The 16 to 22 May 2022 marks Dementia Awareness Week in the UK. Organised by the Alzheimer’s Society, it is the largest and longest running campaign by the charity and aims to encourage greater awareness of the condition. The focus this year is on diagnosis, with a range of ways to get involved.
Part of the purpose of the campaign is to dispel the many myths surrounding dementia, such as the symptoms being normal to aging. It is a progressive disease that damages the nerve cells within the brain, affecting memory, communication, and concentration, as well as personality and emotions.
For care homes, providing the right support for residents with dementia is crucial. While many of the initial symptoms are similar between patients, the condition can progress in varying ways, making individualised care provision even more important. One of the main considerations is environment.
Caring for Dementia Residents
Living with dementia requires making changes to everyday life, from washing and eating to hobbies and socialising. Care homes can support dementia residents by introducing small adjustments to interior living spaces, particularly those used most regularly such as the bedroom and bathroom.
Perception can often become confused, turning otherwise ordinary features into sources of concern – for example, having lights that are too bright or dim can be unsettling, or storing items away where they are easily forgotten. Working to an individual’s needs is important when making modifications.
Creating Dementia-Friendly Interiors
The safety of care home residents is always a primary concern, but for people with dementia, there are often extra requirements to help minimise risk. Additions such as non-slip vinyl flooring, fold-away mirrors, and soft surface furnishings can be included in rooms to prevent accident and injury.
Visibility should also be a key point to reduce confusion for dementia residents. Furniture should have a clear function and be well spaced around a room. Contrasting colours can help identify pieces from the walls and floors, while open or clear-fronted wardrobes and cupboards can also be helpful.
Aesthetics are also important for both practicality and wellbeing. Traditional styles and subtle shades of the ‘dementia colours’ – red, blue and green – can help with both spatial awareness and memory. Less is more as it can help reduce the confusion caused by clutter and create a more calming space.
Care Home Furniture Solutions
At Andway Healthcare, we specialise in providing a wide range of products and services suitable for care homes, including dementia-friendly options. One recent addition is our Contour dementia range of bedroom furniture, which has been designed with resident safety, visibility, and reliability in mind.
The Contour set features a double wardrobe, a three-drawer chest, and a three-drawer bedside unit. With handle-free easy opening, dementia residents can quickly and easily see what is inside, while the traditional style aids with memory and recognition. Every piece has rounded corners for safety and the bedside cabinet can be locked for security. Get in touch with our team to find out more.