Dementia
the market that have been developed for use within dementia-inclusive environments. Our Trade’s Commercial Colour Services team partnered with the British Research Establishment (BRE) to develop a Dementia Friendly Colour Palette. Based on extensive experience in design and dementia research from collaborations with Loughborough University and Halsall Lloyd Partnerships, the palette is grounded in evidence-based design principles that offer guidance on how to create environments that prioritise the wellbeing of those living with dementia. The palette suggests colours for every critical surface: n Main walls – soft, calm tones should be used, with different colours used on different floor levels to help aid wayfinding.
n Feature walls – use more saturated colours such as yellows, purples, oranges, and teals to draw interest. This is ideal for spaces like the front of the living room, the kitchen serving areas, or the end of corridors.
n Doors – bolder shades like burgundies, blues, and greys will help to make doors more visible against the softer tones used on the main walls.
The palette also suggests painting doors to staff areas and supply cupboards in the same colour as the walls to make them less visible and avoid unauthorised access. However, when it comes to choosing the type of paint to be used in a care home, careful consideration should not only be
There are quick drying, water-based paints available that boast anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties
given to the colours available but also to the product’s durability, anti-bacterial properties, and its ability to improve indoor air quality.
Durability
Within busy care home environments, surfaces need to be able to withstand regular knocks and scuffs – especially within communal spaces that experience high footfall, such as stairwells, living rooms. and dining areas. As such, opting for a durable paint is recommended, because these deliver additional resistance to oil- based stains, such as food or cosmetics. This helps to stop stains from being absorbed into the surface and makes them easier to clean off. As a result, surfaces should stay looking newer and fresher for longer. Not only that, but by choosing a durable
paint, redecoration work does not need to be carried out as often. This keeps disruption to a minimum – an important factor in all care homes – and helps to improve sustainability across a building’s lifetime. There are even some products that are easy to apply, offering great coverage and delivering quick drying times, so decorators do not have to be on site for as long.
Anti-bacterial Another element to consider when choosing any product is its ability to reduce the spread of germs and bacteria, which in turn will minimise the number of infections. Indeed, there are many viral and bacterial infections that are common within care homes, all of which are a major concern. Elderly people and care home residents are in high-risk groups, and if they are to catch an infection, they are likely to experience more severe symptoms.1
In busy environments such as care homes, fingers, liquids ,and vapours can frequently come into contact with walls. Over time, this can encourage the spread of germs. Therefore, choosing a paint solution that has been designed to specifically counteract this is recommended. There are quick drying, water-based
paints available on the market that boast anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties, inhibiting bacterial growth. These can reduce populations of Coronaviruses, E. coli, and MRSA (among others), therefore promoting a more hygienic environment when used in conjunction with appropriate cleaning practices.
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Outdoor air pollution, especially in congested urban areas, continues to be a serious issue in the UK, with a recent study highlighting a link between UK air pollution and mental ill-health.2
However, there is
an increasing focus on IAQ as well, with an emphasis on creating healthier places to live and work. IAQ encompasses a wide variety of factors: temperature, humidity, quantity, presence of chemicals, and other contaminants,3
such as indoor allergens.
However, poor IAQ is often caused by Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) emissions. VOCs are chemical vapours that contribute to greenhouse gases, global warming, rising sea levels, and ground level pollution. Exposure to high levels of VOCs can also have negative effects on the health of the applier and residents, and cause symptoms like eye, nose, and throat irritation, as well as headaches, loss of coordination, and nausea in more severe cases. It is, therefore, recommended to use water-based paints and coatings. Unlike solvent-based products, water-based alternatives contain low VOC levels. Water-based paints and coatings not
only have significantly lower VOC levels resulting in lower carbon footprints, but
34
www.thecarehomeenvironment.com July 2024
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 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51
