Health experts are highlighting the often-overlooked ways home interiors can trigger distress and behavioural changes in people living with dementia.
From the dark appearance of water in a sink to the glare of shiny floors, ordinary features can become invisible walls that disrupt independence and heighten fear.
Dr Jane Pritchard, Admiral Nurse at The Good Care Group, a live-in care provider and dementia care specialist, said: “For people with Alzheimer’s, some common home interiors can be confusing or frightening. Water can appear like a black hole, causing intense fear when washing hands or bathing. Shiny floors may look slippery or uneven, prompting hesitation or refusal to walk across. Strong colour contrasts on floors can be misread as steps, barriers, or even voids.”
Dr Pritchard added: “Families often assume a behaviour is resistance, when it’s actually fear. Understanding these hidden hazards can transform how we adapt to the home environment, reducing distress and preserving dignity.”
Alzheimer’s friendly interiors
Creating a safe, reassuring home is one of the most effective ways families can support loved ones with Alzheimer’s. Because the condition affects how the brain processes depth, light, and contrast, everyday interiors can spark anxiety or confusion. Small, thoughtful design changes can remove barriers and restore comfort.
Lighting and shadows
“Lighting is one of the simplest and most powerful adjustments families can make,” says Dr Pritchard. “Rooms should be evenly lit, as shadows can look like holes or moving figures. Warm, indirect light creates calm, especially in bedrooms and bathrooms. Motion-sensitive night lights can prevent confusion or falls overnight.”
Floors and surfaces
“Floors can trigger fear too,” she explains. “Highly polished or shiny floors may look wet or slippery and busy carpet patterns can be misread as holes or obstacles. Using consistent and simple tones throughout the home makes moving from room to room much easier and less isolating.”
Colour and contrast
“Think clarity,” Dr Pritchard advises. “A dark seat on a light toilet, or a bright plate on a plain table, makes seeing and identifying objects easier, and therefore everyday tasks more straightforward. Black mats at the front door or on a table setting are often perceived as holes, so avoid them. Highlighting doorframes with contrasting colours can also help with navigation.”
Mirrors and reflections
“It may come as a surprise to families but mirrors can cause distress,” she notes. “Later in Alzheimer’s, a person may not recognise themselves and can become frightened. Covering mirrors or using matte finishes on furniture reduces glare and visual confusion. Care should also be taken to draw curtains as soon as it gets dark, in order to prevent reflections in windows which may be perceived as people outside. Where possible replace or cover up glass on internal doors”.
Navigation and familiarity
“Familiarity reassures,” says Dr Pritchard. “This may come later down the line but labelling cupboards and drawers with words and pictures helps orientation. Signs can also be put on doors, especially the bathroom. Many dementia- friendly signs are available to purchase on the internet with pictures as well as words. Keeping familiar objects, like family photos or favourite ornaments in sight also provides comfort. Simple things like encouraging leaving the kettle or TV remote visible before a family member heads back home encourages independence.”
Safety and comfort
“Safety and comfort go hand in hand,” she adds. “Handrails in bathrooms or hallways, clear walkways, and keeping furniture layout consistent all make the home predictable and safe. Sudden changes can be disorienting and distressing.”
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