MENTAL HEALTH CARE
picking up and could cause imaginary trip hazards, which could lead to a fall. This also applies to curtains and chairs which should be plain and ideally have a colour contrast to help detect the shape.
Ensuring the door is a different colour from the walls and has easy to access handles can help them easily find their way out of a room – this is particularly useful for patients in the later stages of dementia as in some cases they may not understand how to use more complicated handles. In addition, a wardrobe that has a see-through door so they can see where their clothes are can help to make things less confusing. Be careful with multi colours as some people with dementia may see imaginary shapes or figures in patterns, which cause confusion.
plate of white food on a white plate on a white table, someone with dementia would not always see the different shapes, they would just see white. However, with a bit of training and awareness, a carer could sprinkle some green parsley or a red tomato on the food and replace the tablecloth with a darker colour and everything could be seen by the person living with dementia.
Sterling University recommends 35% colour contrasts on items so that the shape of an object can be clearly seen. Buying crockery that has a colour contrast around the edges and a lip on the plate or saucer for easy handling can make mealtimes much easier for both the carer and the resident.
Equally, body language plays an important role in how to interact with someone with dementia and can be a major factor in resolving certain situations. Without the right training, staff and visitors may make the wrong approach and cause unnecessary stress for the individual.
Specialist training will help all involved fully understand how people living
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with dementia see the world and the most appropriate way of engaging with them. For example, you cannot end a conversation abruptly with a dementia patient just because you’re in a rush. Facial features and tone of voice are important in these situations. Do it the wrong way and you can cause a negative reaction and serious upset. This type of training could also help families to understand and interact better with their loved ones.
While training is a major factor to ensure the best possible care is given, designing the space effectively and using specialist equipment could also make a significant difference.
As mentioned, people living with dementia have a different concept of how things look and feel. This is why designing their environment is so important to make things feel as normal as possible.
Dementia friendly spaces should be well lit and should not have tight corners or narrow corridors. Carpets should be plain in colour to avoid confusion – spots or marks on a carpet could look like bits that need
Many organisations are trying to become more dementia friendly; paying attention to the small details can help considerably. Working with an expert who understands dementia is the key. They can provide guidance and support on the most appropriate training and product selection across all of these areas.
As a population we’re living longer, which is perhaps why the number of people developing dementia is rising. With this in mind it is important to understand the best ways to help those living with the condition to provide the highest quality of care.
Arming staff with the right training, designing the space correctly and selecting the most appropriate equipment, will not only ensure that care homes and hospitals are helping to make the living and working environment as comfortable as possible for those with dementia, but it also gives staff the reassurance and confidence to deal with difficult situations.
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