Home Safety Modifications for People with Dementia

Start with a Safety Walk-Through

Before making changes, walk through the home with fresh eyes — ideally with someone who can offer an outside perspective. Move through each room and ask: What could cause a fall here? What could be mistaken for something else? What could someone open, access, or leave the house through?

The risks will vary depending on the stage of dementia and the individual's specific behaviors. Someone who wanders requires different modifications than someone whose primary challenge is balance and fall risk. Tailor your approach accordingly.

Reducing Fall Risks Throughout the Home

Falls are one of the most serious risks for people with dementia, and many are preventable with relatively simple changes.

• Remove throw rugs — Loose rugs are a leading cause of falls. Remove them entirely or secure them with non-slip backing and tape.
• Clear pathways — Ensure clear, wide paths through frequently used rooms. Remove low furniture, electrical cords, and clutter from walking areas.
• Improve lighting — Add nightlights in hallways, bathrooms, and bedrooms. Motion-activated lights are particularly helpful for nighttime trips to the bathroom.
• Install grab bars — Add grab bars near the toilet and in the shower or tub. These are among the highest-impact safety modifications available.
• Use non-slip surfaces — Place non-slip mats in the shower and tub, and on bathroom floors. Consider non-slip strips on stair treads.

Kitchen and Bathroom Safety

These two rooms contain the most concentrated hazards — heat, water, sharp objects, and chemicals. A few targeted modifications make a significant difference.

• Stove safety — Consider installing an automatic stove shut-off device, or removing stove knobs when the kitchen is unsupervised. Unsupervised cooking is a leading cause of house fires among people with dementia.
• Lock away hazardous items — Cleaning supplies, medications, and sharp knives should be stored in locked cabinets or out of reach. People with dementia may not recognize these items as dangerous.
• Water temperature — Set the water heater to 120°F or lower to prevent scalding. People with dementia may not reliably test water temperature before getting in.
• Bathroom door locks — Remove or modify locks on bathroom doors so they can always be opened from the outside in an emergency.

Preventing Wandering

Wandering — leaving the home unsupervised — is a serious safety concern for many people with dementia. It can happen quickly and without warning, even in people who have not previously wandered.

• Door alarms — Simple door chimes or alarms alert caregivers when exterior doors are opened. These are inexpensive and highly effective.
• Disguise exit doors — Covering door handles with cloth, placing a dark mat in front of the door, or painting the door to blend with the wall can reduce the visual cue to exit.
• Secure the yard — If your loved one spends time outdoors, ensure the yard is fully fenced with a gate that requires a two-step action to open.
• Identification — Ensure your loved one carries identification at all times. Medical ID bracelets with name and emergency contact information are a practical safeguard.

Simplifying the Environment

Beyond specific hazards, the overall environment can either support or undermine a person with dementia's ability to function. A cluttered, visually complex space increases confusion. A simplified, organized space reduces it.

• Reduce visual clutter on countertops, tables, and shelves.
• Label drawers and cabinets with simple words or pictures to help locate items.
• Use contrasting colors to help with depth perception — for example, a dark plate on a light tablecloth.
• Keep frequently used items in consistent, accessible locations.
• Remove or cover mirrors if your loved one becomes distressed by their reflection.