One of the things I hear most often from families affected by dementia is:
“We don’t know what to do.”
Not because they don’t want to help. Quite the opposite.
Most people are desperately trying to do the right thing. They’re reading articles, talking to professionals, searching online and trying to work out how best to support someone they love.
The challenge is that dementia rarely comes with a clear instruction manual.
I know that because I’ve been there myself.
What Mum Taught Me About Dementia
My mum lived with Parkinson’s-related dementia.
When my dad died, Mum came to live with us. At the time, I thought we had everything covered. She had a large downstairs bedroom, a walk-in shower and a downstairs toilet. Looking back, I thought we’d created the ideal set-up.
But I was surprised by how much she still struggled with certain things.
What I didn’t fully understand then was that dementia isn’t just about memory.
It can affect how someone interprets what they see, how they understand their surroundings and how confidently they move around spaces.
Things that seem obvious to us can suddenly become confusing.
A patterned carpet might look like a hole.
A shiny floor might appear wet.
A white toilet on a white background can become surprisingly difficult to identify.
These aren’t things most of us would ever think about until we’re faced with them.
Why the Home Matters
As an interior designer, I’ve always been interested in how a home feels to live in.
Through my experience with Mum, I became fascinated by how much the environment around us can help or hinder daily life.
Could a simple change make someone feel more confident?
Could a room layout reduce frustration?
Could better lighting help someone navigate their home more easily?
In many cases, the answer is yes.
That’s one of the reasons I became a Dementia Interpreter and continue to volunteer at my local Dementia Café. The more I learn, the more convinced I become that small changes can have a huge impact.
What Is a Dementia Home Consultation?
People often assume I’m going to recommend major building work.
Actually, it’s usually the opposite.
After a dementia diagnosis, familiarity is often incredibly important. This isn’t generally the time for a complete redesign.
Instead, I visit people in their homes and look at practical ways to support them.
That might involve:
* Improving lighting
* Introducing colour contrast
* Reducing visual clutter
* Making key items easier to find
* Looking at bedroom locations and layouts
* Making bathrooms easier to navigate
* Helping families think ahead about future needs
Most importantly, I listen.
Every person living with dementia is different. Their experiences, routines and challenges are unique. What works brilliantly for one person may not work at all for another.
That’s why there is never a one-size-fits-all solution.
What a Dementia Home Consultation Isn’t
It’s important to say that I am not a medical professional.
I can’t diagnose dementia.
I can’t stop it progressing.
And I certainly can’t “fix” it.
What I can do is help families think about how their home environment may be affecting daily life and identify practical changes that could support comfort, dignity, independence and confidence.
Book Your home consultation with me
Three Simple Changes You Can Make Today
1. Add Contrast in the Bathroom
White toilet seats on white toilets can be surprisingly difficult for someone living with dementia to identify.
A coloured toilet seat can make the toilet easier to recognise and may help maintain independence for longer.
2. Review Your Lighting
Poor lighting can create shadows and dark areas that feel confusing or unsettling.
Try to keep lighting levels even throughout the home, particularly in hallways, bathrooms and bedrooms.
3. Consider Coloured Plates
If a loved one seems less interested in food, it isn’t always a loss of appetite.
Sometimes the food simply blends into the plate.
A contrasting coloured plate can help make meals easier to see.
Remember, You’re Not Alone
If you’re supporting someone living with dementia, please remember that you don’t have to have all the answers.
Most families are figuring things out as they go.
Ask questions.
Seek support.
Talk to others who have been through it.
And don’t be afraid to ask for help when things feel overwhelming.
If you’d like more ideas for creating a dementia-friendly home, I’ve written a free guide that I’m always happy to share.
And if you’d like more tailored advice, you can find out more about my Dementia Home Consultation service here.
Sometimes the smallest changes really can make the biggest difference.
