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Building & Garden Design

Public spaces for people with dementia

Stairs with contrasting rail Glass doors give clear view of corridor Alcoves provide space for personal objects

At the Dementia Services Development Centre we showcase building design for people with dementia. Life is easier for people with dementia when their surroundings make sense and facilities are clearly marked. The use of contrast plays a vital role in signposting areas for people with dementia. Flooring should be in plain colours with the edge of each step in a contrasting primary colour. Light switches are easily recognised if the surrounding wall is painted a different colour. Toilet doors stand out if they are painted to contrast against their background.

Simple Solutions for People with Dementia

People with dementia may find it difficult to identify their own room in a long care home corridor. The use of memory prompts such as pictures or familiar objects in a memory box can assist in orientation. The types of signs used can also be important to assist the person. Would you like to know more? Visit the Design and Technology Suite for more ideas or contact us for further information.


Dementia-friendly gardens

The dementia-friendly garden at the Iris Murdoch Building combines beauty with practicality. Our garden has been designed to demonstrate some of the important features that should be incorporated into a garden space. Each coloured door features a matching coloured cue for people with dementia to find their way back. The garden provides a safe and secure environment with barrier-free access and no steep gradients. Seating is provided away from the building to prompt movement and fragrant ground-covering plants encourage visitors to bend and take more exercise. This is a garden designed to provide a feast for the senses. Plants like rustling bamboo have been selected to provide sensory stimulation. Similarly, the intense red foliage of a Japanese Maple guides the eye to a central focal point. This versatile space is an excellent focus for meaningful activities for people with dementia. Contact us to take a tour of the dementia-friendly garden at the Iris Murdoch Building or if you have any questions about any gardening tips.