Dementia design
visibility. To make doors easily identifiable, the whole door should contrast visually with the surrounding surfaces and wall. The leading edge of the door should also have some contrast against the wall or background when it is opened. Choosing bolder shades such as mid and darker tones for doors will help to make them more visible and easier to locate. On the contrary, when painting the doors of ‘staff only’ areas, consider using the same colour as the walls to make the door more difficult to see and discourage use by prohibited residents.
In addition to this, when designing
bedrooms, it is important to make the space resonate with the individual resident to bring a sense of homeliness and inspire memories. Involve the resident and their families by painting their bedroom door in the colour of the door to their previous home, and include something personal to them on the shelving outside their door such as photographs or an old house number. These design aspects can help residents easily recognise that the space is theirs. This also encourages a sense of independence that can often be lost, especially in dementia residents, as they become part of the specification too. In addition, painting bathroom doors a
contrasting colour to the walls is beneficial as it makes the door quickly identifiable – which is helpful for residents who may not recognise the need to go to the bathroom as quickly.
Floors
When it comes to flooring, there are some definite design choices to avoid. High gloss flooring can look slippery and reflect light, creating shadows which may appear as steps. Additionally, bold patterns and stripes can be confusing and make people feel that the floor is not flat or stable. A high contrast between the flooring from one room to another (for example, a bedroom to an ensuite bathroom) can also cause confusion for the occupant, appearing as a step up or down. This is especially true with darker flooring as it can be perceived as a hazard, such as a hole.
Choosing the right paint As well as the colour and location of the paint, it is also important to know which type of coating to use to assist in creating a clean, safe environment. Antibacterial paint such as Dulux Trade Sterishield - a tough, scrubbable, and durable paint that works on
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both walls and ceilings - should be front of mind as this water-based coating has an in- film bactericide, which prevents the spread of bacteria and eliminates populations of MRSA and E. coli. The use of antibacterial paint should be combined with frequent and appropriate cleaning practices to create a more hygienic environment – making it perfect for spaces such as bathrooms, medical points, and kitchens.
For communal spaces with high footfall - such as living and dining areas, corridors, hallways, and stairwells - specifiers should consider paints that are highly durable. From the Dulux Trade range, consider Scuffshield. Available in our full colour palette, it is a heavy-duty, water-based emulsion with scuff resistant technology that protects against scuff marks to extend the maintenance cycle and prevent the need for regular redecoration work – and the associated disruption. It is also cleanable, offers good stain resistance, and the matte finish is an ideal choice to help take away any sheen that could be confusing to residents. Overall, the key takeaway for specifiers designing for care homes is to understand the residents they are designing for: how their needs may differ and how to design a space that caters for their them, as well as suiting their individual personalities. Decorating with the correct colours and paint formulas is the first step in creating a space that is safe, functional, and homely, both for residents and those who work there.
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www.thecarehomeenvironment.com February 2023
References 1 National Institute on Aging:
https://www.nia.nih.gov/
2 The Alzheimer’s Society: https://www.
alzheimers.org.uk/
3 RNIB:
https://www.rnib.org.uk/ professionals/health-social-care-education- professionals/knowledge-and-research- hub/key-information-and-statistics-on- sight-loss-in-the-uk/
Lisa Pilley
Lisa Pilley has been a senior colour designer with Dulux Trade for 25 years. She curates and designs for commercial sector projects, which includes designing for dementia and working with colour contrast guidelines. Her day-to-day role involves colour specification, working with architects and property managers, and bringing projects to life by creating designer mood boards to demonstrate how an environment can be transformed and designed for the end user.
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