Tips on Preparing a Guest Room for Seniors with Dementia

10 Steps to Prepare a Guest Room for Seniors With Dementia

Many people think that dementia just refers to memory loss. However, seniors with dementia might also have difficulty communicating, difficulty solving complex tasks, general confusion, difficulty with physical coordination and motor functions, and some visual impairment. Also, there are stages when it comes to dementia. In the beginning, seniors with dementia might only experience the above symptoms to a mild extent. But later on, they may start experiencing them more often and to a greater extent.

Preparing a Guest Room for Seniors With Dementia

Having a senior relative over for the holidays is a great way to help them solidify their ties with friends and family. But you also need to make sure that there's nothing in the guest room that will lead to confusion. If the senior has difficulty with physical coordination, motor functions, and visual impairment, then there are subtle changes that will make them more comfortable in their guest bedroom. Here are some ideas:

1. Lighting

In order to avoid confusion, make sure that the drapes in the guest room are open during the day, and close during the night. This will give the senior visual clues about when it's day and when it's night.

2. Mirrors/Reflections

Some seniors with dementia experience confusion when they encounter mirrors or if they see other reflections. If this is the case, then remove the mirrors in your guest bedroom and keep the drapes drawn, especially at night, to avoid reflections in the windows.

3. Rugs/Cables

Make sure there are also no throw rugs or cables over which the senior might slip, trip, and fall.

4. Night Lights

At night, keep the door to the bathroom open and keep a night light on. Another option is placing a lamp that operates by touch on the bedside table. This way, seniors can easily turn it on if they wake up in the middle of the night.

5. Colors/Prints

Avoid placing seniors with dementia in a room where there are too many bright colors or prints, as this might lead to disorientation.

6. Memory Aids

Create a designated area, such as a bowl or a hook, where seniors can place their keys, glasses, and other things they might need.

7. Water Temperature

If possible, make sure that the water temperature in the home doesn't go over 120 degrees, to prevent the senior from accidentally getting burned.

8. Locks

It may also be a good idea to remove the locks from the bedroom and bathroom doors so that the senior doesn't accidentally get locked inside.

9. Bedding

Make sure that the color of the bedding contrasts with the color of the carpet. This will ensure that the senior can see things clearly from a distance if they are visually impaired.

10. Bathroom

In the bathroom, make sure that everything is conveniently placed. The toilet paper should be close to the toilet, the towels next to the shower, and the napkins next to the sink. A non-slip mat in the shower is also a necessity.

How Can a Caregiver Help a Senior With Dementia?

When having a senior with dementia over for the holidays in Summerville, Orangeburg, Santee, Summerton, Ridgeville, or St. Matthews, keep in mind that there are many ways to make them comfortable. It also helps if there is a caregiver with the senior who knows their habits and the things that make them uncomfortable.

Senior Helpers Summerville offers Alzheimer's, dementia, Parkinson's, and other chronic disease care. Our caregivers can help seniors to navigate a space that is new to them so that they don't experience any confusion or run into any difficulties with regard to vision and motor functions.