Website of The Care Home Environment Magazine

Creating dementia-inclusive environments with flooring

Mark Jackson, key account manager for the care sector at Forbo Flooring Systems, discusses the importance of dementia-friendly interiors, and how the correct specification of flooring – that adheres to the main design principles – will ensure that environments are safe without hindering the confidence or independence of those using them

The latest research by Alzheimer’s Research UK1 reveals that by 2050 there will be an estimated 1.6 million people living with dementia in the UK. Dementia describes a set of symptoms that may include memory loss and difficulties with thinking, problem solving, language, mood, or behaviour. Changes can often be small to start with, but they may become severe enough to impact daily life. While such impairments can be devastating at any time of life, for an older person living with the symptoms of dementia, their functioning, independence, and quality of life can all be severely compromised. 

There is a common misconception that dementia is a condition of old age,2 but this is not necessarily the case, with over 42,000 people under the age of 65 having dementia. That being said, the chances of developing dementia do increase with age, with a one in 14 chance of developing it over the age of 65 and a one in six chance over the age of 80. Although the initial changes can often be small, they can become severe enough to impact a person’s everyday life. This coupled with other age-related impairments can result in a higher rate of dependency. 

With this increase in dependency, there will come an increase in the need for care facilities capable of caring for those living with dementia. In fact, research shows that 70 per cent of all care home residents have dementia.3

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Upcoming Events

Care & Occupational Therapy Show 2023

Westpoint Arena, Exeter
Wednesday 12th July 2023

The Care Show 2023

National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham
11th October - 12th October 2023

Care Roadshows - London

Epsom Downs Racecourse, Epsom
17th October 2023

Dementia Summit

The King’s Fund, No.11 Cavendish Square, London, W1G 0AN
Tuesday 31st October 2023

Care Roadshows - Cardiff

Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff
14th November 2023

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