DEMENTIA Dementia- friendly Design
Stuart Reynolds, Head of Product and Marketing at AKW, explains the importance of providing dementia-friendly
spaces and offers guidance on best practice design principles for care home managers.
Dementia is becoming a critically important issue in both its personal and social cost. With 163,000 new cases of dementia diagnosed in England and Wales each year and 80% of care and nursing home residents struggling with some degree of dementia or severe memory problems, according to the Alzheimer’s Society fact sheet, the problem is one that creates a range of challenges for care home managers. Bathrooms in care homes can be particularly daunting environments to navigate for those living with dementia.
The ageing population and demographic shiſts are driving up the number of people living with dementia in the UK. Staff in care homes are at the front line when it comes to ensuring the safety of those living with the condition and the bathroom in particular is an area where design can really bring life-changing benefits to residents and staff alike.
Dementia-friendly bathroom adaptation should go beyond simply installing grab rails and instead result in the creation of an optimum space that is both safe and comfortable, while supporting independence. Here are the seven major dementia challenges that can be overcome with good design in any bathroom adaptation:
PROTECTION AGAINST
SCALDING As dementia progresses, so too does the loss of safety awareness. Thermostatically-controlled taps and showers, such as AKW’s Care Bluetooth- enabled smart electric shower, are very important additions to any bathroom to avoid scalding. Exposed pipework should be avoided, and only low surface temperature (LST) radiators and towel
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rails should be installed to further enhance protection against burns.
FALL PREVENTION People with dementia are twice as likely to fall as their peers, so avoid sharp edges on any products installed in the bathroom and take out floor-standing furniture. A level access shower and shower seat can also reduce trip hazards. Choose PET plastic shower screens, such as AKW’s Silverdale screen panels, rather than glass ones.
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