The Importance of Alzheimer’s and Dementia-Friendly Decorating

About Laura Gooch

Laura Gooch, MFA, is a Content Specialist at Brookdale and a poet. She earned her BA in English from Pace University and an MFA in Creative Writing from Adelphi University. Laura uses her storytelling background to craft engaging blog and social media content. When she's not writing, she's reading voraciously, singing in her car, or spending time with her two wiener dogs.

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The smallest details can play an important role in improving the quality of life of someone experiencing cognitive decline. Whether it’s calming paint colors or familiar furniture, different design choices can help someone living with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia feel more at home.

Lighting

People living with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias are at an increased risk of experiencing visual challenges. Dementia can cause difficulties with spatial relationships and depth perception. Lighting is a vital part of making a home comfortable and easier to navigate. Bright, consistent lighting can help people see what’s around them and reduce shadows that could be mistaken for people, objects or holes. In addition to overhead lighting, you can use table and desk lamps for task lighting. Use nightlights in the evenings, so if someone gets up to go to the bathroom, they can find their way with confidence. It’s not recommended to use motion-activated night lights because they can disrupt sleep cycles or contribute to disorientation.

Another important part of proper lighting is minimizing glare. Shiny floors, mirrors and other glass objects can reflect light, which may be unsettling and could cause discomfort. You should also try to incorporate natural light as much as possible during the day. Cut back hedges and trees, and remove other objects that block sunlight from coming through the windows. Open curtains and window coverings, and close them only when necessary. Exposure to natural light can help support a more regular sleep-wake cycle, stabilize and improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression.

Colors, Contrast and Visibility

Even if a person’s eyes are healthy, Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias can significantly impact the brain’s ability to process what it's seeing. This can contribute to a loss of color and contrast sensitivity. Utilizing contrasting colors in painting and decorating can help someone understand their environment and allow them to differentiate between objects. For instance, a white switch plate blends into a white wall. Swapping the white switch plate for one that’s navy blue or dark green can help a person identify the switch more easily. This is important because when objects are easily identifiable, people living with one of the dementias may be able to carry out daily tasks independently and with confidence. This promotes autonomy and a general sense of well-being.

Use contrast to highlight objects and areas you want to encourage someone to use or enter. Choose furniture, including beds, tables and chairs, that contrast the walls and floors. Make sure plates and cutlery stand out against the dining table and placemats. Consider painting doors a different color than the surrounding walls or mark doors with colored tape. In the bathroom, it can also be helpful to paint both the wall adjacent to and the wall behind the toilet a different color than the toilet, making it easier to see and use.

Flooring

The look and feel of floors can greatly impact someone’s ability to navigate their home. While area and accent rugs tie a space together, unsecured rugs can increase a person’s risk of tripping and falling. Additionally, dark colored rugs, bath mats and door mats may be mistaken for holes, particularly when placed on a light floor. Materials like natural stone, ceramic and porcelain can be slippery, especially when wet, and could cause discomfort due to their coldness and may require a lot of upkeep. When polished, these materials can look wet even if they’re not, potentially deterring someone from walking in a certain area. They can also reflect light, making someone feel uneasy or overwhelmed. Busy patterns can be confusing to look at and may convince someone there is an item in their way that they have to avoid.

Some recommended flooring types include:

Wall-to-wall carpet: Be mindful of transitions between types of flooring. An abrupt change in material may cause someone to stop suddenly.
Vinyl: It’s easy to clean and maintain, and it’s waterproof.
Rubber: Slip-resistant and cushiony, rubber is functional and simple to maintain.
Floors with a matte finish: They minimize glare and improve visibility.

Furniture

Familiarity is vital to the comfort of someone living with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia. When furnishing a home, you should not only assess the practicality of any furniture pieces, but also consider how recognizable those are. Furniture should also support a person’s independence and not pose a hazard. It’s common for people to hold onto furniture for support when walking, so pieces need to be sturdy. Choose seating that’s a comfortable height and easy to get in and out of. Remove tripping hazards like protruding furniture, furniture that is low to the ground and general clutter. These considerations help make a home feel inviting.

Mirrors

Using a mirror is typically an everyday occurrence for most people. You go to the bathroom and look in the mirror as you wash your hands or you have a vanity in your room that you might use to get ready. For some people living with one of the dementias, mirrors may create confusion if they don’t recognize their own reflection. They may perceive their reflection as a stranger in their home, which may cause anxiety and distress. In these instances, it can be a good idea to cover or remove any mirrors. This helps avoid any unpleasant emotions their reflection may cause.

Family Photos and Keepsakes

Incorporating family photos and sentimental keepsakes into the home can spark joy and elicit fond memories in people living with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia. One pilot study suggests that reminiscing with photos may provide neurological benefits and potentially improve someone’s quality of life. Additionally, photos and keepsakes may prompt conversations between loved ones, which can help strengthen bonds and bring people closer together.

Creating a supportive home environment for a person living with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia can start with simple design choices. From lighting and colors to flooring and furniture, how you fill a home truly matters. Simple choices and intentional changes can help a person feel comfortable in their home. A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia may change how a person interacts with their space, but it shouldn’t impact their confidence and security. By thoughtfully crafting the home environment, you’re directly communicating comfort and respect.

_{The information provided in this blog is for informational purposes only and should not be used as a diagnostic tool or a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have concerns about dementia for yourself or a loved one, please consult a healthcare professional.}