How to make your property more accessible for people with Dementia

How can I make my property better for people with Dementia?

For a holiday rental, being dementia-friendly is largely about making an unfamiliar environment feel predictable, calm, safe and easy to navigate. This can benefit both the person living with dementia and the family member or carer travelling with them.

Importantly, dementia affects people differently, so the best approach is to provide flexibility rather than assuming that everyone will need the same adaptations.

Why is it important to keep the layout simple and predictable?

• Keep clear, unobstructed routes between rooms, to avoid trip hazards.
• Avoid unnecessary furniture and ornaments.
• Using a clear "TOILET" sign on the door and a toilet sign that is easy to recognise rather than an abstract symbol.
• Having a bathroom close to the bedroom where possible. In a direct sight line from the bed can definitely help maintain their dignity. 

How can flooring make an impact?

Avoid:

• Highly patterned carpets
• Black doormats (they can look like a hole)
• Strong geometric patterns
• Highly reflective flooring
• Slippery surfaces
• Abrupt changes in flooring that could be confusing

Plain or subtly patterned flooring can be easier to interpret.

A simple welcome guide can make them feel at home, how?

For guests with dementia provide a one- or two-page "Getting settled" guide with things such as:

You are staying at:
[Property name/address]

Bathroom:
The bathroom is next to the bedroom.

Wi-Fi:
Network: XXXXX
Password: XXXXX

Emergency:
Call 999 in an emergency.

Where to find things:
Keys – bowl beside the front door
Towels – bathroom cupboard
Bin – kitchen

You can provide the longer information separately for the family/carer.

Don't forget the person providing the care is also wanting a holiday.

Perhaps the most important tip is to ask:

"Is there anything we can do to make your stay easier or more comfortable?"

Don't assume, what works for one family may not work for another. Any stresses you can remove from the families stay will make the whole family have a nicer, more relaxing break. 

Gillian Scotford from AccessibleUK and I got together to film some simple tips on how to make you properties more accessible for guests with dementia. Here's the video with some top tips: