Making Home a Safe, Supportive Sanctuary

Home is where we feel most like ourselves. For individuals living with dementia, the familiarity and comfort of home can offer a sense of peace, stability, and autonomy. However, as cognitive and physical abilities change, the home environment may need to evolve to remain safe and supportive.

Creating a home safety assessment and modification timeline allows families to address risks proactively while preserving dignity and independence. When aligned with an individual’s care preferences and legacy values, these modifications can improve daily life while preventing avoidable accidents or stress.

Tools like Evaheld help families document and store safety plans, home modification strategies, and personal care preferences securely in the Evaheld Legacy Vault.

Why a Timeline Matters in Dementia Care

Dementia-related risks at home can include:

• Falls and mobility challenges
• Wandering or disorientation
• Kitchen safety hazards
• Bathroom accidents
• Medication or chemical access

According to Advance Care Planning Australia, planning environmental changes in line with cognitive decline allows families to introduce support gradually—ensuring comfort isn’t sacrificed for safety.

By establishing a timeline, families avoid sudden, overwhelming changes that may cause confusion or distress.

Stage-by-Stage Home Safety Timeline

Early Stage: Preserve Familiarity, Prepare for the Future

• Conduct an initial home safety assessment with an occupational therapist
• Improve lighting and remove tripping hazards (e.g. rugs, cords)
• Label cupboards and rooms with photos or signs
• Store emergency contacts near the phone
• Add grab rails in bathrooms
• Begin documenting preferences in Evaheld

Capture the person’s voice or wishes in writing or video using the Evaheld Legacy Vault, and update regularly.

Mid Stage: Increase Support and Reduce Risk

• Install automatic lighting and stove shut-off systems
• Add locks or alarms to prevent wandering
• Move commonly used items to waist height
• Introduce visual cues for daily routines
• Monitor medication with timed dispensers

Dementia Support Australia offers practical advice on mid-stage dementia safety solutions tailored to changing needs.

Late Stage: Focus on Comfort, Access, and Carer Support

• Adapt bedrooms for mobility and medical equipment
• Ensure easy access to toilets (commodes or rails)
• Remove clutter to prevent agitation or confusion
• Use calming colours and familiar objects
• Store end-of-life and emergency documents in Evaheld

Linking documents like your Advance Health Directive to the home safety plan ensures medical and care teams align with your values.

Involving the Person in Early Modifications

Early involvement is key to preserving dignity. Ask:

• “What makes you feel safe at home?”
• “Which rooms are most comfortable for you?”
• “Are there places you worry about falling or tripping?”

These reflections can be recorded using Family Legacy Series templates and stored securely via Evaheld for future carers.

Carer Tips for Making Modifications

According to Nurse Info, the most effective safety changes are:

• Subtle and reassuring
• Introduced gradually
• Clearly explained
• Matched to individual needs and habits

Regular check-ins help evaluate what’s working and what needs to evolve. Include these reviews in your scheduled Advance Care Planning Australia updates.

Funding and Support Services

Many home modification expenses may be subsidised through:

• NDIS or My Aged Care in Australia
• Local council or non-profit programmes
• Occupational therapy services
• Home safety grants for seniors

Details about providers and eligibility can be stored alongside your contact list in the Evaheld Legacy Vault, ensuring quick access for families and carers.

Online Will Blog also explores including home safety plans within legal or estate documentation, particularly where care homes may be considered later.

Supporting the Sandwich Generation

For adults managing the care of ageing parents while raising children, a planned timeline:

• Reduces last-minute emergencies
• Prevents costly renovations done in haste
• Allows for shared decision-making with siblings or carers
• Keeps safety aligned with personal and cultural preferences

The Evaheld blog provides stories and ideas for families juggling intergenerational care planning.

Spiritual and Emotional Considerations

Home isn’t just a place—it’s a reflection of identity, memory, and tradition. When modifying the space:

• Preserve sentimental or religious items in visible spots
• Respect cultural or spiritual areas of the home
• Use décor that feels familiar and comforting
• Record special routines (e.g. morning tea, nightly prayer)

With Evaheld, families can preserve the emotional meaning of the home while ensuring it remains safe and supportive.

Final Thoughts

A safe home doesn’t need to feel sterile. With planning, respect, and gradual change, it can continue to be a source of security, dignity, and deep connection—even as needs evolve.

Start early. Document clearly. And use the right tools to ensure your loved one’s environment grows with them—every step of the way.