Dementia Home Safety Ireland: Modifications, OT Assessments, and Fall Prevention

Falls are the leading cause of injury-related hospital admissions for older adults in Ireland. For someone with dementia, the risk is amplified by impaired spatial awareness, medication side effects, and nighttime confusion. Most families only think about home safety after an accident. A proactive approach prevents the crisis.

Getting an Occupational Therapy Assessment

An occupational therapist (OT) can assess your parent's home and recommend specific modifications. In Ireland, OT assessments are available through:

• HSE Primary Care Centres — free, but wait times range from weeks to months depending on your area
• The Public Health Nurse — can refer your parent for an OT assessment as part of the home support process
• Private OTs — faster access (€80-€150 per session) if HSE wait times are too long

The OT will evaluate your parent's mobility, cognitive function, and daily routines within their actual home environment — identifying risks you've probably become blind to through familiarity.

Room-by-Room Safety Modifications

Kitchen

• Remove or lock away sharp knives and put a gas isolation valve on the cooker (or switch to an induction hob)
• Install an automatic stove shut-off device
• Use kettle tippers and non-slip mats
• Lock cleaning chemicals and medications in a separate cupboard
• Consider removing the toaster if your parent forgets to use it safely

Bathroom

• Install grab rails beside the toilet and in the shower
• Replace the bath with a walk-in shower if possible
• Use non-slip mats inside and outside the shower
• Set the hot water thermostat to a maximum of 43°C to prevent scalding
• Use high-contrast colours on toilet seats and door frames to aid depth perception

Hallways and Stairs

• Remove all rugs, trailing cables, and clutter from walkways
• Install handrails on both sides of all staircases
• Fit motion-sensor night lights in hallways, on the landing, and between bedroom and bathroom
• Consider a stair gate if your parent wanders at night and stairs are a fall risk

Bedroom

• Ensure the bed is at the right height (too high or too low increases fall risk)
• Place a pressure mat beside the bed to alert you when your parent gets up at night
• Keep a clear path from bed to bathroom
• Install blackout curtains to regulate sleep-wake patterns

Wandering Prevention

Wandering is one of the most dangerous dementia behaviours. In Ireland, approximately 60% of people with dementia will wander at some point.

Physical Measures

• Fit key-operated deadlocks on exterior doors (keeps the key with you, not in the lock)
• Install door alarms or chimes that alert when an exterior door opens
• Secure garden gates with locks
• Place familiar objects and photographs near the front door to distract from exit-seeking

Technology

• GPS tracking devices (wearable pendants or shoe inserts) allow you to locate your parent if they leave the home
• Motion sensors on doors and hallways can send alerts to your phone
• The HSE's Assistive Technology programme may fund some devices — ask your OT or PHN

Community Safety

• Introduce your parent to immediate neighbours and ask them to alert you if they see your parent out alone
• Register your parent's details with the local Garda station
• Carry a recent photo on your phone at all times

Funding Home Modifications

• Housing Adaptation Grant for People with a Disability — covers up to 95% of the cost of necessary modifications (max €30,000), means-tested, applied for through your local authority
• Mobility Aids Grant — up to €6,000 for smaller adaptations (grab rails, ramps, stair lifts), also means-tested
• HSE Assistive Technology — some devices and aids provided free following OT assessment

Our Dementia Care in Ireland guide includes a printable home safety checklist room by room, plus guidance on applying for adaptation grants and getting an OT assessment scheduled.

See more Ireland guides →