Designed for dementia
Award winning architect Brown Falconer says architects working in the field of aged care must have a willingness to research current thinking and have the ability to adapt and respond to the challenges that may be presented when designing memory support units.
The new design of the unit means staff can see residents almost all of the time now.
Over half of residents living in Australian Government-subsidised aged care facilities have dementia and with the number of people with dementia in Australia estimated to hit almost 900,000 by 2050*, the industry is seeing an increase in people living with cognitive impairment needing care.
Brown Falconer Director Kevin Preece says the impact of the right environment for those who are cognitively impaired can’t be underestimated.
Indeed, the Dementia Enabling Environments (DEEP) highlights a well designed environment, planned with cognitive impairment in mind, can help maintain abilities and provide meaningful engagement by providing essential prompts, accessibility and reduce risks to support a person with dementia.
A poorly designed environment can be confusing, disorienting and at worst, disabling and even dangerous for those with dementia.
“After attending a seminar on the latest thinking and designs for people living with dementia, we have altered plans for clients,” he says.
The result for Boneham care home in Millicent was a reduction in the number of residents in the unit from 18 to 16, short straight corridors with no dead-ends, bedrooms positioned to make lounge and dining areas visible, and residents being able look out to the secure gardens.
Deliveries and staff doors were also relocated and bathroom mirrors repositioned.
“As a plus, the new design of the unit means staff can see residents almost all of the time now,” adds Mr Preece.
However Mr Preece points out while things needs to be kept simple to avoid confusion, some features do need to be enhanced.
“For example, visual aids should be used on toilet doors, exits to safe outside areas and residents’ own bedroom doors,” he explains.
“And contrary to what most people would prefer, we’ve also ensured toilets are visible from the bed for people living in memory support units.”
It is not uncommon for a person with dementia to wander and although gardens should allow for wandering to take place safely, ideally it shouldn’t encourage it.
“Pathways should be clear and have no ‘decision points’, guiding residents past interesting places to stop but always lead back to key locations or corridors,” advises Mr Preece.
“In Boneham we designed a great sensory garden for planned wandering with two points of entry and exit from lounges and sitting areas, courtyards and the secure garden,” he adds. The sensory garden includes an arbor, rotunda and raised garden beds.
One aspect which is often underestimated is the need for people living with dementia to have a range of opportunities for social interaction adds Mr Preece. “Spaces are needed for sitting quietly alone, with one or two friends, or in larger groups.”
“Over the past few years, we’ve come a long way in designing aged care homes,” says Mr Preece.
“As we gain a better understanding of how people with cognitive impairment are affected, actively seeking out the very latest thinking in design for dementia ensures the best outcome for residents, staff and the architect.”
*figures taken from Alzheimer’s Australia
