Interior design


improve residents’ mental wellbeing and health.


According to the Alzheimer’s Society, a person living with dementia will need more care and support as their condition progresses, and there may come a time when they will need to move into full-time or residential care. This, says the Society, could be because a care home may be able to better meet the needs of the person. Or, it could be because something changes that then makes it difficult for that person living with dementia to stay at home. When that change comes, it is more important than ever that such residents feel instantly comfortable in an environment that incorporates colour and texture to help ensure that the home feels more welcoming. The Guardian newspaper reported as far back as 2013 that fewer than half of people living with dementia in care homes enjoy a good quality of life. The article suggested that 80 per cent of people in residential care homes have either dementia or severe memory problems - a rise from previous estimates of 62 per cent - adding that less than 50 per cent of the 322,000 dementia residents in care homes at that time could claim to be well looked after. That situation has changed considerably


in recent years. While care homes are still often thought of as a last resort, it is often a necessary one, especially for the care of people living with dementia. At David Bailey Furniture, we


collaboratively support care home owners and architects by advising as to the best use of colour and how it can be incorporated as a therapeutic tool in terms of providing better dementia care.


The best advice Such advice covers a wide range of areas, such as reducing excess noise by making better use of carpets, cushions, and curtains. Laminate or vinyl flooring can be very noisy, especially if the person living with dementia wears a hearing aid. Background noise can be further reduced by turning the television or radio off when not in use. Current NHS advice also says that it is important to have regular hearing checks, even if the resident has hearing aids fitted.


Rugs or mats on the floor should also


be avoided, as some people living with dementia may become confused and think the rug or mat is an object that they need to step over, which could lead to trips or falls. Care homes are also advised to avoid


38


Colour can play a major role in creating accessible environments


shiny or reflective flooring, as this may be perceived as being wet, and the resident may struggle to walk over it. The advice also includes guidance relating to labels and signs which can help someone living with dementia get around more easily. Labels and signs on cupboards and doors can be helpful, such as a toilet sign on the bathroom or toilet door. Signs should be clear, have words and an appropriate picture that will contrast with the background, and be placed slightly lower than normal, as older people tend to look downwards.


Safety and hygiene are major


considerations. Fixed storage units are now fitted with sloping tops to ensure dust is unable to build up, and any surfaces can be easily wiped clean. Serious thought also has to be given to ensuring that there are no sharp corners or edges where less mobile residents might be injured as a result of a fall.


Summary


Colour, of course, can simply be down to personal choice or the need to reflect a logo style for a particular care home. As we have already established, the right choice of colour can change the mood of a room, encourage an active mind, and make people feel at home in otherwise unfamiliar territory. Furthermore, given the difficulties with perception that people living with dementia can experience, any steps that can be taken to alleviate such issues should be considered. As already mentioned, using bright and contrasting colours for furniture and furnishings is recommended. While sympathetic colours look good and contribute towards setting the right ambience, they also play a vital role in


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