Homes&Interiors
PUT YOUR HEART INTO YOUR HOME
Suzanne Mercer
For the 850,000-plus people in the UK living with dementia, even the most familiar setting can become a bewildering and frightening place. Suzanne Mercer of Kettle Design shares her tips for creating a dementia-friendly home
Think about colour
Colour can have a big impact on the mood of someone with dementia, so take time to think about the colours you choose. Reds are often associated with danger, but for a dementia patient they can be stimulating and may be effectively Happy colours used in an activity space to keep them motivated and mentally active. Blues, greens and violet tones are calming and good choices for bedrooms. Yellow tones are bright, warm and happy colours and are best suited to kitchens or living areas.
Embrace contrasts
As a person’s eyesight decreases, choosing contrasting colours for walls and floors, tables and chairs – or even sets of plates and
means they won’t get muddled or think they are tripping or stepping on something they shouldn’t. A straight, clean passageway through a space is important. Dark-coloured floors should be avoided as dark surfaces on a floor or kitchen top can resemble a hole. Equally, shiny floors can look wet, while blue floors can look like water and green floors can be confused for grass. A naturalcoloured surface such as wood is perfect.
Warm lighting
Choose natural flooring
Lighting determines a space and the time of day, and having bright warm lights can create a safe and warm environment. People with dementia often become confused about what time of day it is, so keeping a space bright throughout the day is crucial to keeping them active and awake. By contrast, dark spaces can lead them to think it’s nighttime and make them sleepy. Check that curtains and blinds aren’t blocking any natural light from a room.
Consider signage
bowls – will ensure everything is noticeable and recognisable. Contrasting colours also help people with dementia to become aware of their surroundings and know where to go. Use a contrast colour for light switches on a wall so they can be seen easily. You can also use contrasting colours for furniture, but avoid stripes.
Be careful with flooring
Having one flooring surface throughout is crucial when it comes to designing a dementia-friendly interior. People with dementia are easily confused and distressed – having one floor surface
Signs are important to make people aware of the different areas within a space. Label doors and walls to guide the person through a space and remind them of where they are. Choose bold, effective signs and make sure they’re at eye level. You can also stick pictures on cupboards to remind the person of what is inside – for example, a picture of cutlery on the cutlery drawer, or a picture of clothes on the door of a wardrobe.
Beware of mirrors
Mirrors can be upsetting to those with dementia as they may not recognise the person in the reflection as themselves. Clear materials, mirrors and reflective surfaces can also be mistaken as not being there, so can be a hazard. It may be best to remove them completely. For more home-styling advice, visit www.kettledesign.co.uk July/August 2019 | SHIRE MAGAZINE 97
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21/06/2019 16:07