Dementia
Designing for dementia: the key principles
Every three minutes, someone in the UK develops dementia. As such, the need for additional capacity within the care home market is likely to rise, meaning existing facilities will need to be expanded or updated to meet this demand. However, when it comes to redesigning spaces, it is important to understand how the design of a space can affect those living with dementia. Here, Andrew Cleaver, national sector manager for healthcare at Dulux Decorator Centre, explores the key design principles to consider when designing for dementia
Dementia comes in many forms, and symptoms can manifest differently in each person. Memory loss comes to mind first, but those living with dementia can also experience loss of balance and mobility issues. Dementia may also cause people to feel insecure and lose confidence in themselves and their abilities, and they may even feel like they are no longer in control. As such, making residents feel comfortable is a top priority for care home managers and staff, which is why it is important to understand the role that colour and design can play in achieving this. The right design, colour, furniture, and fixtures are crucial for creating a space that is not only homely and relaxing but can provide residents with the confidence they need to move around a building safely and independently.
The role of colour
One factor to consider when designing for dementia is colour. Colour can be used within design to reinforce positive personal connections and to provide necessary stimulation within spaces. More important still is correctly specifying colours that can act as visual prompts and create focal points to aid wayfinding. For people living with dementia, colours
can become ‘washed out’, which makes it more difficult to distinguish different colours from each other. As such, critical surfaces such as walls, floors, doors, and ceilings need to vary enough to make them visible, which will ensure occupants can navigate around a building safely. However, it is not just a case of choosing different colours for walls, floors, and doors – tonal contrast must also be considered. The easiest way to measure this is by referring
July 2024
www.thecarehomeenvironment.com
to Light Reflectance Values (LRVs). The recommended contrast is a minimum of 30 points of difference in LRV, in accordance with the guidance outlined in the Building Regulations Part M2, and British Code of Practice BS8300-2:2018, and which ultimately supports compliance with the Equality Act 2010.
When it comes to contrast, referring to Dulux paint colour notations can help. For example, if the main wall colour notation is 60YY 83/062 (which has an LRV of 83), for adequate contrast, the floor or door LRV must be at least 30 points below 83.
Critical surfaces such as walls, floors, doors, and ceilings need to vary enough to make them visible
Choosing a door colour of 90YR 34/084, (which has an LRV of 34) would result in a contrast of 49 points of difference, which means it is an acceptable level of contrast. In addition to ensuring there is enough
contrast between critical surfaces, contrast should also be integrated into the overall design to enhance key features and potential hazard points. For instance, handrails should be different to the wall colour to make them more visible and include a feature to indicate where they end, such as a knob or the rail turning inwards to ensure that people can feel when they have reached the end. Other key areas such as alarm panels, sanitary ware, and furniture should also be taken into consideration – as well as the use of stair nose edging that contrasts with the rest of the floor to minimise trip hazards on steps and stairs. There are many solutions available on
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