There are 800,000 people in the UK with some form of alzheimers /dementia- and this number is increasing.
Creating a safe environment for them in which they can also feel comfortable is a challenge.
In a home environment with 24 hour support, keeping the surroundings the same is relatively easy. There is no desire to leave and life goes on- albeit with some changes. Their nearest and dearest are around and you know what they mean when they talk about "Joan" or "William" or their money going missing. You can reassure them they have had breakfast and because you are maybe familiar they will believe you.
I have recently been doing some work within a residential care home with a dementia unit on the Wirral that also offers daily care to people living in their own homes. So many people with so many challenges in their lives, it is a terrible disease. There is tons I could write about , having spent a lot of time interacting with them all.
But I will write about interior design.
I say interior design, but really it is about planning an environment.
As people get older their vision worsens. It is not just a case of getting stronger glasses. Colour contrasts, depth of field, colour blindness all occur. Crucially for dementia sufferers this will make them feel more lost. There are lots of ways to decorate appropriately. Older people need 3 times more contrast than everyone else. Chairs can be invisible against carpets and walls. Shiny laminate floors look wet. Smooth floor might be easier to keep clean, but with unsteady residents walking around in maybe nothing but socks- a proper impervious backed carpet is the best solution to avoid slips, trips and falls.
The desire to want to go home can be strong. Some people are happy to have a safe environment and do not want to leave. As dementia takes hold, the past memories take over and the place they are in now has no memory for them. Putting a familiar painting on the wall can hinder or help- but the environment and their accommodation needs to feel comforting. Taking into consideration each individuals care plan allows for familiar items to be present and activities to be properly co- ordinated to help them feel calm in strange surroundings.
Doors are a problem. They are a way in, but also a way out. There are solutions to this.
Outdoor spaces does not mean just an occasional walk or taken out in a chair. If you sit in a drab, dark space with heating on max, the slightest breeze hurts. The need for access to outside space and some view, is important.
Let's get this environment right.
In this time I am sure that families, friends, and local authorities like Wirral Council will try to help people to have an independent life in their own home.
I am looking at the people who require and need some form of respite or residential care. Attention span from a second to maybe a few hours, then you start again. They all deserve quality of life. I can help plan that environment. Do contact me.
Remember the person
Creating a safe environment for them in which they can also feel comfortable is a challenge.
In a home environment with 24 hour support, keeping the surroundings the same is relatively easy. There is no desire to leave and life goes on- albeit with some changes. Their nearest and dearest are around and you know what they mean when they talk about "Joan" or "William" or their money going missing. You can reassure them they have had breakfast and because you are maybe familiar they will believe you.
I have recently been doing some work within a residential care home with a dementia unit on the Wirral that also offers daily care to people living in their own homes. So many people with so many challenges in their lives, it is a terrible disease. There is tons I could write about , having spent a lot of time interacting with them all.
But I will write about interior design.
I say interior design, but really it is about planning an environment.
As people get older their vision worsens. It is not just a case of getting stronger glasses. Colour contrasts, depth of field, colour blindness all occur. Crucially for dementia sufferers this will make them feel more lost. There are lots of ways to decorate appropriately. Older people need 3 times more contrast than everyone else. Chairs can be invisible against carpets and walls. Shiny laminate floors look wet. Smooth floor might be easier to keep clean, but with unsteady residents walking around in maybe nothing but socks- a proper impervious backed carpet is the best solution to avoid slips, trips and falls.
The desire to want to go home can be strong. Some people are happy to have a safe environment and do not want to leave. As dementia takes hold, the past memories take over and the place they are in now has no memory for them. Putting a familiar painting on the wall can hinder or help- but the environment and their accommodation needs to feel comforting. Taking into consideration each individuals care plan allows for familiar items to be present and activities to be properly co- ordinated to help them feel calm in strange surroundings.
Doors are a problem. They are a way in, but also a way out. There are solutions to this.
Outdoor spaces does not mean just an occasional walk or taken out in a chair. If you sit in a drab, dark space with heating on max, the slightest breeze hurts. The need for access to outside space and some view, is important.
Let's get this environment right.
In this time I am sure that families, friends, and local authorities like Wirral Council will try to help people to have an independent life in their own home.
I am looking at the people who require and need some form of respite or residential care. Attention span from a second to maybe a few hours, then you start again. They all deserve quality of life. I can help plan that environment. Do contact me.
Remember the person
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