Dementia care


based smart system. Specially-designed dementia tags


sound a traceable alarm when triggered by the linked piece of technology in order to help the individual find help. Other technologies such as alarms and telecare can also provide peace of mind when it comes to the safety.


Architectural safety technology The advantage we have when creating a care home in 2021 is we have knowledge of, and access to, a number of dementia- care technologies before we even begin the design phase of the building. The range of safety technologies


is frequently expanding and can be incorporated during the build - removing the need for the issues that come alongside a retrospective fit. We also ensure we future-proof buildings during these early stages to allow new technologies to be fitted at a later date wherever possible. MariCare’s Elsi Smart Floor, for


example, is an intelligent system that tracks and monitors walking patterns and behaviours. It can quickly pick up on a change in pattern - for example, staff will receive an alert if an individual is visiting the bathroom more regularly than normal. The frequent visitation could suggest an infection, or that the resident will be more tired than usual during the day - and therefore more susceptible to injury. As carers are alerted whenever a


resident leaves their bed during the night, they can also be assured those residents are still safely in bed if there has not been an alert - reducing the number of checks required, and avoiding sleep disturbance.


Elsi Smart Floor was first installed


in care homes as a pilot by the City of Helsinki and Aalto University and the outcomes were game-changing. Residents living with the flooring from 2006 to 2010 had a reduction in injuries between 17-97 per cent depending on the time of day. Similar to the smart floor, Vayyar


Home is an entirely touchless monitoring system. With no wearables required, the ceiling-mounted system scans the environment and generates point cloud imaging, which is then computer- monitored and alerts staff if residents are active during the night or behaving irregularly. We often include sensory operating


lighting controls in our specifications when designing for care homes. Automatic lighting systems link to a movement sensor to ensure that when


a resident gets out of bed, for example, they can see where they are going with the sensitively-designed lighting that allows for maximum visibility without being startling or dazzling in the darkness. Other available safety features include


automatic shut-off devices that engage gas or water. The limit for water or gas usage can be set to an amount that would be reasonably expected, and when this usage is exceeded, they will shut off automatically, keeping residents safe from flooding, fire or carbon monoxide poisoning. One such product is a bath/ sink plug that reacts to the weight of the water above it and begins to release water if this becomes too heavy to avoid flooding.


Incorporating dementia-friendly products into architecture and interior design There has been a strong drive towards dementia-friendly products and technologies. In previous schemes, our clients have included several inspirational products that are designed to stimulate residents and improve wellbeing as well as safety. As we future-proof our designs, we are always actively excited to see new products that can be retroactively incorporated into schemes. Mood lighting has always played


a vital part in these schemes - from dimmable fittings, changeable LEDs, and glass roofing, the ability to control and manipulate light to help with mood is hugely beneficial, particularly when creating an environment suitable for those living with dementia. One of my favourite lighting solutions


November 2021 • www.thecarehomeenvironment.com 35


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