Creating a safe and supportive environment for individuals with Alzheimer’s and dementia 

September is the World Alzheimer’s Month and a global opportunity to raise the awareness of supporting people, and their families affected by this increasingly common disease. The Alzheimer’s Society go as far as describing this as the ‘UK’s biggest killer.’ Providing care and support for individuals living with Alzheimer’s and dementia requires a flexible approach that addresses their unique needs, by ensuring safety, promoting independence, and offering emotional support and understanding. 

Here we explore some potential strategies for creating a safe and supportive environment for individuals in their own home, a healthcare or social care setting, supported by their families, or  health and social care professionals. 

Ensure physical safety

Keeping safe is important for people with Alzheimer’s and dementia, here are some suggestions to promote this. 

• Hazard elimination: Conduct regular safety audits to identify and remove tripping hazards such as loose rugs, electrical cords, and clutter. Install non-slip mats in bathrooms and common areas. 

• Safety: Equip rooms and common areas with grab bars, handrails, and bed rails as needed. Make sure that sharp objects and toxic substances are securely locked away. 

• Optimal lighting: Ensure consistent and adequate lighting in rooms, particularly in hallways and staircases, to prevent falls. Motion-sensor lighting can be beneficial. 

• Medical alert systems: Provide individuals with wearable medical alert devices that can quickly summon assistance in an emergency. 

Create a calm environment

A calm environment can help people with Alzheimer’s feel safe and comfortable. Here are some ways to create a calm environment for someone with Alzheimer’s 

• Personalising spaces:  In settings away from home, personalise rooms with familiar items, such as photographs, to provide comfort and stimulate memories. Maintain a consistent and simple layout of furniture and personal items to reduce confusion and prevent accidents. 

• Noise reduction: Noise reduction is critical for creating a calming environment. This can be achieved by minimising background noise from televisions, radios, medical equipment, and conversations, using soft, calming music to create a relaxed atmosphere, and asking staff to minimise talking to help maintain a quieter environment. 

• Daily schedules: Establish a structured daily schedule. Set regular times for meals, medications, and activities, and maintain a consistent routine to reduce anxiety and promote a sense of security. 

Promote independence and engagement

Promoting independence and engagement can be achieved through tailored strategies

• Adapting activities: Adapt daily activities by breaking down tasks into manageable steps and using visual cues and verbal prompts. 
• Encouraging physical activity: Promote health and well-being by developing exercise programs that include light activities such as walking, gardening or stretching. 
• Providing cognitive stimulation: Create personalised activities that are engaging, like puzzles, reading, or arts and crafts, tailored to the individual’s abilities and interests. 
• Promoting Social interactions: Facilitate regular social interactions with family, friends, and others to combat isolation and depression, further promoting overall well-being
  

How can your health and social care staff provide support?

When individuals with Alzheimer’s and dementia present in a health or social care setting, their condition is often in addition to the clinical or social care that they require, such as an outpatient or X-ray appointment or possibly admission to a ward for a fall or infection. In these instances, creating a positive environment is crucial and staff require: 

• Empathy and patience: Approach individuals with patience, empathy, and understanding, recognising that behavioural changes are symptoms of the condition. 

• Positive reinforcement: Use positive reinforcement techniques to encourage desired behaviours and celebrate individual achievements, no matter how small. 

Professional support

Creating a safe and supportive environment for those who have Alzheimer’s and dementia requires a dedicated, knowledgeable, and caring team. By implementing these strategies, health and social care professionals can provide high-quality care, enhance patient well-being, and support families experiencing the challenges of Alzheimer’s and dementia. 

Regularly updated training ensures all health and social care professionals receive ongoing knowledge and skills in dementia care, focusing on the unique needs of Alzheimer’s patients. 

As one of the leading healthcare training providers in the UK, we offer a range of courses and training around Alzheimer’s and dementia awareness, and how your health and social care team can support patients and families that are affected.  

View our available courses below 👇

Or, alternatively, contact us below to find out how we can help your organisation.