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All about Dementia Friendly Environments

Dementia friendly environments are vital for promoting independence, safety and comfort for individuals living with dementia. With over 900,000 people in the UK currently affected, and this figure expected to rise, the need for thoughtfully designed spaces is more pressing than ever. These environments can reduce confusion, minimise distress, and provide a sense of familiarity and security, enabling those with dementia to navigate their surroundings with greater ease.

This article will explore practical design tips and safety considerations for creating dementia friendly spaces, whether at home or in public settings. By focusing on accessibility, comfort and functionality, these environments can significantly enhance the quality of life for individuals with dementia and their carers. 

The Importance of Dementia Friendly Design

Dementia friendly design can help address the cognitive and sensory challenges faced by those living with dementia. The condition affects memory, problem-solving and perception, making it difficult for individuals to recognise familiar surroundings or navigate their environment. Sensory impairments, such as reduced depth perception or difficulty distinguishing colours, further complicate daily activities. These challenges often lead to frustration, disorientation and a diminished sense of independence.

Thoughtful design can reduce anxiety and confusion by creating spaces that feel familiar, safe and intuitive. Clear visual cues, consistent layouts and adequate lighting can make navigation easier and more reassuring. For example, contrasting colours on walls and furniture help people distinguish between objects, while signage with symbols and simple language can guide movement. By addressing these needs, dementia friendly environments can create a sense of security and comfort, so that individuals can live with greater confidence and dignity.

Safety and Accessibility in dementia environments

What are the Key Design Principles for Dementia Friendly Environments?

Dementia friendly environments require careful thought and consideration. Here are some areas that are involved in designing them:

Safety and Accessibility

Above all else, safety and accessibility are important for those with dementia. There are several areas where this needs to be considered.

Clear Pathways and Navigation

Wide, well-lit hallways and clearly marked rooms or areas are vital for helping people with dementia move confidently through their environment. With open and uncluttered pathways, there is a reduced risk of confusion and a clear sense of direction. Signage with large, clear text or pictograms can also make spaces easier to identify, while cues like coloured lines or familiar symbols can aid navigation around the space.

Avoiding Hazards

Though many people with dementia may be physically well, slip-resistant flooring is still an important inclusion to prevent falls. This is because smooth or shiny surfaces can be misinterpreted as wet or uneven. 

Having furniture with soft edges also reduces the risk of injury, as will a clutter-free space. Reflective surfaces like mirrors or glass tables can also be confusing. 

Accessible Fixtures and Fittings

Simple, intuitive fixtures are key to ensuring individuals with dementia can maintain independence. Easy-to-operate door handles, lever-style taps and rocker switches for lights are better for those with limited mobility or coordination difficulties. Contrasting colours for fixtures, such as white handles against darker backgrounds, make them easier to locate and use.

Familiarity and Comfort

Since there will be a lot of things that feel unfamiliar to a dementia patient, carers should ensure that things feel as familiar as possible. 

Use of Familiar Objects and Furniture

Incorporating familiar items like furniture or personal photographs can create a comforting environment by evoking memories or feelings. Familiarity helps reduce anxiety and promotes a sense of belonging, and this is increasingly important for anyone in a new or unfamiliar setting. A balance of personal and familiar communal elements means both individuality and connection to the space.

Comfortable Seating Areas

Comfortable, recognisable furniture will help with relaxation and social interaction. Seating should be supportive, stable and upholstered in soft fabrics to provide physical comfort. It’s better to arrange furniture in a way that encourages social engagement and conversation, particularly in a care home setting where multiple residents will be using the space.

It’s also better if furniture can be placed near natural light sources or scenic views; this will further enhance well-being.

Sensory-Friendly Elements

Sensory considerations are often overlooked but are an important consideration for dementia patients.

Lighting

Shadows and glare can cause confusion and anxiety so proper lighting is important. Natural lighting supports circadian rhythms and overall mood so it should be maximised as much as possible. During evening hours, soft, warm and evenly distributed lighting can help create a calming atmosphere.

Colour and Contrast

It can be easier to identify objects when they’re in contrast. So, for things like door frames, edges of furniture or light switches, it’s important to consider their visibility. Shiny surfaces or complex patterns can be confusing but when colour is used strategically, it can make things easier to manage. 

Calming Sensory Input

Soothing sensory elements like plush cushions and throws provide tactile comfort, which is beneficial to those with dementia. Gentle background sounds, including nature-inspired music, can also have a calming effect, while pleasant scents, like lavender or citrus, can evoke positive feelings. Together, these elements work to reduce stress and enhance the overall experience of the space.

Residential Design Considerations

For patients in the early stages of dementia, it’s often possible to stay at home with support. In these situations, there are several things you can do to provide support. 

Comfortable environments for dementia

Open and Familiar Layouts

Disorientation can be minimised through open-plan living with everything in clear sight. This helps with movement and understanding how different spaces function at a glance to reduce confusion. Independence can be further supported by arranging furniture for purposeful navigation with clear walkways to seating or exits.

Memory Cues

Memory aids help people recall important information and recognise their surroundings. Examples include:

  • Photo boards with labelled family pictures
  • Personalised door signs 
  • Family items on display 
  • Digital photo frames
  • Calendars
  • Clocks
  • Checklists 
  • Instructions
  • Contact numbers
  • Medication reminder boxes
  • Locator devices

These cues are especially helpful for individuals with declining short-term memory, as they reinforce recognition and familiarity.

Bathroom and Bedroom Safety

There may come a time when bathrooms and bedrooms need to be modified for safety purposes. Installing grab bars near the toilet and shower as well as non-slip surfaces will prevent falls. 

