Poor Lighting can Increase Falls.

Published by Beyond Dementia Australia

Getting out of bed during the night can become more difficult for someone living with dementia.

A person may wake needing the toilet but be temporarily unsure where they are, which doorway to use or how to find the bathroom. Changes in perception, memory and orientation can make a familiar home harder to navigate in darkness. Healthdirect

Poor lighting also increases the risk of trips and falls.

Automatic sensor lighting can be a useful addition because it removes the need to find a light switch in the dark. Lights can come on when someone gets out of bed or enters a hallway, helping make the next part of the route easier to see. nhs.uk

The aim is not necessarily to flood the house with bright light.

Gentle, well-placed lighting may be enough.

Useful locations can include beside the bed, along the route to the bathroom, and around the toilet or bathroom entrance.

The pathway itself matters too.

Keep floors uncluttered. Remove obvious trip hazards. Make sure rugs are secure or remove them if they create a problem. Pay particular attention to steps, thresholds and bathroom floors. Healthdirect

Families can learn a lot simply by observing what happens at night.

If Dad regularly gets up at 2am, look at the route he naturally takes. Can he clearly see the doorway? Does he hesitate in the hallway? Can he identify the bathroom?

Sometimes one carefully positioned light can make more difference than several placed where they are never needed.

About Beyond Dementia Australia

Beyond Dementia Australia provides practical products to help people living with dementia remain independent at home for longer.

General Information Only

This article is intended as general information only and should not replace professional medical advice. Individual needs will vary.