Flooring
right for a care environment is critical to the holistic design of a truly dementia-friendly and inclusive facility. To fully appreciate its importance, it is
first worth taking a look at some of the ways in which the floor can affect perceptions and therefore the behaviour of a person living with dementia. This is because dementia can bring a variety of challenges, such as visual impairments affecting sight, and this coupled with general age- related eyesight deterioration can make it increasingly difficult for them to navigate effectively.
The DSDC advises that one of the most important design principles that needs to be adhered to is the tonal contrast between interior elements. Tonal contrast should be suitable to aid visual recognition and allow furnishings/finishes to be seen against each other. It is recommended that a difference of 30 degrees of light reflectance value (LRV) is achieved between critical surfaces, such as floors to walls and doors to walls. If this is adhered to, it can help those living with dementia to see spaces three- dimensionally and enable easier navigation of the spaces around them. However, if this is not possible, it is essential that optimum contrast is at least achieved between the two critical planes: the floor and the wall. This is because a person living with dementia may perceive colours, tonal variance, light reflectiveness, and other textures as something they are not. For example, a dark area of entrance matting
might be seen as a deep hole that should not be stepped into; a heavily patterned design, flecked effects or flooring incorporating a logo could become an obstacle to be avoided; shiny or sparkly finishes appear as water and therefore present a slip risk which is not really there, while transitional strips – for example between carpeted areas and hard flooring areas – might create a barrier to the eye of a dementia patient. Since everyone living with dementia
is affected in a different way, there is no definitive answer or ‘silver bullet’ to
creating the perfect environment featuring the most ideal flooring specification, but by considering the potential effects on the individuals in question, you can go a long way in improving their quality of life.
Flooring options available With all the various considerations to be made by designers, it can often be challenging to find floor coverings that can create both safe and homely environments. However, by following guidelines set by organisations such as the DSDC, designers can achieve this goal. In fact, Forbo have worked with the DSDC since 2016 – this has resulted in over 800 of our products being accredited by the DSDC for use in dementia- friendly environments.
Slips and trips are one of the most prolific accidents reported in care homes, so protecting against these types of accidents is key. Residents need to have peace of mind that they can use bathroom or kitchen facilities without the risk of injury. This can be achieved by correctly specifying safety flooring, while also creating fresh and modern interiors.. Highly durable and easy to clean, vinyl flooring is another popular choice for care homes – especially within communal spaces or hallways. Available in a range of designs approved by the DSDC, vinyl flooring can also be purchased in an adhesive free format, which means it can be installed quickly, helping to reduce downtime and minimise disruption – a vital factor to consider when refurbishing care homes. In addition to this
32
www.thecarehomeenvironment.com May 2023
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44
