More families caring for loved ones with dementia are remodelling homes to balance safety with independence, guided by research showing that familiar environments slow confusion and reduce distress.

Barbara J Huelat, a healthcare designer and fellow of the American Institute of Architects based in the United States, with more than three decades of experience in hospital and senior-care design, says good design should: “support physical needs and engage positive emotions,” creating spaces that are safe, navigable, and emotionally reassuring.

Lighting tops her list of priorities. Clean windows, open curtains, and warm, indirect lamps help compensate for fading eyesight and prevent shadows that can trigger anxiety. People with dementia require nearly three times as much light as those with normal vision, yet glare from bright bulbs or polished floors can distort depth and shape.

Huelat recommends matte surfaces, steady low-glare bulbs, and drawing curtains at night to prevent confusing reflections. Mirrors and reflective glass can also be distressing, as unfamiliar images or sudden reflections may be misinterpreted; she advises keeping mirrors only in grooming areas and removing them elsewhere.

Comfort and posture are equally vital. A well-fitted chair should provide lumbar support, a neutral neck position and clear sightlines to the door, bathroom, and television.

“Ergonomics is not only about comfort,” Huelat notes. “Good posture keeps internal organs working.” Families often find that small adjustments such as placing pillows under the arms, adding proper task lighting, and keeping a side table within reach make daily life noticeably easier.

Home modifications should anticipate limited mobility. Evaluating bathrooms, entrances, and flooring before problems arise allows families to install ramps, walk-in showers, grab bars, and slip-resistant flooring without upheaval later. Huelat encourages households to imagine how a walker or wheelchair might move through a corridor or kitchen, ensuring there is space to turn and no sharp corners when turning into rooms.

Exposure to nature also improves wellbeing. Morning sunlight, garden views, indoor plants, and even a bird feeder outside the window can restore circadian rhythm and lower agitation. For those unable to go outdoors, fresh air, natural sounds, or gentle pets can recreate a similar sense of calm.

Photographs, art, and keepsakes moved into the main living areas can reinforce memory and belonging, helping a person recognise home even as their world narrows.