How to organize spaces, adapt the home, and create a peaceful environment in the presence of a person suffering from Alzheimer's or senile dementia?
Here are some useful tips to make daily life as calm as possible for patients and caregivers.
Order and Care of Spaces
People with Alzheimer's face a daily battle against mental confusion. Living in an organized environment, where all unnecessary objects are removed, is the first step to creating peace of mind.
- The most frequently used items should always be easy to find. Make them easier to use with labels (for example, to indicate hot/cold water taps).
- Arrange furniture to make movement easy and accessible, especially to avoid the risk of accidental falls. Pay attention to corners and sharp edges, trying, if possible, to eliminate or shield them.
- Keep spaces well-lit and favor objects in contrasting colors, easily identifiable and distinguishable.
A Peaceful Atmosphere
Degenerative diseases generally have a long course, heavily impacting the emotional sphere of those affected. Trying to make every moment of the day more peaceful through small thoughtful touches can truly make a difference.
- Surround the person with affection from a visual standpoint too: display photographs throughout the home that evoke happy memories and moments of joy.
- Promote a calm atmosphere during mealtimes. Offer pre-cut food, which can be eaten without using utensils, and if necessary, small and frequent meals, in case the person often forgets having eaten.
- Try to create a routine for personal hygiene care, possibly leaving step-by-step notes to follow.
- Movement and physical activity are also important, starting, as always, with small adjustments at home. Encourage the person to help you with small household chores and suggest outdoor walks.
- Don't neglect leisure: throughout the day, carve out space for some recreational moments, through listening to music or board games. Time spent with children and, if present, pets is also important.
Protection from Hazards
Avoid leaving free access to objects that, though normally harmless, could pose a risk, and prevent unpleasant situations.
- Hide or remove cleaning products, medications, and sharp objects.
- Remove keys from all doors and try to secure locks on doors and windows.
- Use a device to control gas leaks.
- Use emergency devices for added safety even outside the home.
