water | Turn down the temperature on your hot water system to around 45°C–50°C so they can't accidentally scald their hands. |
| Hidden hazards | Put child-safety locks on cupboards containing cleaning chemicals, sharp knives, or medications. |
Where to shop
You don't need medical stores for this! Local hardware shops like Bunnings, department stores like Kmart, and cheap dollar shops have everything you need — colourful plates, stick-on lights and basic signs — for just a few dollars.
