Apartment Design Tips for Memory Care in Santa Barbara

According to a research study from Columbia University, one in 10 older adults in the U.S. has dementia. If you're caring for someone with dementia, it's a big decision to move them to a memory care apartment. You want to create an apartment design that supports their mental and physical well-being.

Here's how a senior living layout in Santa Barbara, CA, can promote memory support and safety for your loved one.

Decorate With Familiar Items

Familiar items bring comfort to those with dementia. Dementia-friendly design includes incorporating items such as photos of family members, a favorite chair, or other sentimental decor.

Photos and familiar objects help spark memories and conversation. Familiar items can be a source of comfort and connection to important people and events in your loved one's life.

Limit Busy Patterns

Strong patterns can be overwhelming to someone with dementia. They may perceive a busy pattern as a moving object.

Bright patterns and black-and-white checks can be distracting to someone who has trouble focusing. They may perceive the darker parts of a pattern as having greater depth than the lighter parts. This can lead to balance issues and confusion.

The best choice for dementia-friendly design is solid colors for finishes and furnishings. Solid colors are less distracting and provide a more calming effect than busier patterns.

Increase Contrast

Many older adults have cataracts and other eye conditions that make it hard for seniors to detect subtle contrasts. Poor eyesight can make colors appear more desaturated than they are. For someone with dementia, this blending of colors can be overwhelming and lead to more confusion or disorientation.

Choose decor for a memory care apartment that provides a strong color contrast. Contrasting colors help items stand out and provide a more functional space. For example, a blue chair placed in front of a white wall can help your loved one locate their chair and avoid confusion.

Lighten It Up

As people age, they need brighter light to stay safe and see satisfactorily. People with dementia are prone to trips and falls, so brighter lighting helps them navigate their living space with greater confidence. Dark and shadowy spaces can seem frightening or threatening to someone with dementia.

A living space with plenty of natural light can help your loved one stay more attuned to their natural circadian rhythm. "Sundowning" is a common symptom for those with Alzheimer's. They may become restless, confused, and agitated late as the sun goes down in the late afternoon.

Natural light and quality room lighting may help your loved one avoid some of the troubling symptoms of sundowning.

Provide a Clear, Comfortable Flow

An overcrowded, cluttered space is a danger to someone with dementia. They need a simple layout with clear floor space and open walking areas. Be sure to avoid using small throw rugs, cords, and other trip hazards.

Adding signs to define spaces, such as a bathroom sign on the door, can help minimize wandering and confusion. A clutter-free, well-lit room can help your loved one better navigate their space and maintain some level of independence.

Storage solutions, including shelves, built-ins, and organizers, can help keep your loved one's space clean and tidy.

Value Routines and Reminders

A daily routine is valuable for individuals with dementia. Getting dressed, eating, and bathing at the same time each day is familiar and comforting. A daily routine provides a sense of calm when everything else feels so confusing.

Make labels and signs to help your loved one recognize their closet, cabinet, or drawers. This can help them stay as independent as possible.

Add a festive wreath or sign to their door to help them distinguish their living space from others. Taking a daily walk, participating in gentle exercise, or simply sitting outdoors can provide an outlet and an activity to look forward to each day.

Engage Their Senses

Activities that stimulate the senses can brighten your loved one's day. As you plan memory support design, consider the senses. Do they love a certain scent or enjoy soothing music? These items can provide comfort.

Many people with dementia enjoy touching items with interesting textures, such as a bumpy ball, colorful pom-pom, or soft stuffed animal. Work with the memory care team to ensure you're following their guidelines for safety in design.

Choose Small-Scale Furniture

You want your loved one to have everything they need, but be careful not to add too much furniture or decor. For an individual with dementia, safety is key. Over-sized furniture and clutter can be a serious hazard.

Look for furnishings that work for small spaces. You can make their living space comfortable and cozy with small-scale furniture. This makes walking throughout the space easier, less confusing, and safer for your loved one.

Create a Shadow Box

Your loved one has a lifetime of memories. A shadow box can be a great conversation starter. Fill it with sentimental items that matter to your loved one. This is a great solution for storing fragile items that they still cherish.

Consider the little things that have meaning, and choose items that represent their life and story. Many people with dementia struggle with short-term memory but can recall detailed events from decades ago. A shadow box can help bring their memories to life and provide a little comfort and familiarity in a memory care apartment.

Memory Care Apartment Design

If you or your loved one is considering Santa Barbara housing for memory care, it's a big decision. Thoughtful dementia-friendly design can help individuals with dementia feel comfortable and safe in their surroundings.

At The Oak Cottage of Santa Barbara, we specialize in Alzheimer's and dementia care. We provide specialized care to meet the unique needs of every resident. At every stage of life, the home should provide safety and comfort.

We offer residents an apartment design with a blend of comfort, safety, and privacy. We consider every detail so they can relax and enjoy life in a beautiful home-like setting.