The Clinical Link Between Environment and Safety
Falls rank as the leading cause of injury for seniors with dementia, but did you know that building size directly impacts risk? Research demonstrates that smaller, “boutique” environments significantly increase safety compared to large-scale facilities. We design our space specifically to reduce falls in memory care through these key factors:
- Eliminating “Wandering Fatigue”: In large facilities, residents often walk 150 feet just to travel from their bed to the dining table. For a senior with a fading gait, this distance creates a hazard. In our small home, every destination—the bathroom, the living room, the garden—sits only a few steps away.
- Reduced Sensory Overload: High ceilings, echoes, and the “beeping” of industrial equipment in large buildings flood the senses. This sensory overload creates dizziness and confusion. Our carpeted, home-like environment keeps the nervous system calm and the balance steady.
- The “Eyes-On” Advantage: In a 1:6 environment, a staff member almost always occupies the same room as the resident. We see the “wobble” before the fall happens. We notice if a resident’s shoes slip or if they need a gentle reminder to use their walker. This level of supervision allows us to reduce falls in memory care proactively.
- Consistent Furniture Cues: In a small home, the environment remains static. Familiarity breeds safety. When residents know exactly where the arm of the chair sits or where the hallway ends, they move with more confidence and less risk.
About Assisted Living on Broadway
At Assisted Living on Broadway in Littleton, we combine clinical expertise with the comfort of a real home. Our facility features a high caregiver-to-resident ratio and direct RN oversight, ensuring that safety never compromises dignity. We created our environment to support residents with memory loss, minimizing confusion and maximizing independence. If you need a safe, loving place for your family member, contact us today to schedule a tour of our home.