"A safe environment is a foundation for peace of mind. Let’s make your home and caregiving approach as safe as possible."

Lesson 5: Home Safety for Dementia Care

Imagine walking into your home and suddenly everything feels unfamiliar—the layout, the objects, even the people. For someone with dementia, this confusion is a daily reality. Memory loss, impaired judgment, and reduced mobility can turn a once-safe home into a high-risk environment.

Key Facts:

• 60% of people with dementia experience a fall at least once per year, many at home.
• Wandering, kitchen accidents, and difficulty recognizing everyday items increase risk.
• 96% of caregivers report that implementing home safety modifications decreases stress and reduces injury risk.

Lesson Objectives:

• Identify common household hazards that increase risk
• Learn how to dementia-proof your home for safety and ease
• Discover the must-have safety devices every caregiver needs

A. Identifying Common Household Hazards

Even ordinary objects can pose risks for someone with dementia. Identifying and eliminating hazards is the first step in creating a dementia-friendly environment.

Top 5 Hidden Home Hazards:

• Clutter & Tripping Hazards: Loose rugs, cords, and misplaced furniture
• Poor Lighting: Dim areas or shadows cause confusion
• Unsecured Cleaning Products & Medications: Risk of accidental ingestion
• Mirrors & Reflections: Can frighten or agitate individuals who don’t recognize their reflection
• Unlabeled or Unfamiliar Objects: Opaque containers or cluttered spaces cause confusion

Quick Fix: Walk through each room from the perspective of someone with cognitive decline.

What TO Do:

• Remove clutter and secure rugs
• Install motion-sensor lighting in hallways, bathrooms, and stairs
• Store cleaning products and medications in locked cabinets
• Cover or remove mirrors in high-anxiety areas
• Use clear, labeled containers for food

What NOT to Do:

• Leave obstacles on the floor
• Assume what’s safe for you is safe for them
• Overwhelm them with too many visual changes at once

B. How to Dementia-Proof Your Home for Safety and Ease

Create a calming, intuitive environment where your loved one can move safely.

Room-by-Room Dementia Safety Checklist:

Bedroom:

• Install nightlights and remove trip hazards
• Keep a clear path to the bathroom
• Use a bed rail if needed

Bathroom:

• Install grab bars near toilet and shower
• Use non-slip mats and shower chairs
• Keep only essential toiletries visible

Kitchen:

• Install stove safety knobs or automatic shut-off devices
• Label cabinets with pictures or words
• Keep knives and chemicals out of reach

Entryways & Exits:

• Use door alarms or childproof locks
• Display a familiar sign or picture near the front door
• Store car keys securely

Living Spaces:

• Reduce excessive noise or stimulation
• Provide a safe “calm area” for rest
• Ensure furniture is sturdy

Biggest Mistake: Making too many changes at once—modify gradually.

  

C. The Must-Have Safety Devices Every Caregiver Needs

Top 5 Essential Devices:

• Motion-Activated Night Lights – Prevent falls and guide navigation
• Door Alarms & GPS Trackers – Alerts for wandering
• Automatic Stove Shut-Off Devices – Prevents cooking fires
• Grab Bars & Non-Slip Mats – Essential for bathrooms and high-risk areas
• Clear Labels & Picture-Based Signs – Helps recognize rooms and objects

Caregiver Tip: Introduce devices subtly as tools for independence.

What NOT to Do:

• Wait for an accident before making changes
• Assume your loved one will remember safety instructions

Lesson 6: Preventing Falls and Injuries

Falls are a major risk for people with dementia, who are twice as likely to fall as those without cognitive impairment. Falls can cause serious injuries, loss of mobility, and increased dependency.

Lesson Objectives:

• Understand why dementia increases fall risk
• Learn simple home modifications to prevent falls
• Discover strategies to help your loved one stay mobile and steady

A. The Link Between Dementia and Fall Risk

3 Reasons Dementia Increases Falls:

• Impaired Depth Perception & Spatial Awareness: Difficulty judging distances
• Poor Balance & Coordination: Cognitive decline affects motor skills
• Memory & Judgment Issues: Forgetting to use aids or recognizing hazards

Hidden Fall Risk Alert: Shiny or patterned floors may appear wet or like a hole.

What TO Do:

• Use non-slip, matte flooring
• Encourage slow, deliberate movements
• Ensure hallways, bathrooms, and common areas are well-lit

What NOT to Do:

• Assume your loved one sees the floor like you do
• Leave them to navigate unfamiliar spaces alone

B. Simple Home Modifications to Reduce Falls

Room-by-Room Fall Prevention Checklist:

Bedroom:

• Nightlight to guide to bathroom
• Low bed or bed rail
• Remove rugs and clutter

Bathroom:

• Grab bars and non-slip mats
• Handheld showerhead
• Remove hazards

Kitchen:

• Store items within reach
• Use chairs with armrests
• Keep floors dry

Entryways & Stairs:

• Handrails on both sides
• Mark steps with colored tape
• Level thresholds

Living Spaces:

• Clear pathways
• Secure or remove rugs
• Tuck away cords

Biggest Mistake: Making too many changes at once—modify gradually.

  

C. How to Help Your Loved One Stay Mobile and Steady

3 Ways to Support Mobility:

1. Encourage Safe Footwear:

• Non-slip, supportive shoes
• Avoid laces or sandals
• Grip socks for safety

1. Improve Strength & Balance:

• Gentle chair exercises
• Physical therapist-approved routines
• Supervised walks

1. Use Assistive Devices Correctly:

• Ensure consistent walker use
• Work with therapists for appropriate aids
• Consider lift chairs for sitting-to-standing

Caregiver Trick: Demonstrate cane or walker use yourself to encourage participation.

What NOT to Do:

• Assume they’ll remember to use mobility aids
• Let pride prevent using assistive devices

ACTION STEPS

1. Walk through your home and identify three immediate safety risks
2. Make three simple safety changes today (e.g., remove a tripping hazard, install a nightlight, label a cabinet)
3. Write down one additional change to implement this week to dementia-proof your home
4. Walk through your loved one’s most-used spaces and identify three potential fall risks
5. Make at least one immediate change today (e.g., secure a rug, install a nightlight, place grab bars)
6. Write down one additional safety improvement to implement this week

Remember: Even small safety improvements can significantly reduce accidents and keep your loved one secure.

©2025 Angelic Touch Health & Wellness, LLC