The Big Black Hole

The Big Black Hole

Because folks with advancing dementia sometimes have problems with visual/perceptual skills, threshold changes and changes in flooring patterns can be difficult to navigate.  This problem can sometimes work to the caregiver’s advantage if the person with dementia is frequently trying to escape or constantly wandering into an undesirable location.

Placement of a black throw rug in front of a door or hallway may deter the person from trying to cross that threshold.  Perceptually, the rug may create the illusion of depth and be associated with a hole in the floor.  I’ve seen this idea work when placed in front of an elevator on a dementia unit, and in front of a sliding glass door at a person’s home.  Try it… and let me know if it works for you!