As dementia progresses, a person's judgment and abilities decline, increasing the risk of accidents at home. Here are some steps to improve safety while also supporting independence.

Be Prepared for Emergencies

• Keep a list of emergency phone numbers and addresses for local police, fire departments, and poison control helplines.

• Use a lock-box or key safe so emergency services can quickly enter the home if needed.

• Make sure carbon monoxide and smoke detectors are located throughout the home, and replace batteries twice a year during daylight saving time.

• Keep a fire extinguisher available and have it inspected regularly. 

• Avoid using space heaters and electric blankets as they can cause fires. 

• Use outlet covers to prevent fingers and other objects being inserted. 

• Consider removing guns and other weapons from the home or storing them in a locked cabinet. 

Improve Lighting

Improved lighting reduces the risk of falls and can reduce confusion in people with dementia. 

• Ensure that walkways, rooms, and outside areas have good lighting. Try to reduce glare, shadows and reflections. 

• Changes in light can be disorienting. Create an even level by adding extra lights in entries, outside landings, and areas between rooms, stairways and bathrooms. 

• Use night lights in hallways, bedrooms and bathrooms.

• Increase natural light during the day by opening curtains and checking that nothing is blocking the windows from the inside or outside of the home. 

• Use automatic light sensors and motion detectors. 

• Make sure light switches are easy to reach and easily recognized - adding color can help someone with dementia recognize the switch. 

Kitchen

• Move sharp objects, such as knives, out of sight. 

• Consider using safety locks on cabinets and drawers, especially those that have sharp items or cleaning products. 

• Keep frequently used items in sight and easy to reach. Avoid storing items in cabinets that are not at arm’s height. 

• Remove or cover stove and oven knobs, or purchase an automatic shut-off device.  

• Throw out expired foods and organize the refrigerator so that it is easy to find snacks and ready-to-eat foods. 

• Remove fake fruits, decorations, and toxic plants that could be mistaken for food. 

• Remove vitamins, prescription drugs, sugar, and seasonings from the kitchen table and counters.

• Use signs and labels to provide instructions on how to use simple appliances or as reminders. 

Bathroom

• Consider toilet seat risers to reduce fall risk.

• Install a hand-held shower head to control water flow direction. These are often less agitating to people with dementia.

• Purchase a shower bench or chair so that your loved one can safely sit while showering. 

• Install grab bars in and outside the shower or bath and next to the toilet.  Avoid using suction bars.

• Put non-skid strips  or a rubber mat in the shower or tub to prevent falls. 

• Replace small bath mats with a large rug that covers most of the floor. Put an adhesive back on it to keep it from slipping.

• Put medications in locked cabinets or drawers and discard any that have expired or are not needed.

• Lock up any bathroom cleaning products and small electrical appliances.

• Check the water temperature to make sure it is not too hot. 

Bedroom

• Use secured steps or bed rails to help your loved one get in and out of bed safely. 

• Place lamps or light switches near the bed, or use a nightlight or motion sensor. 

• A monitoring system, like a baby monitor or camera, can help you hear when your loved one gets out of bed or needs help.

• Ensure there is a clear path to the bathroom or use a bedside commode. 

• Provide seating near the bed to help with dressing. 

• Ensure closet shelves are at an accessible height so that items are easy to reach

Stairs

• Add a second handrail to staircases.

• Put carpet or safety grip strips on stairs.

• Use brightly colored tape on the edges of each stair so that they are more visible.

• Use grab bars for when there are only a few stairs such as the entrance or garage.

Furniture and Windows

• Check that book shelves, cabinets or large TVs are secured to prevent them from tipping.  

• Ensure that tables are stable and have round, smooth edges. 

• Mark glass doors and windows with a sticker or decal at eye level to make sure your loved one can see the panes clearly.

Floors and Flooring

• Clear away unused items and clutter, remove or secure small rugs, and reroute or tape electrical cords.

• Avoid rugs or mats since some people with dementia may become confused and think they need to step over it. 

• Avoid shiny or reflective flooring, as it can be perceived as being wet.

• Choose a color that contrasts with the walls and consider avoiding colors that may be confused for real things such as green grass or blue water. 

Laundry Room

• Keep all cleaning products out of sight and secured.

• Consider installing safety locks on washing machines and dryers to prevent inappropriate items being put in or taken out too early. 

• Clean out lint screens and dryer ducts regularly to prevent fires

Garage and Storage

• Limit access to tools and equipment by securing or disabling them.

• Keep poisonous chemicals, such as gasoline or paint thinner, out of reach and secured.

• Install a motion sensor on the garage door.

Yards and Outside Spaces

• Ensure that walking surfaces are flat to prevent trips or falls. 

• Outdoor space should be secure to prevent someone from wandering.

• Consider raising flower beds and adding sheltered seating. 

• Check lighting at different times of the day to make sure it is adequate. 

Door Locks

• Install locks out of sight. Place locks above or below eye level on all doors. 

• Consider confounding locks or keypads. 

• Remove locks on interior doors to prevent the person living with dementia from locking themselves in. 

• Keep an extra set of keys hidden near the door for easy access.

Medications

• Keep medications in a locked drawer or cabinet.

• Use a pill organizer or automatic medication dispenser to assist with medications.

Preventing Wandering

• Install locks out of sight. Place locks above or below eye level on all doors or use confounding locks.

• Camouflage door knobs, use a curtain to cover the door or paint the door the same color as the wall to discourage your loved one from going outside. 

• Rearrange furniture to prevent wandering. For example, chairs should not face the door. 

Contrasting Colors

Contrast can make it easier to differentiate between objects.

• Avoid bold patterns and stripes. They can be confusing and disorientating.

• Use contrasting colors on walls, floors, and doors. However, if your loved one is prone to wander, you may want the door the same color as the wall to prohibit wandering.

• Choose furnishings in bright or bold colors that contrast with the walls and floors.

• Purchase a toilet seat that is in a different color than the rest of the bathroom.

• Use dishes that have colored edges or contrast with the table. 

Using Labels, Signs, and Instructions 

• Signs should be easy to read and use words and pictures. 

• Labels or signs on cupboards and doors can be helpful, such as a toilet sign on the bathroom door or pictures of what is inside a cabinet.

• Notes placed at certain points around the house can serve as reminders.  For example, a note near the doors reminding the person to  "check for your keys".

• A whiteboard  or reminder clock can be used to list daily household tasks, such as taking medications or charging a phone.