Dementia Australia has launched a free, interactive video guide called The Dementia-Friendly Home, designed to help people living with dementia maintain their independence and stay in familiar surroundings for longer.
This initiative offers practical tips for making homes safer and more accessible, which can also be useful for retirement living operators.
Why it matters
With two in three people living with dementia residing in the community, it’s important to ensure their homes are safe, comfortable, and supportive of their daily routines. This guide helps people create an environment that allows individuals with dementia to continue living in their own homes for as long as possible.
Supporting independence
Dementia Australia’s CEO, Professor Tanya Buchanan, highlighted how everyday activities can become more challenging for people with dementia. “This guide provides simple but effective tips like clearing walkways or using contrasting colours when setting the table, helping people maintain their independence,” she said.
Real-life benefits
Joe Coppi, a Dementia Australia advocate and carer for his wife Joyce, shared how small adjustments at home have made a big difference. “After Joyce was diagnosed with dementia, we made our home as safe and comfortable as possible. We now use labels on cupboards and have a motion-activated light that turns on when Joyce gets out of bed at night,” Joe explained.
Learn more
To see how you can make a home more dementia-friendly, watch the video guide here.
National Dementia Helpline 1800 100 500