When it comes to dementia care, definitive guidance for carers or families is thin on the ground. For every question, there appear to be a variety of conflicting answers depending on who you ask.
What do we agree on?
For those with dementia, difficulty with memory and perception may become compromised. That’s not really contentious. ‘Visuospatial difficulties’ are commonplace. Cluttered or brightly coloured environments can trigger confusion and frustration. Conversely, a lack of definition or contrast can have the same effect. Getting the balance right is difficult, but optimum levels can be achieved.
By focussing on what we all agree on, and developed in partnership with leading academics and care professionals, Furncare have developed a trail-blazing new furniture range. The Remini Dementia Collection features specially designed bedroom interiors with four distinct schemes to accommodate individual tastes and styles.
Definition and contrast
Forgetting where things are is an accepted part of getting older, but for those with dementia it can be particularly distressing. Some may forget what’s inside a drawer or how to open it. The special cut-outs in Remini soft-close doors and drawers enable people to see what’s inside without having to open them. It also provides a simple hand-hold to open the drawers with, although large handles are also fitted.
Remini furniture features safe rounded edges and is finished in contrasting colours and textures. Contrasting fabrics are used in the upholstery - even the cushions feature contrast piping to help users process the shapes and edges. All fabrics are fire retardant, water and stain resistant.
Seeing the light
With age, more light is needed to see, and for those with dementia ‘Light Reflective Values (LRV)’ are important. This measures how much light is reflected or absorbed by a surface. Black has an LRV of 0 whilst white has an LRV of 100. Visuospatial processing can be helped by factoring sufficient contrast in to surfaces. An LRV difference of at least 30 points between adjacent objects will help. Any less can have the opposite effect.
The Remini Dementia Collection features coordinated interiors and quotes LRV ratings for each item. It even recommends complementary wall and floor coverings for perfectly balanced LRV environments for those with dementia.
The Remini brochure is available to download here. Alternatively, speak to a Furncare consultant on 01603 664900 or email sales@furncare.co.uk.
