Flooring


Creating dementia-inclusive environments with flooring


Mark Jackson, key account manager for the care sector at Forbo Flooring Systems, discusses the importance of dementia-friendly interiors, and how the correct specification of flooring – that adheres to the main design principles – will ensure that environments are safe without hindering the confidence or independence of those using them


The latest research by Alzheimer’s Research UK1


reveals that by 2050 there will be an


estimated 1.6 million people living with dementia in the UK. Dementia describes a set of symptoms that may include memory loss and difficulties with thinking, problem solving, language, mood, or behaviour. Changes can often be small to start with, but they may become severe enough to impact daily life. While such impairments can be devastating at any time of life, for an older person living with the symptoms of dementia, their functioning, independence, and quality of life can all be severely compromised.


There is a common misconception that dementia is a condition of old age,2


but this


is not necessarily the case, with over 42,000 people under the age of 65 having dementia. That being said, the chances of developing dementia do increase with age, with a one in 14 chance of developing it over the age of 65 and a one in six chance over the age of 80. Although the initial changes can often be small, they can become severe enough to impact a person’s everyday life. This coupled with other age-related impairments can result in a higher rate of dependency. With this increase in dependency, there will come an increase in the need for care facilities capable of caring for those living with dementia. In fact, research shows that 70 per cent of all care home residents have dementia.3


By understanding the impact of such physical, mental, and emotional impairments, designers, specifiers and


carers can create care home interiors that help people feel safer and more confident in their surroundings. In fact, this understanding is the first step towards developing living and care environments that support the needs of older people and those with dementia. Ensuring that they have access to the right care, in the right environment, is vital to supporting their wellbeing into later life.


The importance of designing for dementia The topic of healthcare design and its impact is often overlooked, with many


Design is a critical therapeutic tool for promoting wellbeing, functionality, and pain reduction among those living with dementia


30


doubting its efficacy. However, there are numerous examples throughout the world that have demonstrated, with clinical data, that considered design has a measurable, desirable impact on clinical outcomes. Such designs have aided in saving lives, improving outcomes, and increasing wellbeing at a time that can often be the most challenging and difficult in a person and their families’ lives. It was over 38 years ago that Roger Ulrich studied the impact of hospital room design on patient outcomes. He discovered that patients with window views of nature recovered quicker from surgery and required less pain medication than those with a view of a brick wall. This was the first piece of evidence linking design to patient recovery and wellbeing.


In the case of care homes looking after those living with dementia, appropriately


www.thecarehomeenvironment.com May 2023


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