By: Joel Kroft, Executive Director of Memory Support Services at Country Meadows Retirement Communities

Family members and friends who stand by their loved one experiencing memory loss and advocate for their needs are MVPs when it comes to dementia care. They develop the ability to understand their new cues and walk with the resident every step of their journey. This is not an easy role, and the road can be long and difficult, but it makes a world of difference in the quality of life and experiences of the individual with the dementia diagnosis. 

You don’t have to be related to someone navigating memory loss to have empathy and provide a safe community. Everyone can do their part to ensure public spaces, such as restaurants, parks, shops and homes promote independence and physical and emotional wellbeing. As a supporter of Dementia Friendly Lehigh Valley, you are taking a great first step in increasing knowledge and decreasing the stigma of dementia, while also making a positive difference in people’s lives. It’s on each of us to change the way people think, act and talk about dementia. 

Small actions make a big impact when it comes to creating a community that is dementia friendly. Consider these tips when evaluating ways to make your home, business and community more inclusive for those receiving dementia care: 

Tips for the Home

Home should feel like a warm and safe space. Whether your loved one lives with family or resides in a memory care neighborhood, there should be comfort and familiarity in the areas that are called home. 

• Keep furniture, decorations and frequently used personal items and objects in the same place to help trigger memory cues. 
• Fill rooms with bright or natural lights, especially in hallways and staircases. At night, utilize night lights to prevent confusion.  
• Be cognizant of safety hazards and try to declutter when able to avoid fall risks. Consider putting the main decorations on walls and hiding extension cords behind and under furniture. In bathrooms, install safety grab bars or non-slip mats. For kitchens, consider automatic shut-off appliances and securing sharp objects. 
• Add visual cues and labels to frequently accessed areas such as drawers, cabinets and doors to help with navigation and easier completion of tasks. For example, place a picture of a shirt and pants on the closet door.
• Support routines. Like most people, individuals requiring dementia care thrive in structure and routine. Installing large font clocks or posting an outline of daily schedules helps with consistency. 

Tips for Restaurants

• Train staff to speak clearly and demonstrate a higher level of patience when serving a guest with dementia.
• If a party discloses the circumstances of a patron, consider placing their table in a less crowded part of the restaurant.
• Making an accessible menu available that includes photos of entrees.
• Educate staff on where first aid kits or other emergency essentials would be.

For families planning a dinner-out with a loved one receiving dementia care, check out these tips to make the experience enjoyable for all.

Tips for Parks/Outdoor Experiences

• Install large font or photos on signage. 
• Consider designating a sensory-friendly area that may be quieter option.
• Focus on accessibility in the form of smooth walking paths, guard rails for support or fences that clearly define boundaries. 
• Install benches around paths to encourage breaks and relaxation.

Commit to Being a Good Neighbor

It’s about being mindful of ways to support but also watching for clues and behaviors that may indicate someone is struggling. This can look like helping your neighbor with simple tasks, like cleaning or mowing. Some individuals living with dementia might be higher functioning, while others may need extra help all of the time. If you are in a grocery store, retail establishment, restaurant or other public place, keep an eye out for some of these common signs and symptoms so you can lend a helping hand or simply offer patience and respect. 

• Confusion or restlessness
• Agitation or inappropriate behaviors or action
• Getting lost in a familiar neighborhood
• Loss or difficulty doing day-to-day activities
• Wearing inappropriate clothing for the weather or appearing disheveled
• Language or communications issues

For more early signs and symptoms, visit the Alzheimer’s Association’s website.

Learning Opportunities at Country Meadows

At Country Meadows, we offer a program called Dementia Live, an immersive session putting you in the shoes of an individual with dementia. During a Dementia Live session, you get to experience sensory and environmental factors that someone with dementia might struggle with daily. We have had many participants leave the trainings with their eyes opened to the nuanced ways that memory loss seemingly affects everyday abilities. This experience can leave an impact and hopefully assist you in preparing for the future. If you would be interested in participating in a Dementia Live event, please contact an advisor at a campus near you to discuss the next session.