SIDERED DESIGN pal factors to take into account when specifying flooring in aged care environments.
the Department of Health which agrees that the use of colour and contrast can make an enormous improvement to people's quality of life. You can also consult with experts such as the team at Hammond Care’s Dementia Centre or the DSDC at Stirling University.
monochrome (red can start to look like pink) and we have trouble distinguishing shades of blue and green. Yellow and red are often found within care facilities due to the fact they are the last colour to go.
My advice? Increase saturations and avoid pastels as they are difficult to tell apart. Avoid really dark flooring too as it can look like a black hole, especially as night time draws closer and light is reduced. Blue floors should also be avoided as people living with dementia have been reported as perceiving this as water.
Is it a good idea to use different colours/ materials to define walkways or create zones?
Walkways and zones can be a fantastic way to help residents independently navigate a space. Whilst colours are a great differentiator for those without visual impairments, those with the ageing eye require contrasts to be clear.
Used carefully, the right contrast between colours, zones and walkways can enhance visual perception, encourage fluid mobility and help residents find their way around a space without feeling like obstacles are in front of them.
Colour can even deter entry to restricted areas, for example by painting doors the same colour as the wall. Measures like this can keep residents within a safe perimeter while still allowing them to be mobile.
What are the guidelines when designing for people with dementia?
Designing for dementia comes with a strict set of guidelines however the amount of contradictory information can be very hard to navigate. For an overview of current legislation and guidance I would suggest starting with the HBN 08-02 Dementia Friendly Health and Social Care Environments by
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If I had to pinpoint the single most important aspect of dementia design it would be summed up with a single word: contrast. Choosing the correct flooring pattern in good dementia design is more essential than most realise. Knowing the rules and then learning how to apply them to interiors is necessary in achieving positive outcomes.
Contrasts between critical adjacent services, such as floors and walls, must always be considered and LRV contrasts of at least 30 points can help reinject dimension back into a space. On the flip side, contrast should be avoided between floors that require a resident to freely move from space to space. This is because the contrasting floor colour creates the perception of a change in level, which will be avoided by those who have a fear of falling over.
Are there any CPD sessions or training available on this topic?
Yes, Tarkett offers ‘Designing for Dementia’ CPD sessions with a new VR-EP version due to launch early 2020.
VR-EP is the world’s first and only evidence-based dementia filter which takes designing with empathy to the next level. Independently endorsed, and demonstrated through virtual reality, building designers can immerse themselves in a care home environment and experience first-hand how dementia affects vision - allowing better suited environments to be designed. Developed in collaboration with leading academia and researchers, Tarkett has joined forces with VR-EP to identify design risks and promote environments which can compensate for perceptual and cognitive impairments.
If you want to see VR-EP in action, learn the principles of good dementia design and how this can impact on product selection, Tarkett offers ‘lunch and learn’ sessions nationwide.
www.designingfordementia.tarkett.co.uk CARE FACILITIES | 27
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