Creating a Safe and Calming Space

Caring for someone living with dementia at home can be both deeply rewarding and incredibly challenging. Dementia doesn’t just affect memory; it can change how a person understands the world around them. Every day tasks can feel overwhelming or confusing, both for them and for those supporting them.

But small changes at home and how we relate to our loved ones can make a big difference. With thoughtful adaptations, you can help someone feel more confident, less anxious, and more comfortable navigating daily life.

At Bluebird Care Worthing, we support many families through this journey. Here's the advice we most often share to help people live well with dementia at home.

1. Create a Calm, Uncluttered Environment

Too much noise, movement, or visual distraction can increase confusion and stress for someone living with dementia. A simple, peaceful space helps to soothe and settle.

Try this:

• Clear floors of rugs, cables, or clutter that could be tripping hazards or cause visual confusion.
• Use soft, indirect lighting rather than harsh spotlights to create a more comfortable atmosphere.
• Keep décor calm and minimal, using soft tones and avoiding overly patterned fabrics or wallpapers.

Why it helps:
 Reducing sensory overload helps your loved one focus better on their surroundings and daily tasks. A calm space supports a calm mind.

2. Use Colour and Contrast to Support Independence

Dementia can change how a person sees and interprets the world. High contrast between objects makes things easier to recognise and use.

Try this:

• Use a brightly coloured toilet seat that contrasts with the bowl to make it more visible and less confusing.
• Choose plain, solid-colour plates that stand out from the table or placemat to help with mealtimes.
• Paint important doors (like the bathroom) in a bold colour to make them easier to identify.

Why it helps:
 Visual contrast makes everyday objects more noticeable, which reduces frustration and increases confidence.

3. Make Important Items Easy to See and Reach

Short-term memory and sequencing are often affected by dementia, so having to remember where things are, or guess what’s inside a cupboard can become stressful.

Try this:

• Keep kitchen cupboard doors open or use clear-fronted storage for commonly used items.
• Add photo labels or large, clear text on cupboard and drawer fronts to show what's inside.
• Keep important items like glasses, keys or phones in consistent, visible places.

Why it helps:
 Minimising the need to search or remember helps reduce anxiety and allows the person to remain as independent as possible.

4. Stick to a Routine, But Stay Flexible

Routine provides structure and familiarity, which is incredibly important in dementia care. It reduces the mental effort required to get through the day, but it also needs to feel calm, not rigid.

Try this:

• Keep regular times for meals, bathing, and sleep to build predictability into the day.
• Use clear clocks, calendars, or visual timetables to help with orientation and reassurance.
• Introduce changes gently and explain them in simple, reassuring ways.

Why it helps:
 Structure helps someone feel more secure, but flexibility allows you to respond with kindness when they’re tired, agitated, or confused.

5. Adapt Your Attitude, Not Just the Environment

The way we speak, react, and respond has just as much impact as the home itself. Kindness, patience, and emotional flexibility are key.

Try this:

• Avoid correcting or arguing when your loved one is confused, try entering their version of reality instead.
• Use calm, clear speech, and give plenty of time to process information before expecting a response.
• Reassure frequently and respond to feelings rather than focusing only on facts.

Why it helps:
 People with dementia may forget what you said, but they will remember how you made them feel. Emotional connection often matters more than accuracy.

6. Involve the Person in Daily Life

Even when someone’s abilities change, their need for purpose and inclusion doesn’t. Giving them a role, no matter how small, can bring joy and dignity.

Try this:

• Encourage simple, familiar tasks like folding towels, setting the table, or watering plants.
• Break tasks into small, clear steps and offer encouragement rather than correction.
• Celebrate the effort, not the result—what matters is their involvement and connection.

Why it helps:
 Feeling useful and involved boosts confidence, maintains identity, and supports emotional well-being.

Final Thoughts

Supporting someone with dementia at home takes patience, creativity, and compassion. You don’t need to make huge changes to improve daily life, just thoughtful, meaningful ones that show care and respect.

And remember, it’s not just the layout of your home that matters. It's your tone of voice, your willingness to slow down, and the warmth you bring into each moment.

At Bluebird Care Worthing, we’re here to walk alongside you. Whether you need occasional support or daily help, our care is built around the people we serve, and the homes they love.

Need advice tailored to your loved one’s needs? We’re just a phone call away, always happy to talk, with no pressure to commit.