Enhancing the lives of people with dementia

1. Enhancing the lives of people with dementia

2. Dementia Focus Group

3. To ensure the homes we provide for people with dementia are designed, decorated and furnished to a standard that enhances the wellbeing of people we support. • To provide the right environment rather than bewildering or hostile settings to help people remain as independent as they can be. • To meet objective 11 (Living well in Care Homes) of the Dementia Strategy Purpose of the group

4. Dementia Standards Bedroom Living Room Dining Room Entrance / Corridors Bathrooms / Toilets / Ensuite Gardens / Outdoor space

5. Dementia Standards Walls Floors Furniture Furnishings Lighting Signage Assistive Technology

6. The aging eye • A Typical 60 year old receives about 1/3 of the retinal luminance of a 20 year old. • Reduction of contrast of images and vividness of colour. • Reduced ability to discriminate certain colours. • Increased time to adapt to different light levels

7. Age related eye diseases

11. Flooring

14. Personalised Doors

18. Signage People are able to find and use toilet unaided. People are able to find their bedrooms. People can find their way around.

19. Reminiscence

20. What does it all mean • Fewer slips, trips and falls. • Less weight loss / improved appetite • More independence at mealtimes • Reduction in physical aggression. • Reduction in anti psychotic medication. • More quality time with people.

21. Outdoor Spaces • Gardening is good for you • Natural light and sunlight improves sleep, mood and behaviour and stocks up on vitamin D • Resting in a garden helps to explore memories. • Gardening is an excellent mental workout and provides creativity, independence and social interaction.

23. Patio

24. Evaluation of work Each home to: Monitor falls before and after any redecoration Monitor food intake before and after changes to crockery Monitor behaviours before and after signage introduced and redecoration