Creating dementia-inclusive environments with Gradus
According to the World Health Organisation, there are over 55 million people living with dementia worldwide and that figure is expected to rise to 132 million people by 2050.
Dementia is a syndrome caused by a variety of diseases which can affect someone’s memory, thinking, language and ability to perform everyday activities. There are different types of dementia, with Alzheimer’s the most common.
Often, when someone with dementia begins to decline, they are moved into a residential care facility to help meet their more complex needs. The Alzheimer’s Society estimates that 70% of people in care homes have dementia, or severe memory problems.
It’s crucial that these facilities are up to standard, with carefully selected interior design elements to ensure the residents are as comfortable as possible.
Considered design
The design and layout should be inclusive, considering a range of factors from age and height to mobility, vision and abilities. For many years, we have been working alongside the Dementia Services Development Centre (DSDC) at the University of Stirling to have our product ranges assessed to ensure suitability for dementia-inclusive environments.
There are three levels to DSDC accreditation for interior finishes, ranging from Class 1a, where the product can be used throughout a dementia facility, due to having a plain or familiar design/pattern, to Class 2, meaning the product should be used with caution, which can be due to having an intricate surface pattern or because it is highly reflective.
We are proud that we, alongside Gerflor, have over 100 product colours which fall within these categories, from flooring to wall protection, giving specifiers a host of choice.
What to consider
Tonal contrast in flooring
As patients with dementia progress, their eyesight can deteriorate, which is why it’s important to ensure that key areas within the facility are meeting guidance on tonal contrast, to ensure that dementia patients can navigate the facilities.
Light Reflectance Values (LRVs) are a standardised scale used to quantify the amount of visible and usable light that a surface reflects when illuminated. The ‘Colour Contrast & Perception’ document produced by Reading University uses LRVs to measure contrast in surfaces, and determines whether or not a suitable contrast has been achieved between these materials. The study concluded that visually impaired people may be unable to perceive some or all colours, however, many people with a visual impairment can perceive light and dark - therefore, LRVs are a suitable method to measure contrast. Key areas to highlight using LRVs and contrast:
The wall and the floor
- The floor and the skirting
- The door frame and the door
- The wall and its corner protection
- The wall and any included handrails
Approved Document M in the current Building Regulations, which refers to the access to and use of buildings, directly stipulates that the LRV should be greater than 30 points to achieve the appropriate contrast.
Make sure the contrast between the primary floor tone and secondary flecks is minimal or opt for a solid colour floor which cannot be mistaken for undulations.
When selecting flooring for two adjoining floors, for example within a bedroom and a hallway, choose differing floorcoverings with no more than 10 LRV points between them. Additionally, there should be a difference of less than 3 LRV points between the flooring and any floor trims, so the flooring isn't perceived as uneven by patients with deteriorating eyesight.
In stairways, ensure that any stair edgings have a high visual contrast against the flooring that has been installed, ensuring a minimum of 30 LRV points between the stair edging and floor covering. For example, you can combine our XT Bronze or XT Aluminium stair edgings with a matching slip-resistant insert of the same colour to visually contrast with a Gradus carpet or Gerflor resilient floor covering.
LRV values are available for all Gradus and Gerflor products. You can find these within the relevant product pages on our website.
Avoid patterned or shiny floors
The simpler the floor the better for dementia-inclusive design. Floors should not be overly patterned, as they can be perceived as changes in the level of the floor or even holes, which can lead to slips, trips and falls.
Similarly, a shiny floor could be seen as wet and slippery to someone with dementia. Opting for matte finishes, or flooring with minimal shine, can reduce glare and the possibility of falls.
Make handrails easily identifiable
British Standard BS 8300-2:2018 and Approved Document: M of Building Regulations state that any handrails installed must show high visual contrast to the wall, at least 30 LRV points. It should be easily identifiable against the colour of the wall, without being highly reflective.
Many people with dementia experience mobility issues, and handrails in circulation areas are crucial in helping them move around the building safely. If there is less than a 30-point LRV difference between the colour of the wall and the colour of the handrail, they may not be as easily noticeable, which could lead to falls.
Select the right coloured doors
When selecting colour options for patient bedrooms or recreation rooms, choose visually contrasting colours for the door and the wall with more than 30 LRV points between them. This can help those with dementia locate their room door much easier.
For areas that are out of bounds for patients, such as staff rooms or kitchens, opt for colours with less than 10 LRV points between the wall and door, allowing the doors to these areas to blend in. This can help to discourage patients from trying to enter that room.
Our experience
With over 50 years of experience and knowledge, we are passionate about providing accessible design solutions to help create inclusive environments.
In 2022 we launched the ‘See Through Their Eyes’ campaign, to encourage designers to consider how those living with eyesight or cognitive impairments, such as dementia, see the environments around them. The campaign, which included an interactive brochure, also demonstrated how colour contrast can help patients safely navigate the world.
We have also recently launched our Inclusive Healthcare Design brochure, which is packed with advice and product information to help inform the creation of dementia-inclusive spaces.
Download your copy of the brochure from our website or get in touch with your local Gradus representative to request a physical copy.