Furniture
Thoughtful furniture and interiors: designing for dignity
Well-designed furniture and interiors can reduce residents’ stress, increase their independence, and enhance their quality of life, as Randal Southall, sales & marketing director at Furncare, explains
As life expectancy continues to rise, more people are experiencing the challenges associated with dementia. In the UK alone, around 900,000 individuals are living with the condition, and the number is projected to exceed 1.6 million by 2040, according to Alzheimer’s Research UK. Dementia, however, is far more than just memory loss – it affects cognition, perception, orientation, and the ability to interact meaningfully with everyday environments. As the number of people living with dementia increases, the need for environments that accommodate their evolving needs has never been more urgent. In this context, thoughtful design – particularly in furniture – can play a pivotal role in supporting both independence and dignity.
The power of environment We often take for granted how our environment shapes our experience of the world. But for someone living with dementia, seemingly small issues, such as difficulty distinguishing between a chair and the wall behind it, or struggling to locate items in a drawer, can lead to confusion, anxiety, and frustration. While we may not always notice how our surroundings influence us, the impact of environment on someone with dementia is profound. Even the smallest design details can have a major effect on how individuals with dementia experience their daily lives. The importance of intuitive, dementia- friendly design in care settings cannot be overstated. Yet, too often, it is overlooked in favour of more traditional or aesthetically
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driven choices. As dementia affects an individual’s ability to perceive, navigate, and interact with their environment, the design of spaces becomes crucial in supporting their wellbeing. Thoughtful, well-designed furniture and interiors can reduce stress, increase independence, and enhance the overall quality of life. The goal is to create spaces that are not just functional but are also welcoming, comforting, and conducive to maintaining a sense of dignity and autonomy.
The role of thoughtful design in dementia care
When it comes to dementia care, every aspect of the environment can shape the way individuals experience the world around them. Research has shown that tailored environments can significantly improve the wellbeing of people living with dementia. Design choices such as strategic
The importance of intuitive, dementia-friendly design cannot be overstated
use of contrast, familiar shapes, and clear wayfinding elements can help individuals navigate their spaces with confidence, reduce disorientation, and minimise distress.
One of the key principles in dementia- friendly design is the importance of maintaining a connection to the familiar. Dementia often leads to memory loss, confusion, and perceptual changes. A design that integrates familiar elements from the individual’s past can provide comfort and reassurance. This sense of familiarity is integral in reducing anxiety, helping individuals with dementia feel more at ease and connected to their environment.
Good design is not merely functional, it is about creating spaces that evoke a sense of home and belonging. Furniture plays a critical role in achieving this. Thoughtful design elements, such as intuitive, easy- to-use furniture, can empower individuals to maintain some level of independence while minimising frustration. Even small adjustments, such as easy-to-navigate furniture or a layout that minimises confusion, can make a significant
www.thecarehomeenvironment.com June 2025
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