Dementia
also deliver quicker drying times, so all coats can be applied much faster. Spaces also do not need to be ventilated, meaning residents can move back in as soon as the paint has dried, reducing disruption. Water-based paints and coatings are also non-yellowing, meaning colours like white or lighter tones will stay looking their best for longer.
Other design factors to consider In addition to carefully selecting paint for critical surfaces, the choice of furniture, flooring, and lighting must also be given due consideration.
Furniture As well as ensuring there is contrast between walls and doors, there should also be contrast between furniture and critical surfaces, so that residents can immediately identify them and make navigation as easy as possible. It is also important to incorporate a variety of shapes and sizes of furniture to suit every need and preference. Introducing décor such as loose cushions that are plain on one side and patterned on the other gives residents the choice of how they would like the furniture styled – and could be a reminder of their own décor in previous homes.
Flooring
When it comes to correctly specifying flooring, there are a few factors that need to be contemplated to enable people living with dementia to walk safely and
July 2024
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independently around a building. For example, it is recommended that flecked, striped, or patterned effects are avoided, as they can increase visual stimulus and cause illusions. For example, stripes could create the appearance of false steps, which leads to high stepping and subsequently increases the risk of a fall. Excessively sparkly or shiny finishes
need to be avoided too, as highly reflective or glossy surfaces may be perceived as a wet floor and will therefore, suggest a slip risk that it not there, and can increase the chances of a real fall.
Lighting
Care home residents often spend their days and nights indoors, with minimal time spent outdoors. Therefore, ensuring the right lighting is chosen in each area of a facility will help to maintain sleep-wake cycles, aid in identifying spaces, and let residents enjoy every day routines and recreational activities. Well-designed lighting should also be
considered to reduce glare which can cause discomfort. Care should also be taken to eradicate shadows, which can be cause for alarm or anxiety and result in residents avoiding moving into poorly lit spaces. In conclusion, when it comes to designing care homes, it is important to understand how and why design, colour, furniture, and fixtures can affect residents – especially those with dementia. Only then will you be able to create a truly inclusive facility that is safe, functional, and homely
Andrew Cleaver
Andrew Cleaver is the national sector manager for healthcare at Dulux Decorator Centre and has over 20 years’ experience within the coatings industry. For the last ten years, Andrew has been part of the specification team, focusing on public and private care home groups and hospitals.
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for both residents, and those who work there.
References 1
https://cairntechnology.com/common- infections-care-homes/
2 Journal of the American Medical Association Psychiatry, 2023
3
http://www.csemag.com/single- article/indoor-air-quality-in-hospitals/
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