Dementia care
The smart approach to designing for dementia
Julie Smyth of architects Corstorphine + Wright examines state-of-the-art technology used in care homes for residents living with dementia and how it can be incorporated in newbuild designs
The last 30 years have seen an enormous boom of technology that has infiltrated all of our lives, allowing us to work and live in ways previously unimaginable. With supercomputers in all of our pockets and the ability to chat to those on the other side of the world without a second thought, it is understandable that niche technological solutions are being developed continuously. One area that is being helped enormously by these advances is healthcare. Not only are we seeing new and more innovative ways to save lives, but we are also seeing new and innovative ways to make lives easier and more comfortable for those with medical issues, their carers and their loved ones.
Technology and dementia Corstorphine & Wright has specialised in the specific design and build of care homes for many years - and in particular, care homes for those living with dementia. We have seen the development and implementation of multiple products on the market to assist and support those living with dementia in their day-to-day lives. These can range from specific pieces of
kit for use by the individual, to healthcare and support items that make it easier for carers and family members to provide better care in an easier way while providing
peace of mind for their loved ones. Music-based items, for example, can
have an enormous impact right from the beginning of the condition’s onset. Music is very strongly linked to memory and can trigger links back to important periods in our lives or pivotal life events. Apps such as Music Mirrors can offer this memory aid. Specialist clocks, for example, assist
with impaired vision and include daily information such as the date, year, season and imagery reflecting whether it is day or night. This can reduce confusion and assist with residents’ circadian rhythms. Automatic pill dispensers, meanwhile, can be pre-filled and
Technology will continue to evolve and further enhance life for all of us, and this has already come along in leaps and bounds when it comes to designing for the healthcare industry and those living with dementia
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locked compartments timed to open at the relevant time preventing double-dosing and they often have an alarm linked to draw attention, aiding memory. Also, picture phones replace standard commands and numbers with photographs, making it much easier for those living with dementia to contact carers and loved ones, offering individuality and independence for as long as possible. Smart devices can be fully integrated
to operate lights, heating systems, radios and televisions, and can be voice- activated, making them much easier to navigate than standard technology and improving autonomy and quality of life. If required, they can also be operated from outside the home by a carer or loved one. The voice commands can also help
with confusion, answering questions such as what the date is, what the weather is like, or taking note of shopping lists. Where carers are concerned, locator devices can also be enormously helpful. Electronic devices can be tagged onto keys, purses or other personal items, and linked electronically to an app or browser-
www.thecarehomeenvironment.com • November 2021
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