CARE SHOW REVIEW
What Did They Think? FORBO
This year’s Care Show proved the ideal opportunity for flooring specialist Forbo to launch its new range of floorcoverings, designed with dementia at the core of the production process.
As age-related changes and impairments can oſten make it more difficult for people to understand and navigate a building, Forbo Flooring Systems has partnered with The University of Stirling’s Dementia Services Development Centre (DSDC) to review over 1000 floor finishes; assessing their suitability for use in dementia-friendly environments. Following this, the flooring manufacturer is pleased to confirm that it now offers a selection of independently-accredited products that are ideal for use in dementia- supportive settings.
Impairments such as sensory, mobility or cognitive (or sometimes a combination of all three) can have a serious impact on older people and those with dementia. Functioning, behaviour, independence and,
ultimately, quality of life can all be compromised, but appropriately- designed environments can help keep such individuals safe from dangers, like falls. By understanding the impact of these impairments, designers; specifiers; and carers can create interiors that help people feel safer and more confident in their surroundings.
Recognising the need to identify products that can help achieve this aim, DSDC developed its rigorous accreditation scheme, as Chief Architect Lesley Palmer explained: “We’ve had significant demand from clients, specifiers, designers and manufacturers looking for greater clarity on dementia design principles and how they can adapt, modify and apply their products to make an environment more suitable for somebody with dementia.
“The accreditation scheme seeks to clarify existing information and promote the use of products that have gone through the accreditation process. We also look to support technical staff through training, to give them the knowledge they need in order to advise specifiers and clients in using their products.”
In case you missed them, we spoke to some of the big names amongst this year’s exhibitors to find out more about their experience of the 2017 show.
Lesley was on hand at the Care Show, on Forbo’s stand J30, to discuss the work she is doing with Forbo further and answer questions from inquisitive vistors. Lesley was also accompanied by Julie Dempster from Forbo.
Forbo has worked with The University of Stirling’s DSDC for the past year to review its products – assessing and rating them in accordance with their dementia design principles. Now, specifiers and designers can choose from an extensive selection of more than 800 Forbo products that have been accredited across the Class 1a, 1b and 2 rating system. This rating system is based on the tonal contrast and pattern of products, which determines their suitability for use.
Angus Fotheringhame, General Manager Benelux, UK & Ireland, at Forbo, is delighted about the company’s positive step forward in supporting an ageing population.
Angus said: “We are experts in flooring, not in dementia design, and it’s really important to us that we understand the requirements of the end user to communicate to our clients what to use, and equally what not to use in age- inclusive environments.
“Our collaboration with the DSDC, enables us to understand the foundation of a dementia friendly environment, and offer a set of DSDC accredited products, which, when used alongside appropriate interiors, can support the experience of the end-user.”
Although the floor is one of the largest surfaces within a building, it is vital that careful consideration is given to the specification of adjoining finishes, their performance and suitability when it comes to designing dementia-inclusive or dementia-friendly interiors.
www.forbo-flooring.co.uk/agedcare - 20 -
www.tomorrowscare.co.uk
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