Dementia care
passageways – they can become rooms in their own right. Enriching these spaces with seating offers rest for those who need it, while 3D activity stations provide engaging waypoints. We add activity stations such as an arrangement of hats, or a display of flower posies – these are all within reach and made to be interacted with. The addition of seating close by provides an invitation to sit and take time to linger and enjoy the interacting with the display. The addition of plants and ornaments can also transform corridors into welcoming environments, instilling a sense of security and comfort for residents as they navigate through the home with familiarity.
Introducing a focal point does not have
to be expensive. An item such as a fireplace or television can transform a room from functional to inviting. These elements offer immediate room identification, evoke a homely feel, and entice people to linger and enjoy the space.
Wayfinding Uniformity may be seen as appealing but to someone living with dementia a lack of differentiation can be worrying – is it the same room or a different room? Just ask yourself, is your home uniform from room to room? Differentiation provides strong reminders and indicators of where an individual might be. This can be achieved by adding differing visual features such as distinctive artwork, potted plants, or ornaments. However, we always recommend that a room should present its purpose. If it is a dining room, present it with tables set for dinner, or a feature dresser with plants, cups, and saucers. Wayfinding does not have to result in signs. Something as simple as a hat rack or a collection of flower posies can act as a cue to enable independent wayfinding. Artwork
Avoiding confusion is of paramount importance
can make an environment seem familiar yet support individuals in finding their way around the home, too. A memorable picture can aid people with their memory loss, and help an individual relate the picture to being close to the lounge, dining room, or toilet. We use additional design methods such as activity stations to provide strong reminders. It can make those connecting spaces, such as corridors, enjoyable places to be and spend time.
Would you be happy? If there is one thing we have learnt from the pandemic, it is the profound impact interiors can have on those living with dementia. Our role as designers is to ensure that the interiors we create are not merely places of living but places reminiscent of a normal home where activities are safely and securely carried out. I often ask: if this was
your last vision on this earth, would you be happy? That is how important what we do is! Creating a space that resonates with a sense of home for dementia residents is not just a necessity, but a duty. Everyone has the right to be treated with dignity and respect. The Equality Act 2010 prohibits discrimination on named grounds. These are called ‘protected characteristics’.4 Therefore, living in dignity, being treated as an individual rather than a person living with dementia, is not just a box ticking exercise, but essential to an individual’s dignity. The design should favour a warm and welcoming environment fostering that reflects the life somebody has lived, thereby honouring their personal dignity and identity.
Designing for dementia goes beyond clinical utility. It is about weaving comfort into the fabric of living spaces, where each element is chosen not just for its functionality but for its ability to provide solace and familiarity to both residents and caregivers. The goal is to create a haven that feels like home, tailored to comfort, safety, and personal tastes.
When imagining a care home, we should ask ourselves if it is a place we would be comfortable inhabiting. Is the visual stimulation of a brightly patterned wall something that would continue to bring joy day after day? Such considerations are the essence of thoughtful design, ensuring that our strategies for dementia care are as focused on meaningful interaction as they are on aesthetics – ultimately enhancing the quality of life for those with cognitive impairments. Avoiding confusion and frustration for individuals living with dementia is of
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www.thecarehomeenvironment.com June 2024
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