Home should feel safe and familiar, especially for someone living with dementia. Small adjustments can make a big difference in confidence, comfort, and safety.

Here are seven simple ways to make your home more dementia-friendly without expensive equipment or major changes.

1. Lighting

Bright, even lighting helps reduce shadows and confusion. Keep curtains open during the day and use warm, consistent lights at night. Avoid dark hallways and sudden contrasts.

2. Clear pathways

Remove clutter and rearrange furniture so movement is easy and safe. Fewer obstacles mean less frustration and fewer falls.

3. Colour and contrast

Colour helps people recognise spaces. Try using contrasting colours for doors, handles, and furniture edges. Avoid busy patterns, which can feel confusing.

4. Familiar cues

Display personal items like photos, keepsakes, or favourite books. These act as anchors, visual reminders that tell your loved one, “You are home.”

5. Sound and scent

Soft background music or familiar scents like baking bread can trigger positive memories. These sensory cues often calm and reassure.

6. Safe spaces

Create one quiet area for rest, with clear light, no clutter, and a comfortable chair. This becomes a safe zone when things feel overwhelming.

7. Involve your loved one

Include them in decisions about décor or arrangement. A sense of ownership boosts confidence and keeps identity intact.

At Sapcote Memory Hub in Leicestershire, we’ve seen how environment shapes behaviour. Calm surroundings reduce anxiety and bring out moments of connection.