Dementia Australia launches free tool

One in three people with dementia live in the community, so supporting and enabling them to make sure their home is safe is vital.

To assist people living with dementia, their family and carers ensure the home is safe and accessible, Dementia Australia has unveiled a new digital video guide with practical tips on how to improve accessibility.  

Maintaining a familiar environment but making the necessary accessibility changes will allow a person living with dementia to remain independent for as long as possible and will better protect their dignity – especially in cases like using the toilet or bathing.

Dementia Australia chief executive officer Tanya Buchanan said the guide could provide tools to the 433,300 Australians living with dementia to make everyday tasks easier.

“This guide can help, with practical tips such as clearing walkways or using contrasting colours when setting the table,” she said.

“The Dementia-Friendly Home supports independence, dignity and safety for people living with dementia, their families and carers.”

The video guide includes tips for several types of rooms, with many of the suggestions being low-cost changes such as painting skirting boards a different, neutral colour to the walls, ceiling and floors, labelling light switches and placing coloured tape around them, or using plug-in nightlights and higher wattage bulbs for better visibility.

The guide also provides higher cost alternatives such as installing sensor lights, replacing a conventional gas cooktop with an induction cooktop or installing thermostat temperature control and overflow protection systems in the shower – depending on what systems are already in place at the home.

Access the Dementia-Friendly Home: a video guide here.

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