Make the Home Dementia-Friendly with Good Lighting and Clear Pathways

A familiar and well-organised home environment can support independence and reduce confusion for people living with dementia. As the condition progresses, vision and perception change, making navigation and daily activities more challenging. Adapting the home with good lighting, clear pathways, and dementia-friendly design principles can improve safety, confidence, and overall well-being.

This blog post explores how dementia affects vision and perception, practical ways to create a dementia-friendly home, and how small changes can make a significant difference in the quality of life for someone with dementia.

How Dementia Affects Vision and Perception

Dementia is often thought of as a condition that primarily affects memory and cognition, but it also impacts how the brain processes visual information. While the eyes may be healthy, the brain struggles to interpret what it sees, leading to distorted perceptions, difficulty recognising objects, and challenges with depth perception.

Common Vision Changes in Dementia

Loss of Peripheral Vision (Tunnel Vision)

• In early dementia, a person’s field of vision narrows significantly.

• They may only see what is directly in front of them, missing objects, people, or obstacles to the sides.

• This can make moving around more difficult and increase the risk of bumping into furniture or tripping.

Reduced Depth Perception

• Dementia affects how the brain perceives distances and spatial relationships.

• Steps, rugs, or small changes in floor height may appear flat or invisible, leading to falls.

• Shiny floors may be mistaken for wet or slippery surfaces, making a person hesitant to walk on them.

Difficulty Differentiating Colours and Contrast

• The ability to distinguish between similar colours diminishes.

• Light-coloured furniture on a pale carpet or a white toilet against a white wall may blend together, making them harder to see.

• Strong contrasts help objects stand out, making them easier to identify.

Misinterpreting Shadows and Reflections

• Shadows can be mistaken for holes or gaps in the floor.

• Reflections in mirrors or windows may be misinterpreted as strangers in the home, causing distress.

• Glare from bright lights or polished surfaces can make navigation more difficult.

Problems Recognising Objects and Spaces

• Dementia can affect object recognition, making it harder to identify common household items.

• A person may struggle to recognise doorways, switches, or everyday objects, even if they have been in the same place for years.

• Hallways may appear too long or confusing, increasing disorientation.

These changes can lead to frustration, reduced mobility, and increased fall risk, which is why making the home environment dementia-friendly is essential.

How to Create a Dementia-Friendly Home

1. Improve Lighting for Clarity and Comfort

Good lighting is crucial to reduce shadows, improve visibility, and help with depth perception.

• Maximise natural light – Open curtains during the day and ensure rooms are well-lit.
• Use warm, consistent lighting – Harsh or flickering lights can cause discomfort.
• Avoid sudden changes in light levels – Moving from a bright room to a dim hallway can be disorienting.
• Place motion-sensor lights in hallways and bathrooms – These provide guidance during the night.

Tip: Check for glare from shiny floors or mirrors that could cause confusion.

2. Create Clear Pathways and Reduce Clutter

A clear and well-organised space makes it easier for someone with dementia to navigate safely.

• Remove trip hazards – Secure rugs, wires, and loose carpets to prevent falls.
• Keep furniture layout consistent – Sudden changes can cause confusion.
• Ensure pathways are wide and unobstructed – Avoid excessive furniture in walking areas.
• Use visual markers – Bright tape or clear signs can help indicate stairs or important areas.

Tip: If using a walking aid, ensure there is enough space for easy movement.

3. Improve Colour and Contrast for Better Visibility

Using contrasting colours makes objects easier to see and distinguish.

• Choose high-contrast furniture and flooring – Light-coloured furniture on dark flooring helps visibility.
• Use bold colours for important objects – Brightly coloured plates, cups, or toilet seats improve recognition.
• Highlight doorways and important areas – A contrasting door frame helps make entrances stand out.
• Mark steps clearly – Adding bright strips to the edges of stairs can improve depth perception.

Tip: Avoid busy patterns, as they may be overwhelming or confusing to someone with dementia.

4. Reduce Confusion with Clear Signage and Labels

Labels and visual cues help people find their way around the home and remember the purpose of different areas.

• Label cupboards and drawers with pictures and words (e.g., “Plates” with an image of a plate).
• Use clear signs for key rooms like the bathroom, bedroom, and kitchen.
• Avoid mirrors in key areas – A person may not recognise their own reflection, leading to distress.
• Keep important items in plain sight – Placing everyday objects within view reduces frustration.

Tip: Velcro picture boards can be a flexible way to label items without causing permanent changes to furniture.

5. Adapt the Bathroom for Safety and Independence

The bathroom can be particularly challenging and dangerous for someone with dementia.

• Use a coloured toilet seat – A contrasting seat makes it easier to identify.
• Install grab rails – These improve stability and reduce fall risks.
• Remove locks on bathroom doors – This prevents someone from accidentally locking themselves in.
• Place a non-slip mat in the shower – Slippery surfaces can increase anxiety.
• Mark hot and cold taps clearly – Avoid confusion with red and blue indicators.

Tip: Consider a thermostatic shower to prevent accidental burns.

Final Thoughts

Making the home dementia-friendly doesn’t require major renovations—small, thoughtful changes can significantly improve safety, independence, and comfort.

By addressing vision and perception challenges, caregivers can create a space where the person with dementia feels secure, confident, and able to navigate their surroundings with ease.

Good lighting, clear pathways, strong contrasts, and helpful signage all contribute to a home that supports both the person with dementia and their caregivers.

If you’re caring for someone with dementia, take a walk around their home with their perspective in mind—what small adjustments could make their daily life easier?

Sources and Further Reading

• Alzheimer’s Society – Dementia-Friendly Environments

• Dementia UK – Making Your Home Safe for Someone with Dementia

• Positive Approach to Care (Teepa Snow) – Understanding Dementia and Vision Changes