Simple steps to make your home dementia-friendly

When Joe’s wife Joyce was diagnosed with dementia, the pair discussed how she could maintain her routine and independence at home for as long as possible. 

“We sat down and thought, we’re in this for the long haul,” Joe said. “We’ll do the best we can for ourselves and, if we need help, someone will be able to help us out down the track.”

As Joyce’s dementia progressed, Joe made changes around their home to support her. 

“We labelled all the cupboard doors in the kitchen and drawers in our wardrobe to help Joyce navigate and know where everything was located,” he said.

“We downloaded an app that can control the TV and lights from a mobile phone, so it was easier for Joyce to navigate and I can control things when I’m not at home.”

Dementia Australia has developed a free interactive video guide, the Dementia-Friendly Home, as a useful resource to support people with dementia to live independently in their home environment.

The video guide gives practical tips to make homes safer and more accessible for people living with dementia, enabling them to stay in their familiar environment and continue their regular lifestyle activities for longer.

Dementia affects more than just memory – it impacts how a person perceives and interacts with their surroundings, which is why Joe encourages people to consider the various ways in which they can make their homes more dementia friendly.

“Perhaps some things might not work for some people but if you explore a few changes, some might work for you,” he said.

Joyce and Joe live with their adored assistance dog Venus, who helps Joyce to have greater independence and freedom.

“I know that if I get lost, she (Venus) will bring me home,” Joyce said. 

The labrador also assists Joyce by getting up to activate movement sensor lights in the bedroom.

Want to make your home dementia-friendly? 

Dementia Australia’s free interactive video guide – the Dementia-Friendly Home – supports people with dementia to live independently in their home environment.  

For more information and to view the video guide, visit the Dementia Friendly Home page on our website.

Looking for support or advice?

If you would like support or advice about caring for a loved one with dementia, or any other dementia-related query, contact the National Dementia Helpline for on 1800 100 500 or via our live chat.

The Dementia Australia Library provides free access to a comprehensive collection of print and digital resources about dementia and is available to everyone.

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