Furniture
difference in the daily lives of people with dementia.
The unique nature of dementia-friendly furniture Unlike traditional furniture, which is typically designed with general usability in mind, dementia friendly furniture considers how individuals with dementia perceive and interact with their surroundings. Cognitive impairments related to dementia affect various abilities, including spatial awareness, depth perception, and memory. Furniture must, therefore, be designed with these specific challenges in mind. The goal is to create intuitive solutions that support both usability and comfort. Several key design principles define dementia-friendly furniture: 1. Contrast and definition
For many individuals living with dementia, visual processing difficulties can make it challenging to distinguish between objects and their surroundings. For instance, a chair that blends in with the colour of the wall may go unnoticed, or a bed frame that is indistinguishable from the floor might lead to confusion. By using clear contrast between surfaces, furniture can become more easily identifiable, improving spatial awareness and safety. For example, pairing light-coloured furniture with dark-coloured walls can help individuals recognise and
The right furniture choices can significantly enhance independence
differentiate between objects and areas more easily.
2. Intuitive design features The cognitive strain individuals living with dementia experience can be alleviated through furniture that is designed with clear, intuitive features. Simple solutions, such as cabinets with visible cut-out sections or chairs with tactile cues, can support independent interactions. These elements give users immediate, sensory feedback, helping guide them through everyday tasks and reducing the potential for confusion or frustration.
3. Familiarity While innovation in design is valuable, maintaining familiar design elements is equally important in dementia care settings. People living with dementia often feel disoriented by unfamiliar shapes, colours, and textures. Familiar design cues such as traditional handles, simple shapes, or materials they recognise, can help them feel more comfortable and confident. Furniture that incorporates both modern solutions and traditional elements strikes a
balance between practicality and emotional reassurance.
4. Safety and durability Given the demanding nature of care environments, furniture in dementia care settings must be safe, durable, and easy to maintain. Materials should be chosen for their ability to withstand frequent use and offer safety features like rounded edges, soft-close mechanisms, and fire-resistant upholstery. These considerations not only improve the safety of residents but also ensure that caregivers can manage their tasks more easily. The durability of the furniture also ensures that the environment remains stable and secure for individuals living with dementia, helping them feel more grounded in their space.
The science behind dementia-friendly design
Dementia-friendly design is informed by both practical experience and scientific research. For example, studies have shown that Light Reflective Value (LRV) plays a critical role in improving spatial awareness. LRV refers to the amount of light a surface reflects. When the LRV of adjacent surfaces, such as furniture and walls, differs by at least 30 points, visibility improves significantly. Without sufficient contrast, individuals living with dementia may struggle to recognise objects or differentiate between surfaces, leading to confusion. Ensuring adequate contrast between walls and furniture can significantly enhance residents’ ability to navigate their surroundings safely. Another crucial consideration is the
reduction of visual clutter. Environments that are overly busy or decorated can overwhelm individuals living with dementia, making it difficult to focus on the key objects in their space. By simplifying designs and reducing unnecessary decorations, caregivers can create calming spaces that help people living with dementia stay focused, feel less agitated, and improve their ability to interact with their environment.
Promoting independence and emotional wellbeing
For individuals living with dementia, maintaining a sense of autonomy is essential for emotional wellbeing. The right furniture choices can significantly enhance independence, allowing people to carry out tasks with minimal assistance and feel
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