科普 | 认知症长者的居家小妙招（上）

Here are some tips to help make each room in your home safer and more comfortable. Assess what is necessary and feasible for your situation.

The Hallway

· A turn-knob lock opens the door from the inside without a key.

· Mark the key and lock with the same color for easy identification.

· Avoid using a black doormat, as it can be perceived as a hole.

· A mat with an alarm signals when someone approaches.

· An "all-off" button for electrical appliances.

· Use anti-slip and bright colors on the first and last step of the stairs.

· Ensure adequate lighting on both sides of the stairs.

· Avoid placing photos and posters along the staircase.

· Loose items and runners can pose a tripping hazard.

· Place the coat rack, shoe rack, and umbrella stand on one side for an unobstructed passage.

· A high stair gate prevents going upstairs without supervision.

· Install a second handrail for support on both sides of the stairs.

· Ensure thresholds are less than 2 centimeters high.

The Living Room

· Ensure a calm and organized layout with minimal clutter.

· Avoid busy patterns in wallpaper and curtains.

· Provide ample daylight by keeping sheers and blinds open as much as possible.

· Reduce noise with curtains, cushions, and plants.

· Ensure the path to the toilet is short and free of obstacles.

· Use a phone with photo buttons if dialing numbers is difficult.

· Choose devices with as few buttons as possible and a clear on/off switch.

· Ensure window safety with window locks and limited window openers.

· Use a simple thermostat with high/low settings.

· A TV in a lockable cabinet can help prevent restlessness.

· Cover the lower part of windows if they start from the floor.

· Avoid placing items in fixed walkways.

· Replace digital thermostats with many buttons with a simpler thermostat that has only a high/low setting.

· Use a nightlight at night or install lighting that operates with a motion sensor.

· Furniture risers and special lift chairs or cushions make it easier to get up from bed or a chair.

· Position the favorite couch or chair so that the person can see the room clearly and look outside.

The Bedroom

· A symbol on the door makes the room recognizable.

· Light switches by the door and by the bed.

· Thick curtains provide good blackout; roller blinds can sometimes be disorienting.

· A mat with a sensor (next to or under the mattress) signals when the person gets up.

· Symbols on cabinets and drawers indicate their contents.

· Sliding doors make a closet more organized, as only one side is visible at a time.

· The bed firmness should be neither too hard nor too soft.

· A safe window opener allows the window to be slightly open for ventilation.

· A short path to the toilet with night lighting.

· Portrait photos and posters can sometimes be frightening.

· An emergency button or phone next to the bed in case of an emergency.

· Separate beds or bedrooms can provide peace and quiet.

· There are irons available with an automatic shut-off feature.