Care home interiors
4. Memory loss Short-term memory loss and forgetfulness can significantly increase the risk of flooding if a tap or the shower are left on after use. To minimise this, it is wise to include flood-proof plugs in the basins - or do not provide a plug at all - and also opt for showers that have an auto shut-off function. AKW’s dementia-friendly SmartCare
Plus shower automatically shuts down after 30 minutes of use to avoid accidental overflows.
5. Retro memory People with dementia have a good long-term memory so are more familiar with fixtures and fittings that are from the past. Maximise the benefits of this by incorporating traditionally designed fixtures and fittings, such as cross- headed taps and a conventional toilet flush rather than modern push-button devices. Think of installing basins that are large enough to accommodate a toothbrush mug to make sure users feel that the items in the space are as familiar and comfortable as possible.
6. Floor colour perception Consistent flooring shades are crucial as a person with dementia can interpret a change in floor colour as a step up or down, leading to trips or falls on a level surface. Avoid very dark colour flooring as this can be perceived as being a big hole, making the person suffering from dementia reluctant to step into the bathroom. Avoid shiny flooring as this can be
perceived as being wet and flooring with a small pattern or a speckled effect, as this can be seen as having dirt flecks that the person with dementia may try and pick up, leading to the possibility of a fall. Ultimately, ensure the floor is a single,
light, uniform colour and choose a wet room solution rather than a level access tray, as the colour change from floor to
tray could be seen as a step to someone with dementia. For the final word on flooring, make
sure that anti-slip vinyl is used. A suitable example is AKW’s Safety Flooring, as this provides the same level of slip resistance in both wet or dry conditions, regardless of whether the user is wearing shoes or barefoot and has been tested in a variety of high-risk conditions.
7. Visual confusion Incorporating contrasting colours in bathrooms can help users with dementia to effectively define and locate separate sections of the room, such as the shower
It is possible to create ‘dementia- friendly bathrooms’ - using a person- centric approach to design - that are safer for residents and support the requirements of carers
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and toilet areas. For example, contrast should be used to help differentiate a grab bar from a wall and the toilet seat from the pan. A minimum LRV (light reflectance
value) of 30 points of difference between colours is needed. The shower curtain and shower seat need to be a different and clearly contrasting plain colour to the wall behind them, so that they are easy to locate in the showering area. There is a common misconception that
the only dementia-friendly colour that should be used for grab rails and toilet seats is red. However, leading dementia- friendly building design experts, dementia research academics and occupational therapists agree that this is a myth. While red is an acceptable colour to use, other colours are equally as effective - providing they clearly contrast with the wall colour behind them.
8. Lighting People with dementia can become more sensitive to glare from lights, so
www.thecarehomeenvironment.com • October 2021
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