Developing a Care Home Environment That Is Dementia-Friendly

In the UK, almost 70% of people living in care homes have dementia or serious memory issues. Consequently, improving the environment to make it dementia-friendly is essential to improving residents' safety and quality of life. In this post, we go over methods and advice on how to provide a supportive environment for people who are suffering from dementia.

Make Navigation Simpler

Make simple paths that will allow residents to easily navigate the care facility. Use contrasting wall and floor colours to identify distinct locations, and make sure all signage is legible, clear, and includes both text and symbols for improved understanding.

Properly Label Belongings of Residents

It's critical in a care home situation to label every resident's belongings, even small items like socks, especially for residents with dementia. Proper labelling ensures that personal belongings are easily identifiable and returned to the correct resident after laundering or cleaning. 

Use a durable labelling system with long-lasting care home labels that can withstand industrial washing processes. By labelling every item, care homes can prevent loss and mix-ups, reducing stress for both residents and staff.

Create Safe Living Spaces

Safety is paramount. Install handrails in hallways, use non-slip flooring, and ensure that furniture has rounded edges. Soft, comfortable furnishings in living areas can make the space more inviting and reduce the risk of injury.

Use Familiar Objects and Personalisation

Incorporating familiar objects, such as residents’ personal belongings, into their living spaces can provide comfort and reduce disorientation. Personalised rooms with photos and personal items help residents feel more at home.

Choose Appropriate Lighting

Good lighting reduces shadows, which can be confusing or frightening for people with dementia. Ensure that rooms are well-lit with natural light during the day and have adequate artificial lighting in the evening. Avoid sudden changes in lighting levels, as these can be disorienting.

Use Calming Colour Schemes

Studies show that colour can have a significant impact on mood and behaviour, particularly for individuals with dementia. Research indicates that soft, cool colours like blues and greens can reduce agitation, lower blood pressure and promote a sense of calm.

Consider incorporating blues and greens into areas where residents spend most of their time, such as bedrooms, common areas, and dining rooms. For example, painting the walls in soft blue tones or using green upholstery on chairs can help establish a relaxing atmosphere.

Creating a dementia-friendly environment in care homes involves thoughtful design and compassionate care practices. By simplifying navigation, labelling clothes, ensuring safety, using appropriate lighting and colours, and supporting residents with consistent routines and engaging activities, care homes can significantly enhance the quality of life for those living with dementia.