Designing for dementia: the key principles

Dementia comes in many forms, and symptoms can manifest differently in each person. Memory loss comes to mind first, but those living with dementia can also experience loss of balance and mobility issues. Dementia may also cause people to feel insecure and lose confidence in themselves and their abilities, and they may even feel like they are no longer in control. As such, making residents feel comfortable is a top priority for care home managers and staff, which is why it is important to understand the role that colour and design can play in achieving this. The right design, colour, furniture, and fixtures are crucial for creating a space that is not only homely and relaxing but can provide residents with the confidence they need to move around a building safely and independently.

One factor to consider when designing for dementia is colour. Colour can be used within design to reinforce positive personal connections and to provide necessary stimulation within spaces. More important still is correctly specifying colours that can act as visual prompts and create focal points to aid wayfinding.

For people living with dementia, colours can become 'washed out', which makes it more difficult to distinguish different colours from each other. As such, critical surfaces such as walls, floors, doors, and ceilings need to vary enough to make them visible, which will ensure occupants can navigate around a building safely.