As mentioned above, contrasting colours for fixtures, such as a white toilet against a darker floor, improve visibility and orientation. Clear labelling of hot and cold taps also helps avoid confusion and potential accidents. It might also be worth checking the hot water temperature and turning this down at the boiler to prevent scalds.

Comfortable Bedrooms

A familiar, uncluttered bedroom design can create a calming retreat. Personal items like photographs or favourite decorations will reinforce familiarity and comfort. For those who struggle with sleep, gentle, adjustable lighting can create a relaxing atmosphere and reduce glare. Organising the space with minimal distractions helps ease nighttime confusion and will promote a sense of security.

Kitchens and Dining Areas

Kitchens should balance safety with accessibility. Lockable cabinets for sharp or dangerous objects like knives or cleaning supplies may be needed. Everyday items, such as plates and cups, should be stored in visible and easily reachable locations to encourage independence. Appliances with simple controls and automatic shut-off features add an extra layer of security.

Dining areas should be designed for comfort and focus. Comfortable seating arrangements allow individuals to sit securely, while soft, natural lighting creates a calming ambience.

It’s easy for those with dementia to be distracted while eating so it’s important to minimise distractions like loud noises or visual stimulation to aid concentration. Table settings with contrasting colours like white plates on dark tables can help people to distinguish food and utensils. 

For those in their own homes who may forget to eat, it is useful to write reminders or set up services like meal delivery so that eating happens. Helping Hands offer a service with a range of options but there are similar facilities available across the country.

Dementia Friendly Design in Care Facilities

For patients in care facilities, it can be easier to set up the space to be dementia friendly as so many patients will have the same needs. Here are some elements of dementia friendly design that care homes should consider:

Orientation

  • Clear signage: easy-to-read signs with simple text and symbols.
  • Colour-coded areas and hallways for visual cues—e.g. a red corridor for living areas, a blue corridor for bedrooms.
  • Communal areas with distinct themes or décor to make them easy to identify.
  • Familiar items like vintage furniture or decorative features that allow residents to reminisce about their past experiences.

Outdoor Spaces

  • Safe and accessible outdoor spaces.
  • Secure gardens or patios to offer opportunities for fresh air and natural light.
  • Circular walking paths outside so residents can wander and not get disoriented or lost.
  • Smooth, wide paths.
  • Benches in shaded areas with sensory elements like fragrant flowers or water features.

Technological Innovations in Dementia Care Environments

More and more, dementia patients can have much more support thanks to advancements in technology. Things like assistive technology and cognitive support tools mean that both patients and carers can feel more confident. 

Here are some examples of how assistive technology can enhance safety and independence in dementia:

  • Motion sensors can detect unusual activity like wandering at night. They can alert caregivers to problems without intruding on the individual’s privacy. 
  • Smart lighting: systems that adjust automatically based on movement or the time of day can help to prevent accidents. 
  • Fall detection systems: wearable devices can send immediate notifications to carers of any incidents so that there can be a quick response. 

    Other useful technologies that can improve the quality of life for someone with dementia include: 

    • Talking picture frames, which play recorded messages or music
    • Digital calendars and reminders for managing daily tasks

    These reduce the burden of memory loss and help to create a greater sense of independence and confidence in daily life.

    Dementia Friendly Design in Care Facilities

    Case Study: The Belong Village Model

    The Belong Villages, a network of care facilities in the UK, have become a leading example of dementia friendly design. These innovative communities are purpose-built to support individuals with dementia, combining thoughtfully designed living spaces with holistic dementia care.

    There are two different types of accommodation, including households, which are 24-hour care facilities for up to 12 people, and apartments, which encourage independent living in a vibrant community.

    There are villages in Atherton, Chester, Crewe, Didsbury, Macclesfield, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Warrington, and Wigan. Each village incorporates small households with open-plan layouts to reduce confusion and foster a homely atmosphere. Familiarity is prioritised through the use of personal items, memory boxes by room entrances and themed areas that reflect residents’ past experiences. Safety is enhanced by features such as non-slip flooring, soft-edged furniture and accessible fixtures.

    Outdoor spaces are integral to the design, with secure gardens and circular walking paths allowing residents to enjoy fresh air and nature without fear of becoming lost. The villages also employ assistive technologies, including motion sensors and fall detection systems, to ensure discreet monitoring while promoting independence.

    The impact on residents has been profound. Reports and feedback from families have shown marked safety improvements, reduced anxiety and greater confidence in daily activities. Social engagement has also increased, as residents feel more comfortable and supported in these dementia friendly environments. This holistic approach demonstrates how well-designed spaces can transform the quality of life for individuals living with dementia.

    Conclusion

    Designing dementia friendly environments has a profound impact on the safety, comfort and overall well-being of individuals living with dementia. Thoughtful design reduces anxiety, supports independence and enhances quality of life by addressing the unique cognitive and sensory challenges posed by the condition. Whether through practical adjustments at home or comprehensive changes in care facilities, these environments mean individuals can navigate their surroundings with greater confidence and ease. Simple changes, such as improving lighting, incorporating memory aids or creating clear pathways, can make a significant difference. By taking these steps, we can help develop environments that promote dignity, comfort and independence for those affected by dementia, and in doing so, we reassure their loved ones too.

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    About the author

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    Louise Woffindin

    Louise is a writer and translator from Sheffield. Before turning to writing, she worked as a secondary school language teacher. Outside of work, she is a keen runner and also enjoys reading and walking her dog Chaos.