The Fife Dementia Strategy: 2010 – 2020 - The Knowledge Network

4.6 Design for Dementia
AIM
To provide services and facilities which are designed to meet the needs
of people with dementia and do not increase the disability they
experience. All new and refurbished buildings in Fife for use by older people
or people with dementia are developed using the principles of dementia
friendly design. Existing facilities which are not due for update are audited to
determine the changes that can be made to increase their dementia
friendliness. Such designs will also enable staff to provide higher quality
services.
RECOMMENDATIONS TO ACHIEVE THIS
4.6.1 Ensure facility and service planners and developers are aware of
the unique needs of people with dementia; and that they understand the
importance of using dementia friendly principles in the design of public
buildings and buildings that may be used by older people. This will
include: housing, care homes, respite and day care facilities, health care
facilities including hospitals and clinics, and other buildings for public use and
particularly older people.
Research indicates that the using dementia design principles in a building can
play an important role in supporting activities and positively impacting wellbeing
35 , and that poor design may negatively impact behaviour, promoting
restlessness, anxiety and disorientation in people with dementia 36 . The term
‘dementia friendly design’ refers to a wide array of structural and interior
design features which do not hinder people with dementia by increasing their
functional or psychological disabilities, and in fact can lead to improved quality
of life. Where possible these features should be adapted to the needs and
wishes of each individual and will commonly include 37 :
• Utilisation of as much natural light as possible;
• Ensuring rooms are adequately lit;
• Using signage to assist in way-finding and preventing disorientation;
• Ensuring adequate toilet facilities are available, visible and sign-posted;
• In care homes using small units with a small number of people;
• Providing adequate space for those who like to walk to do so without
encountering barriers or closed doors;
• Providing safe outdoor spaces where people with dementia can walk or
sit and enjoy the smells, sites, sounds and various textures;
35 Torrington, J. (2006). What has architecture got to do with dementia care? Explorations of
the relationship between building design and quality of life in two EQUAL projects. Quality in
Aging. 7(1): 34-49.
36 Elmstahl S, Annerstedt L & Ahlund O (1997). How should a group living unit for demented
elderly be designed to decrease psychiatric symptoms? Alzheimer Disease and Associated
Disorders. 11(1): 47-52.
37 Best Practice in Design for People with Dementia (2007). University of Stirling, Dementia
Services Development Centre.
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