There are various devices and products that can help a person with dementia who is living at home alone.Â
Useful memory aids include whiteboards, diaries, and calendars to note important dates or tasks. If the person has these items, use them to remind them of a task they need to carry out when you’re not there.
Automatic pill dispensers, which can be set in advance, can be helpful. They often show different weekdays to be stocked up for the entire week.Â
However, over time, the person will need you to administer their medication to ensure they take everything when they are supposed to. Days of the week can become harder for the person to understand as the condition progresses.
When serving meals, use brightly coloured dinner plates so that the person can clearly identify the food on their plate. White fish on a white plate can make it harder for the person to see what’s in front of them. While the person’s eyesight may be fine, remember that the brain has to process what they see.
If the person is getting confused at home, and struggling to find their way around, consider putting signs on doors and cupboards, so they are less likely to get confused.
While it’s not your responsibility to rearrange the look and style of the person’s home, there are things you can do to help make it a safer environment.
Ensure there are no trip hazards like shoes on the floor or frayed rugs.
Change bulbs and ensure there’s good lighting in each room.
Remove mirrors if the person appears to find them upsetting. They may not recognise themselves in the mirror and think someone else is staring at them.
If the person doesn’t mind, move small furniture items like coffee tables out of the middle of the room so that they have a clear pathway through the room. This will reduce the risk of accidents and falls.
Check fridges and cupboards for expired foods. Organise fridge and freezer items to avoid confusion. Store cleaning products in a locked cupboard.
Set the central heating system instead of portable heaters to prevent potential hazards.
Remove bathmats that can cause tripping to create a safer bathroom environment. Place a free-standing toilet roll holder near the toilet for easy access.
Lock away medications in a secure storage box to prevent mix-ups. If the person is in the later stages of dementia, you will need to supervise them while they take medication to ensure they take the right amount and dosage.