Spouses, family members and friends are often the first to notice that their loved one is changing. As with many illnesses, visiting the doctor soon after you notice the changes can help families understand what the changes mean and how they can help their loved one.
While dementia is a progressive disease of the brain, scientists and medical professionals have discovered greater insights into this disease with state-of-the-art technologies, ongoing research and collaboration with non-profit organizations and memory care communities.
The Mayo Clinic website advises, “You can help a person cope with the disease by listening, reassuring the person that he or she still can enjoy life, being supportive and positive, and doing your best to help the person retain dignity and self-respect.”
Studies conducted by researchers have shown that movement and exercise can benefit patients by reducing their stress and maintaining physical well-being.
Furnished Living™
Our furniture design is based on research. We offer a complete suite of furniture which incorporates the classic elements of one’s home. The right furniture can help a person maintain a sense of dignity and physical independence by allowing them to stand, sit and move around without assistance.
For people with dementia, it is important to have furniture that they can get up from by themselves. It is easy to get “stuck” in a too-low chair because they might not have the strength to elevate themselves, or from a recliner, because they forget how to operate it. When they do try to get out of the chair, they could bump and bruise their leg, or worse, they could fall.
Other Guidelines
Seating:
Look for seating that requires the least amount of movement to get in and out. The seat should not be too low or too deep. The recommended height of the seat – measuring from the floor – is similar to a dining room chair, between 19 and 20 inches. Chair arms need to be used as leverage so they should be longer.
Beds:
The ideal height for a bed is one in which the top of the mattress meets the knee. Any higher or lower could make it difficult to maintain one’s balance when getting out of the bed.
Tables:
A dining chair’s arms should be able to fit under the dining table. Table and chair legs that stick out are a tripping hazard. Pedestal dining tables have to be very stable and balanced. Test the pedestal table by leaning on it to see if it tips.
Wardrobe and dresser drawers:
Large handles or spacious cut-outs will make it easier for a person to open and close the drawer.
All Furniture: Should have rounded corners and tops to prevent injuries if someone bumps into a table, bed, or chair by accident.
Sources:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dementia/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352019
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dementia/symptoms-causes/syc-20352013