The Importance of Dementia-Friendly Design in Care Homes

The Importance of Dementia-Friendly Design in Care Homes Approximately 982,000 people with dementia are living in the UK. Such a huge number of people need a loving and caring facility. Family and friends of people with dementia look for a care home facility for the betterment of the patient. A simpler home design makes it better for dementia patients to remember the facility better. In the following blog, you will learn how a care home facility can be designed to be dementia-friendly.

What is Dementia-Friendly Design?

The main principle is to make a simple interior design. Do not include busy patterns and complex design. For them to navigate from one room to another. In a nutshell, a dementia-friendly care home facility must have simple interior design. Let’s take you through some of the important elements of dementia-friendly care home design.

Key Elements of Dementia-Friendly Design

Dementia patients have difficulty navigating, so you can use well-lit internal signs. Alternatively, a contrasting interior may help them go from here to there.

Clear Wayfinding and Signage

As stated above, a contrasting colour pattern helps them perceive objects. If you install internal signs, it may help them go to the washroom and come back to the bed. Contrasting colours on walls and doors help them find the entrance easily. You can place some identifying objects before each room entrance to help them identify their own room.

Safe and Comfortable Lighting

If your care-home facility is poorly lit or the corridors remain dark, dementia patients find it hard to navigate. Such an environment might leave them wandering around the facility. Instead, decorate the interior with energy-efficient lights. The best thing for you to do is to design the property to let in natural light. Under natural lights, patients can move around quickly.

Secure and Accessible Outdoor Spaces

You can ask them to visit the garden under staff supervision or allow them to roam around in an enclosed facility. Now, they can get outside exposure and also free from the mental anxiety of living indoors Just make sure the garden paths are clear and easy to remember. Besides, non-slippery roads may also be good for them.

Calming Interior Colors and Textures

If you use dark colours for interior decoration, it might be too much for them to process. Large and wild designs are distressing for them. Instead, use a calming and light interior theme. It will soothe their mental stress and help them navigate the facility easily. Install some light and safe furniture for their ease of use.

Private and Social Spaces

Caregivers or family members of dementia patients don’t let them go outside and socialise with others. Too much protection suffocates them and also increases mental agitation. Care home facilities have a good opportunity to solve the problem. They can meet with each other in a common room. It will reduce stress in their minds.

Noise Management

Continuous or sudden loud noises are disturbing for dementia patients. They disturb mental stability and agitation, which is not safe for patients at all. Use sound-absorbing cushions to reduce outside noises. Besides, be careful when working with heavy metals that produce noise. Lower noise from TV or alarm to maintain a peaceful environment.

Technologies Supporting Dementia Care

Modern technologies can help provide quality care for people with dementia. Let’s look at these technologies at a glance.

Smart Monitoring

Old dementia patients may be cared for quickly with fall detection sensors. These sensors detect and send alerts if the patient falls on the ground.

Interactive Technology

Digital devices like mobile phones and alarm clocks can help with the patient’s memory. Besides, modern interactive devices like Amazon Echo or Google Home are also amazing options to help them remember things.

Benefits of Implementing Dementia-Friendly Design

A friendly environment in the care facility is only possible by integrating patients, families and staff.

For Residents

Ensure that patients feel safe in the facility. They will respond better to treatment if they feel a sense of autonomy.

For Staff:

Easier caregiving with reduced incidents of confusion or wandering. They should be trained that patient comfort is the ultimate goal. They must focus on providing autonomy while safeguarding them.

For Families

Families must support the patients through frequent visits and quality private time. In such a caring environment, they will also feel peace of mind.

Best Practices for Creating Dementia-Friendly Care Homes

Consult a dementia care specialist to make a safe and secure environment in the care facility. Include families to know any personal preferences of the residents. It might make them feel at home. Finally, change or improve the environment as per residents’ feedback

Conclusion

A dementia-friendly environment is a place where patients feel safe and secure. Using bold patterns on walls and doors might confuse them. Instead, use a more straightforward design and light colours, reflecting a soothing environment. Are you planning to create a new care home facility for the old or people with dementia? Contact us today! We are the best care home builders in the town.