Dementia design
alters the way colour is perceived. As a result older people may experience the following: l A reduction in contrast perception ability, resulting in difficulty differentiating between subtle changes in the environment such as carpets and steps.
l A reduction in the perceived saturation or vividness of colours (chroma). For example, reds start to look like pinks.
l A reduced ability to discriminate blue colours.
LRV still applies when choosing artwork. Just because an individual may have an altered perception of a true colour, or does not see it as vividly as we do, it does not mean they should not be able to take enjoyment from a piece of artwork. Below left is an image of a piece of
artwork we selected. You can see it is not muted, it is graphic, bright and colourful, and residents with or without visual impairment can appreciate it equally. You can see from the picture below
right that the artwork is tonally correct so even if the colours cannot be seen, it still has distinction and can be understood and appreciated for the picture it is by some one with a visual impairment or loss of perception.
Conclusion The hardest thing is that no one resident is the same, or has the same experience with the home interior, so you have to cover a broad range of needs and wants. My guiding principles have always been to create a comfortable adult space with the application of certain design principles. Through the understanding and application of LRV in care home
We do not need gaudy grab rails, or overkill on bright colours but a much more sensitive approach to interior design and understanding of the powerful effects LRV can create through tone
interior design, we can create very inclusive spaces for varying needs and requirements, especially for those who have problems processing the environment they are in. With an inclusive approach to LRV, we
can design an environment-enhanced quality of life and independence. We do not need gaudy grab rails, or overkill on bright colours but a much more sensitive approach to interior design and understanding of the powerful effects LRV can create through tone. It is an opportunity for us to be more
creative and create a space that enables everyone while still retaining that very essence of what it means to be an adult living in a care home with all those rich and varied experiences. Is not that what creating enabling spaces should be about?
design of homes and living spaces for people with dementia and sight loss, 2014
https://dementia.stir.ac.uk/system/files/ filedepot/12/good_practice_in_the_design_ of_homes_and_living_spaces_for_people_ living_with_dementia_and_sight_loss_final. pdf.
4. Dementia Enabling Environments, Colour Perception and Contrast, https://www.
enablingenvironments.com.au/colour- perception-and-contrast.html.
TCHE
References 1. Architects Journal, Keeping an eye on colour contrast, 2017
https://www.architectsjournal.
co.uk/news/opinion/keeping-an-eye-on- colour-contrast.
2. British Standards, BS 8493 Light reflectance value (LRV) of a surface. Method of test, 2008
https://shop.bsigroup.com/ ProductDetail?pid= 000000000030203005.
3. University of Stirling, Good practice in the Kerry Southern-Reason
Kerry Southern-Reason is managing director of Care Home Interiors. Kerry chose to specialise in residential care home interior design after many years of working with high-end private clients, show homes and hotel interiors. Her change in path was driven by her genuine desire to make a difference to residents’ lives. Over the years, Kerry has become a pioneer in dementia interior design. In 2020, she helped one client secure a Pinders Healthcare Design Award in dementia design. Since 2001, the Southern family has operated an interiors business, manufacturing soft furnishings and upholstery from their base in Medstead, Hampshire.
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www.thecarehomeenvironment.com • March 2021
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