Pathway Guidance Tape Setup for Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care

Why Navigation Inside the Home Can Be Challenging

People living with Alzheimer’s or dementia may become disoriented even in familiar spaces. Hallways, doorways, and room transitions can blur together, causing hesitation, wandering, or anxiety. Without clear visual guidance, moving safely from one place to another becomes stressful for both the individual and the caregiver.

Why Proper Pathway Setup Matters

• Cognitive Benefits: High-contrast visual paths help the brain recognize where to go.
• Emotional Benefits: Clear routes reduce anxiety and increase confidence.
• Practical Benefits: Fewer wrong turns, reduced wandering, and safer movement—especially during caregiver transitions.

Step-by-Step Setup Instructions

1. Use high-contrast, non-damaging tape to mark common walking paths (bedroom to bathroom, bathroom to kitchen).
2. Apply tape in straight, simple lines along the floor where the person naturally walks.
3. Mark doorways with vertical or border tape to clearly signal entrances and exits.
4. Highlight transitions such as hallway openings or room thresholds.
5. Keep the tape layout consistent and avoid unnecessary changes.
6. Remove or adjust tape easily when routines change or respite care ends.

Tips & Best Practices

• Choose tape that removes cleanly without damaging floors or door frames.
• Use consistent colors so the brain learns the meaning of the visual cue.
• Avoid cluttering the space with too many markings.
• Pair pathway cues with familiar routines to reinforce learning and comfort.

Recommended Tools

Non-damaging painter-style tape, high-contrast floor marking tape, and reflective or low-light visible tape can be used to create temporary guidance paths without making permanent changes to the home.