Modifications for People Living with Dementia Part 2
Last week I shared some tips for creating the ideal home for people as they age and also for considering potential changes in cognition. We wandered up the sidewalk, across the porch, into the living room, and through the kitchen and dining area. All along the route, we remained mindful of loose carpet or rugs, cords, wobbly tiles, or other fixtures that might produce tripping potentialities.
Hallways need to be open and clear of bookcases, etc. that don’t allow easy walking or when using a walker or wheelchair. A carefully placed, skinny table close to the door or stairway is good for stacking ingoing or outgoing mail, keys, or bags. Just be sure that the handiness does not promote clutter. If there are stairs, carpet is nice for preventing slips, but make certain it is not frayed or uneven. Smooth stairways with nonslip adhesive strips or securely placed rubber treads are also beneficial. A railing on each side is vital to maintain balance when going up or down. If a debilitating condition exists and the bedroom is up or down the steps, consider adding a lift. A small convenience such as this keeps independence open. I understand there are models that actually wind around the steps when you have a series of steps, a platform, and then more steps.
The bedroom light-switch needs to be right by the door. A handy dresser or end table can be located here, too, so there is a place to unload parcels. Low dressers mean easy access and stability. Tall dressers, like tall bookshelves, should be fastened to the wall to alleviate a tipping hazard. Motion sensor lights throughout the living area are important, whether at the entry, in the hallway, or in the bathroom. They are equally useful in the bedroom so that if one needs to get up during in the night, a safety light pops on. Chargers for cellphones should be right next to the bed to be certain that the phone is ready.
If there is fear of falling, especially if a person might get confused and tumble out of bed when startled, slide the bed next to the wall or add bedrails. Otherwise space on each side makes for easier making of the bed plus this leaves room for a walker, wheelchair, or commode. Double check that smoke detectors, also placed throughout the house, are charged and/or have new batteries. A chair by the bed makes a convenient spot for putting on shoes or pants, just refuse to let it become a junk collector.
Closets can also become nightmares when every item is saved, whether worn in the last decade or not. A couple of recommendations for this: take everything out, pile it on the bed, then sort by “Keep”, “Donate or Sell”, and “Toss”. If this sounds overwhelming, it often is. Instead you can turn all of the hangers “backward” only turned after you wear that item. After a month or two, get rid of anything still hanging of the backward hanger. I always admire closets divided into three sections: one is full length (good for dresses and long clothes or for storing shoeboxes and a laundry basket underneath clothes); a middle section with shelves for shoes, sweaters, towels; a section with a high rod and a medium one to double storage space.
Bathrooms need ample room for moving around or for navigating with a walker or wheelchair. The first project may be removing the door and hanging one that is of “barndoor” style, sliding along the outside wall to make a wider opening. Grab bars are essential, just make sure they are adequate, well placed, and screwed into wall studs so they do not rip out. You’ll like them by the toilet, in the shower, by the door. Lower cabinets mean increased accessibility. Lever faucets are better for easy on/off. A bench in the shower provides a rest area; a removable, handheld shower head makes for easier bathing when mobility is limited. Climbing over a bathtub rim can be dangerous; a sliding chair makes life easier. Walk-in showers with a low lip at the entry are also easier for climbing (or rolling) in and out.
With more to discuss, be prepared for next week. My articles summarize the highlights; for details, contact me and I will email the AARP color version or mail a copy to help you organize your living quarters.