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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