How simple changes can enhance quality of life

Research shows that the physical environment strongly influences the behaviour and quality of life of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, so it’s not surprising that a well designed environment can have an immediate and positive impact. In addition, Ricky Pollock of Stirling University presented research which showed that an improved environment can: reduce slips, trips and falls by 70 per cent; reduce distressed behaviour by 60 per cent; and reduce episodes of incontinence by 50 per cent. 

For a person living with dementia, both new and familiar environments may become increasingly intimidating. Even when someone has lived in familiar surroundings for many years, they will find it increasingly difficult to remember where things are. However, being in an unfamiliar environment is particularly distressing. So, developing ways to encourage residents to use available spaces and giving them a choice of where to spend their time should be an area of focus for care homes that have residents with the condition. 

One way to significantly improve a care home environment is by incorporating points of interest that allow people to orientate themselves, which in turn promotes independence. For example, Anchor’s Springfield Care Home in West Yorkshire has incorporated a ‘high street’ of shop front murals, which include a general store, a post office, a book shop, a hat and coat shop, a flower shop and a tea room. Resident manager, Vicki Hemsworth, says: “Our staff took real pride in and ownership of the changes to the environment. They have also seen a change in residents and how happy the new spaces make them.”