A well-designed environment can enhance quality of life, reduce distress, and promote independence for people with dementia. Key areas where the environment plays a crucial role include leisure, orientation, eating, personal care, mobility, and sensory experiences.
Leisure & Outdoor Access
Challenges: Limited access to nature and physical barriers can negatively impact well-being. Time spent outdoors has therapeutic benefits, improving mood and reducing agitation.
Top Tips:
- Gardens & Outdoor Spaces – Fresh air, sunlight, and exercise support physical and mental well-being. A well-designed garden offers safe and secure access while providing quiet spaces for relaxation.
- Transportation – Ensure wheelchair-accessible vehicles are available for community outings and social engagement.
- Quiet Spaces – Designate areas for self-regulation and calming.
- Protected Walking Paths – Safe, enclosed paths allow for meaningful movement and exploration.
Orientation
Poor orientation may lead to confusion and agitation.
TOP TIPS
Colour contrasts, signage, personalisation, orientation to time, date, persons and place
Eating
Eating and drinking are always important, but a person with dementia may lose their appetite and their ability to care for themselves in this way.
TOP TIP
The design of a dining room can help a person with dementia to find and use what they need. If the kitchen and dining areas are recognisable, for example, with a clear lay-out and appealing cooking smells, this stimulates the appetite and encourages people to do as much as possible for themselves.
Bedroom
People with dementia may need help with finding and recognising their bedroom.
TOP TIPS
The bedroom entrance should be personalised with visual aids. The bedroom should feel private, cosy and safe place which promotes a good night's sleep.
Orientation
Challenges: Poor orientation can lead to confusion, distress, and agitation.
Top Tips:
- Use contrasting colours, clear signage, and personalisation to aid recognition.
- Provide clocks, calendars, and reminders to help with time, date, and place awareness.
Eating & Drinking
Challenges: People with dementia may experience loss of appetite, confusion in meal settings, or difficulty recognising food and drink.
Top Tips:
- A well-designed dining space encourages independent eating.
- Clear layouts, familiar kitchen settings, and appealing food smells stimulate appetite.
Bedroom Design
Challenges: People with dementia may struggle to find or recognise their bedroom, affecting their sense of security and sleep quality.
Top Tips:
- Personalise the bedroom entrance with names, photos, or familiar objects.
- Create a cosy, private, and safe atmosphere that promotes restful sleep.
Toilets & Showering
Challenges: Difficulties finding toilets or showers and poor layout or accessibility can create significant barriers, leading to frustration, agitation, and a loss of dignity. Going to the toilet or having a bath or shower should be, if not enjoyable, at least stress-free. Thoughtful design can preserve dignity and enhance comfort.
Top Tips:
- Make toilets and bathrooms safe, accessible, and easy to locate. A well-designed space reduces anxiety and promotes independence.
- Clear signage and good lighting can help individuals find the toilet quickly, reducing accidents.
- Install supportive equipment such as grab bars and non-slip flooring to prevent falls.
- Consider sensory sensitivities – certain colours, textures, or even water temperature changes may cause distress.
Transfers & Mobility
Challenges: Changes in perception and balance can make moving between spaces frightening for someone with dementia, leading to fear of falling, agitation, or aggression.
Top Tips:
- Regular mobility assessments by physiotherapists and occupational therapists.
- Use prescribed mobility aids to enhance confidence and safety.
Walking & Exploration
Challenges: A lack of safe walking opportunities can reduce mobility, limit freedom, and impact mental health.
Top Tips:
- Remove physical barriers and create safe, well-designed paths for movement.
- Ensure good lighting and open spaces to encourage independent exploration.
Lighting
Challenges: Poor lighting can make it difficult for individuals to navigate and increase confusion.
Top Tips:
- Maximise natural daylight to improve awareness and mood.
- Use adjustable lighting and smart technology to adapt to changing needs.
Noise Management
Challenges: People with dementia can be highly sensitive to noise, which may lead to distress, confusion, and agitation. Remember that a noise level that is acceptable to carers may be distressing and disorientating for a person with dementia.
Top Tips:
- Reduce background noise with sound-absorbing materials and thoughtful interior design.
- Monitor and adjust noise levels in care settings to create a calm atmosphere.
- Noise-cancelling headphones can help when external noise is unavoidable.
Small adjustments can make a big difference in creating a space that supports comfort, dignity, and quality of life for people living with dementia.
