Dementia care
Building environments that areflexibleandfutureproof
Dementia is the biggest challenge facing social care today. We have a responsibility to create sustainable communities that can accommodate this growing and vulnerable section of the population, says Jitesh Patel, senior development manager, Kajima Partnerships
We are in the midst of a dementia care crisis; there are currently more than 534,000 people living with the condition in the UK, with limited social care available to support them. With this figure predicted to rise by up to 35 per cent by 2025 and by 146 per cent by 2050, the situation is only likely to get worse.
Developers of assisted living facilities can have an important role in helping to accommodate this vulnerable group by building environments that are flexible and future proof, enabling people with dementia to live either independently or at least in one place for longer, without the need to move from one care home to another as their care needs increase. Once an environment is no longer suitable for someone living with dementia, the best solution is to adapt their immediate surroundings in order to avoid moving them and causing further disruption. Moving a person with advanced dementia can heighten symptoms, so the best solution is for them to live in an adaptable environment, which enables them to remain in the same place, surrounded by care staff who are familiar to them. Developers should consider how accommodation needs might vary for those moving through the early, middle and later stages of dementia. For example, different zones can be created throughout the living facility to accommodate the differing abilities of residents, with dining areas and living rooms being adapted accordingly. Such adaptations can include decorating rooms in contrasting colours, which can give someone with dementia a sense of depth and perspective, making orientation easier in the space. Materials used in the design of the building should not include reflective surfaces, which can cause confusion. Most importantly, designers should ensure that corridors
and other communal areas are wide enough to accommodate mobility scooters and wheelchairs. These are all simple adaptations that make the world of difference to a person with dementia, but are unfortunately often overlooked.
Assistive technology Assisted living facilities should be designed with assistive technology in mind as it can have a significant impact on day to day life. Assistive technology can help people to remain autonomous and independent for longer and there is evidence to suggest that the advent of assistive technology has also had a positive impact on carers who, as a result of its use, feel more confident about the safety and comfort of those they are caring for.
Such technologies range from sensor lighting and water isolation devices to automated reminders to take medication. Electronic location devices can also be used to let carers know if a person has not moved for too long or if they have left a room or the building. This includes GPS technology that can help locate people who may have got lost or become disorientated.
January 2019 •
www.thecarehomeenvironment.com
Getting the right support can mean that an individual is able to continue to live in an environment of their choice, maintaining their independence and dignity. Although assistive technologies can be costly, developers and local authorities should work together to create a standardised building model that can be used for assisted living facilities in the future.
A recent survey by charity Dementia Care revealed that 62 per cent of those living with dementia felt lonely and isolated.5
In order to promote interaction among residents, designers should incorporate social spaces such as shops and hairdressers to help promote a sense of community.
To avoid making a space feel institutional, living spaces and bedrooms can be positioned in a way that encourages social interaction. For example, a well designed layout can promote social opportunities such as communal dining. The advance of technology and the increased use of iPads, tablets and apps also promotes ease of communication.
Mobile apps can be used to remind people when to take their medication
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