Alzheimer’s Foundation of America Unveils “The Apartment,” Full-Scale Model Dementia-Friendly Residence
Free Virtual Tour & Online/Print Guide Available as Teaching Tools to Help Families Create Dementia-Friendly Homes
(May 21, 2021)—The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) today unveiled The Apartment, a full-scale model dementia-friendly residence in AFA headquarters—with entryway, kitchen, bedroom, bath, living room and dining area—that showcases more than 30 practical design and technological enhancements to make a home safer and improve quality of life for someone living with dementia and their family care partners.
Families can experience a video tour of The Apartment virtually at www.alzfdn.org/TheApartment as well as receive a free copy of The Apartment: A Guide to Creating a Dementia-Friendly Home, a 20-page booklet that showcases each of the rooms with detailed, step-by-step summaries of dementia-friendly improvements and a sample product listing appendix.
“The Apartment was created as a teaching tool for the growing population of families who have loved ones living with dementia,” said Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr., President & CEO of AFA. “Because Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia-related illnesses impact the mind, they can make many facets of daily living very difficult. Safety and quality of life are two of the most important concerns for families, which is why we want them to know about steps they can take to make their homes more dementia-friendly—from appliances to paint colors, whether they live in a house, apartment, condominium or townhouse.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates the number of people in the United States living with Alzheimer’s disease to nearly triple by 2060—from more than 5 million now to 14 million.
AFA’s Apartment showcases a host of dementia-friendly adaptations, including:
- Optimum glare-free lighting that operates with our circadian rhythms, natural night-day patterns of high and low blue light, plus floor-level night lights in the bedroom and bath that turn on automatically in the dark.
- A motion paging system to be placed by an individual’s bedside or bedroom door to detect motion, sending a wireless signal to the care partner pager; an alert system/video doorbell, and smart smoke & carbon monoxide alarms.
- A smart refrigerator that enables caregivers to see inside remotely, an electric tea kettle that automatically turns off, and clear-front cabinets to aid with memory recall and help those whose vision is challenged.
- An ergonomic motion chair, large number/photograph telephone, adjustable style bed, and round end tables to prevent injury from sharp corners.
- Color contrast dishware and place settings, elevated plates to bring food closer, weighted silverware, coated spoon, and ergonomic mugs.
Families are invited to tour The Apartment virtually at www.alzfdn.org/TheApartment. Individuals who have questions about creating a dementia-friendly home, caregiving, Alzheimer’s disease, or brain health can speak with a licensed social worker through the AFA Helpline by calling 866-232-8484 or web chatting by clicking the blue and white chat icon in the bottom corner of this page. The Helpline is open seven days a week.
