At first glance, visitors to AFA’s studio apartment in
Manhattan are impressed by how homey and comfy
it looks. They don’t recognize that this space was specifically
designed as a model for people with memory loss because
the safety features and modifications don’t stand out. That
was intentional.
“We created The Apartment to showcase ways that practical
design and technology can greatly increase the quality of life
for someone living with dementia and help family care partners
protect their loved ones,” said Leah Daly, MPH, CHES, AFA’s
education program manager. “Modification of the living space
will grow and change as the person’s condition progresses.”
“We have to think about privacy and the influence we have as
care partners. Consider intervening with minimal impact. You
want to keep them safe but don’t want to make them feel like
you’re spying on them or controlling everything.”
How can you help?
“We encourage care partners to make a plan with their loved
one. Some of the main things you’ll want to consider when
modifying your space are affordability, feasibility or how able
you are to carry out modifications. Maybe you want to start
slow. Each individual experiences dementia differently, so the
needs of your space are going to be unique to your
individual. Remember this change can be a gradual process
as people progress into their condition,” reminds Daly.
Overall, when considering materials in furniture, avoid busy
patterns, which can be overstimulating and confusing and
promote agitation. Choose simple patterns.
Consider the lighting system, adjusting it to an automatic
setting that gets brighter and dimmer based on the weather or
time of day.
The front door lock can be another helpful way to be part of
the household safety without feeling too intrusive. Buy a lock
for the front door with a code or a keypad that you can change
from an app on your phone.
At the front door
“If a person with a memory loss condition
sees a line of doors that look the same in
an assisted living or apartment setting, it
might be hard for them to tell which one
is theirs. We encourage people to hang
decorations that will stand out.”
AFA’s door features a red berry wreath on
the dark-blue door.
“In Alzheimer’s and dementia, the ability to distinguish contrast
between two colors decreases as the condition progresses.
If you want someone to see something, you need to highlight
color contrast.”
People also lose their depth perception, so a wreath of
a different color will stand out. Numbers and letters are
not always helpful because as the memory loss condition
progresses individuals have a hard time reading.
In the kitchen
This can be the
most dangerous
room in any
household.
AFA’s kitchen
counter holds
items for those
with memory
problems, such as
an electric kettle
with an automatic off switch that activates as soon as the water
starts boiling. The stove has a removable cover over smart
burners. These smart burners will get hot enough for cooking
without starting an oil fire. The burners have a motion sensor
and automatic off switch and can pop in and out of a standard
range, saving you the cost of buying a new oven.
“If an item is on for too long or if the motion sensor notices
that the person has walked away from the stove, it will
automatically turn off.”
Another helpful security addition is an automatic thermostat
that can be programmed from afar. “This can be useful for
care partners to monitor whether the home is at a comfortable
temperature. Something to look for is extremes.”
The right smoke and carbon monoxide alarm is also crucial.
Look for one that has unique chimes. “High-pitched or shrill
chimes can be disorienting for people with Alzheimer’s or
dementia. If they’re disoriented, they might not know what to
do next.”
Daly said some include
the option to record a
message, such as: “Hi Mom.
There’s a fire. You should
get out of the house as
soon as possible.”
In the dining room
It’s helpful to make design
adaptations to the table
setting. Use different
colors for the placemat
and each plate. Make sure
the food isn’t the same
color as the bowl it’s
being served in, such as
corn in a yellow bowl. Consider adding a Meal Lifter™ to raise
the plate a bit closer to the person’s face, making it less likely
they will spill their food.
In silverware, look for heavy, sturdy pieces. People with
memory loss conditions often develop tremors that make it
likely they will spill food. Purchase mugs with large, easy-tohold
handles that make it less likely the person’s fingers will
touch a hot surface.
The floor in AFA’s apartment is purposely without rugs and
features glare-resistant tiles in light gray and blue. “Things
that are shiny or provide a glare can be disorienting and
uncomfortable.”
The bathroom
“One of the first things
most people notice
in AFA’s Apartment is
the bright yellow toilet
seat. Color contrast
is important. You’re
looking at the yellow
against the white.”
Nightlights at floor level add to safety but don’t disrupt the
person’s circadian rhythm as an overhead light might, making it
harder for them to get back to sleep.
Shower time can be problematic because persons with memory
loss conditions can resist being under the water’s spray. An
inexpensive showerhead with a pause button allows the caregiver
to control the flow and adjust the temperature. Safety bars may
need to be inserted on the walls and a shower chair for comfort.
AFA Apartment in-person and virtual tours may be arranged by writing to Leah Daly at ldaly@alzfdn.org or education@alzfdn.org. More information is also available on AFA’s website: alzfdn.org/theapartment, including a 20-page resource guide that can be requested.