Austin is a city known for its vibrant culture and lively atmosphere. However, when caring for loved ones with Alzheimer’s or dementia, it’s important to find Round Rock area memory care facilities that provide the best possible care. A community that also offers social and upscale living spaces is essential.
The Cottage memory care program at Tech Ridge Oaks is one such community offering Austin memory care apartments. Our dementia-friendly environment is comforting and calming. We professionally designed the Alzheimer’s care center to let residents live in the moment and find purpose.
Consider the following tips if you plan on decorating a senior living apartment or home area for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Continue reading to discover how to create a warm and inviting environment that is also a comfortable and secure living space.
Preventing Accidents in the Living Space
People with dementia often experience a cognitive and functional decline. Memory loss and mobility changes can lead to difficulties in:
- Perception
- Memory
- Judgment
- Problem-solving
As a result, loved ones have trouble recognizing potential hazards in their environment, remembering how to use objects or appliances safely, or executing complex movements with precision.
Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia progressively affect balance, gait, and coordination. These changes make loved ones more susceptible to falls, bumps, or collisions. These factors can make people with dementia more accident-prone and vulnerable to injury.
A hazard-free living space is paramount. Simplicity can also help reduce confusion and overstimulation. Start with these recommendations:
- Decorations should be sturdy, non-breakable, and not present a tripping hazard.
- Remove anything that could cause harm or confusion, such as electrical cords, sharp objects, or loose rugs.
- Use soft colors to create a soothing ambiance. Avoid bright, bold colors that can be overwhelming.
- Declutter the space and ensure it’s not too busy with too many objects. This tip is beneficial for meal times.
A simplified living space — especially in memory care, Round Rock-area families find, helps prevent confusion and anxiety in seniors with dementia. Be sure to keep the layout of the apartment consistent and unchanging. Familiarity is key for someone with dementia. Sticking to a standard design can help them feel at ease.
Select furniture that is comfortable and familiar. Decorate with pieces that are easy to navigate and won’t dominate or crowd a space. Consider selecting pieces that are easy to clean and are not made of harsh materials that could cause discomfort. Keep the furniture placement consistent, as moving it around can lead to confusion and disorientation.
Try to make the space resemble their previous home or a familiar space to them.
Six Steps to a Dementia-Friendly Home for Memory Care Near Round Rock
- Improve lighting: Ensure that rooms are well-lit, especially in areas where someone with dementia spends a lot of time. Consider installing nightlights to prevent falls.
- Use contrasting colors: Use contrasting colors for walls, floors, and furniture to help someone with dementia distinguish between different surfaces and objects.
- Label items: Label drawers, cupboards, and other items to help someone with dementia find what they need more easily.
- Provide cues: Use visual cues, such as signs or pictures, to help someone with dementia navigate the home and remember where things are located.
- Create a routine: Establish a consistent routine for daily activities, such as meals, exercise, and leisure time, to help someone with dementia feel more comfortable and less disoriented.
- Enhance security: Install locks or alarms on doors and windows to prevent someone with dementia from wandering outside unsupervised.
A Bonding Experience: Decorating a Senior Living Apartment
One of the most important aspects of decorating a senior living space is bonding with your loved one. Decorating the living space together can help establish trust and familiarity. It can be a fun activity that brings joy to both of you.
You can use this time to bond, whether moving a loved one into a senior living community or reimagining home care.
In The Cottage at Tech Ridge Oaks, we encourage family members and residents to work on themed sensory boxes that relate to their interests. My Legacy is part of our signature program that uses photographs and artifacts to tell a person’s story. It can help recall memories.
Mementos and artifacts that remind people who they are or where they came from make for incredible decorations. Use familiar furniture if it’s a cherished heirloom. Make sure the space has plenty of natural light. However, use window coverings to eliminate outside distractions and improve sleep patterns.
Decorating is an opportunity to reminisce about memories and establish new ones. Take time to talk to them and listen to what they have to say. Engage them in conversations and allow them to be involved in the decision-making process.
Be thoughtful and creative when decorating a living space for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Keep security, simplicity, and familiarity in mind to help your loved one feel at home. Remember to use positive communication techniques, engage them in conversations and activities, and most importantly, enjoy the time you spend together.
How to Communicate with Someone with Alzheimer’s or Dementia
When interacting with someone with dementia, it’s essential to use positive communication techniques. Speak slowly, clearly, and calmly. Consider these ten approaches:
- Be patient. Give the person with dementia time to process what you’re saying and respond.
- Use a calm and friendly tone. Speak in a calm, clear, and reassuring tone of voice.
- Keep it simple. Use short, simple sentences and avoid complex language or abstract concepts.
- Avoid arguing or correcting. Don’t argue or correct the person with dementia if they say something that isn’t accurate or results from confusion.
- Use visual aids. Use visual aids, such as pictures or non-aggressive gestures, to help convey your message.
- Make eye contact. Maintain eye contact with the person with dementia to help them focus on the conversation.
- Allow time for response. Allow the person with dementia time to respond to your questions or statements.
- Avoid distractions. Minimize distractions, such as loud noises or competing conversations, during the conversation.
- Use positive body language. Use positive body language, such as smiling and nodding, to show that you’re listening and engaged.
- Be respectful. Treat the person with dementia with respect and dignity, even if they’re having difficulty communicating or understanding. Don’t talk to them like an infant, and never talk about them to others like they can’t hear.
Communication with someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia is crucial to slowing the progression of memory loss stages. Nearly a quarter of older adults are socially isolated. Positive and regular communication is essential to healthy brain activity. It’s especially crucial in people with dementia.
Find Inspiration: Visit Memory Care Apartments in Austin, Texas
If you’re looking for memory care in Round Rock, Jollyville, or Pflugerville — or right here in Austin — arrange a tour of Tech Ridge Oaks. We offer an upscale and comfortable environment for seniors with dementia that feels like home.
Our senior apartments are designed with independence and enjoyment in mind. Our team members go above and beyond to create a welcoming and inclusive experience for people with memory loss.
