Noise and Dementia
More noise is produced this time of year
Noise can be disruptive and disorientating for some people with dementia
Take action to avoid distress
Winter festivals, Diwali, Bonfire Night…
At this time of year, with winter festivals such as Diwali, and traditional events like Guy Fawkes firework displays, we find lots of information coming out about how to protect our pets from distress caused by sudden and unexpected noises.
For people with dementia noise can be a problem at any time of year.
Noise can be distressing and disorientating for a person with dementia. It is often said that noise is as disabling for a person with dementia as a staircase is for a person using a wheelchair. Especially if the person has hearing impairment, interpreting what is going on around, and being able to concentrate on meaningful sounds, such as a conversation, can be very difficult. That leads to frustration and anxiety.
Low level noise can be problematic
Even low-level noise that most of us hardly notice can be a problem. Those sounds that I might not register as I write this such as noise from outside traffic, a radio playing music quietly in the corner, the sound of a chair scraping on the floor in another office… any of these might cause alarm.
Research has shown that care home residents are more distressed and agitated if exposed to continuous noise, even when it is at a low level. Imagine how much worse if cleaning staff crash about with trolleys, and care staff shout merrily to each other in passing.
Steps to solve problems caused by noise
When a person with dementia at home is agitated or restless it is worth doing a quick noise audit to see if sounds are causing a problem and taking some remedial action.
Limit the use of background media such as the TV or radio if no one is listening.
Turn off unnecessary noisy equipment before trying to have a conversation.
Check what noises might intrude at night such as a particularly noisy clock that ticks, or chimes. Things you don’t notice in the day become distracting at night.
Sound absorbing curtains and floor coverings can limit background noises.
If you would like more information, you can buy my book Dementia, the One Stop Guide or Care Homes: When, Why and How to Choose a Care Home. I am available for consultancy for families or organisations. And if you have any further queries or questions, or suggestions for something you’d like to see me write on, please contact me via the Contact Page
See my new course on Dementia the One Stop Guide on Policy Hub here
