Imagine this—you wake from a midday nap and the sun is shining directly into the room, making it uncomfortably warm. You are still half asleep when two strangers walk in speaking so rapidly and loudly that you struggle to keep up, let alone react. In the bed beside you, someone is playing music and having a conversation with their family member, adding to the chaos. Your frustration and agitation build up, eventually leading to shouting and physically pushing away those nearby. What should have been a relaxing moment quickly spiraled into heightened confusion, anxiety, and overstimulation. This is what is can be like for a person living with dementia.
- Loud noises and activities
- Bright lights
- Too hot/cold temperatures
- Clutter
- Rapid movement or speech
- Inconsistent routines
- Being too close to others
Tips on maintaining a dementia-friendly environment
- Provide a variety of activities—encourage participation in activities while being mindful of sensitivity to loud noises and crowds. Seat residents toward the back if they become anxious.
- Offer calm space for independent activities—small lounges with calming music or the privacy of one’s room can help feelings of anxiety.
- Consider lighting—be mindful of spaces with bright lights or sunlight shining directly onto the resident’s face. People with dementia can be more sensitive to light, as their pupils take longer to adjust.
- Keep comfortable body temp—provide sweaters or layer clothing on colder days and lighter/breathable clothing on warmer days.
- Personalize living spaces—make sure to place familiar items such as pictures, artwork, bedding, and other items around the room to help a person feel connected to family.
- Thoughtfulness with roommate pairings—carefully consider the preferences and habits of each person such as sleep schedule, TV volume, and frequency of visitors.
Keep in mind, some changes will be easier to adapt to than others, and some people may need extra time to adjust. Providing a safe environment for people with dementia, along with a balanced level of engagement and stimulation, is essential for enhancing their quality of life.
SOURCES
7 Signs of Overstimulation in the Elderly | Memory Care | TX
Dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Eyesight: Symptoms and How to Help | Hebrew SeniorLife
