DEMENTIA CARE


GOOD DESIGN MAKES A DIFFERENCE


Despite ongoing pressures from rising costs and workforce shortages, there is growing recognition that purposeful design can significantly improve daily life for people living with dementia, says Tony Huggins, Managing Director at David Bailey Furniture Systems.


As care homes adapt to the increasingly complex needs of an ageing population and the rising prevalence of dementia, attention is rightly focused on staffing and clinical care. Yet even the most well-intentioned care can be undermined if the physical environment does not support it. The spaces residents inhabit every day and the fitted furniture within them, also play a vital role in shaping safety, independence and emotional wellbeing. Thoughtfully designed fitted furniture is not simply functional. It actively supports orientation, reduces anxiety, and enables residents to move through their environment with greater confidence and dignity.


NHS research consistently shows that good design contributes positively to dementia care environments. Fitted furniture, in particular, plays a key role in creating spaces that are safe, calming, and supportive. The careful use of colour is especially important. Bedrooms benefit from soothing tones such as blues and greens, which promote relaxation, while communal and other activity areas are better served by brighter colours like yellows and oranges that stimulate engagement and energy.


Dementia care settings also require furniture that is robust and practical. Frequent use and strict cleaning protocols mean materials must be durable, easy to clean and resistant to wear, ensuring they retain both function and appearance over time.


Alongside durability, adequate storage is essential. Residents need accessible, well-organised spaces for personal belongings, medications and equipment. Cabinets, drawers and shelving must also be designed to support clarity, organisation and ease of use.


Promoting independence is another critical aspect of good design. Furniture with rounded corners and smooth surfaces helps reduce the risk of injury, while easy-grip handles support residents with reduced dexterity. When environments are intuitive and forgiving, residents are more likely to move confidently and maintain a sense of autonomy.


Personalisation is also central to effective dementia care design. Storage units with contrasting, colour-coded labels can help residents identify their belongings more easily, while personalised bedrooms allow individuals to feel a greater sense of ownership and comfort. Research shows that environments reflecting personal preferences can improve emotional wellbeing and orientation.


This focus on design is especially important in older care homes where décor may reflect outdated trends. Updating interiors with improved colour schemes, textures, and user-friendly furniture can significantly enhance the resident experience. Importantly, the benefits of good design are increasingly supported by neuroscience, which shows how environments influence mood, behaviour, and cognitive processing.


People living with dementia oſten experience difficulty processing sensory information. Overstimulating environments can cause distress, while overly minimal spaces can feel disorienting or dull. Strategic design creates balance by supporting calmness while encouraging gentle cognitive stimulation. Clear layouts, consistent colour schemes and effective wayfinding also help residents navigate spaces more easily.


Well-designed care homes benefit staff as well as residents. Efficient layouts, accessible storage, and logical workflows reduce stress and improve morale. Homes that prioritise design and resident wellbeing are also more appealing to families, supporting occupancy rates and long-term sustainability.


Looking ahead, the future of dementia care design lies in continued collaboration between designers, furniture manufacturers, healthcare professionals and dementia specialists. Emerging technologies such as sensors, virtual reality and artificial intelligence may further enhance safety and engagement. Ultimately, the goal is to create care homes that feel less institutional and more like supportive communities – places that promote dignity, independence and belonging for people living with dementia.


www.davidbaileyfurniture.co.uk 26 www.tomorrowscare.co.uk


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34