DEMENTIA DESIGN


we’ve always had. We might just need to be reminded that those memories are there.


Multiple ways of providing the same


information is important. Not everyone will recognise words. Sometimes, because of the way dementia impacts as a person, someone might lose the ability to read, but they may still understand pictorial references. When we go to a place we’re often


looking for clues, not just signs of reference. We’re looking to identify the function, and tables with plate settings, salt and pepper, and cutlery, clearly identify the function of the space as a dining room. I’ve worked in places like Taiwan


where there are no points of contact in


terms of our language. You go into a place and there are signs and pictures everywhere, but you’re not quite sure what they are. You don’t understand it, and I imagine that’s how people with dementia must feel. People forget the basics when


Q. Why should good design be considered within the living environments of those with dementia? A. There’s a train of thought that says we can help to mitigate against some of the symptoms of dementia by making social and physical environments that


A dementia environment should be a flourishing environment, not a contained environment. Design will fall down if assumptions are made.


communicating with people with dementia. Although people age differently, in different places, the fundamental needs people have don’t change and we mustn’t forget that.


actually support people and almost act like a prosthesis. If you’re disorientated, but have an


environment that’s orientating, then the symptoms you experience will be far


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