The Effect of Design Interventions on a Dementia Care Setting

Dementia care units are no longer long, locked hallways. Instead a variety of design interventions have created home-like atmospheres with a nonclinical emphasis for memory care communities.

Hallways

• A person with dementia often wanders for great lengths of time. Hallways are built in a circular or square pattern, with no ending area. Small communities are created with bedroom off the main area. Residents can freely walk through the community and not feel locked in.

Outdoor Environments

• Care centers are now incorporating outdoor gardening areas and patios for residents to use. Indoor sun rooms and terrariums allow sunshine and fresh area to be enjoyed by residents.

Home Like Atmosphere

• Sterile clinical-like settings using hospital beds and furniture are being replaced with a more home-like atmosphere. Comfort colors in rich yellows and reds replace sterile white walls. Living rooms include sofas, chairs and faux fireplaces for residents to enjoy. Residents are more relaxed and feel at home.

Activities

• Designated rooms are created for residengs to enjoy a variety of activities in. A kitchen with stove, microwave and cook top can be used for a cooking class or to bake cookies. The area is locked while not in use, and residents are always supervised during use. Staff must be appropriately trained and schedule activities.

Memory Stations

• Many communities have special designs areas for reminiscing. Stations include activities residents would have enjoyed or participated in during their career. Stations include a school station complete with teachers desk, text books and chalk board or a military station with uniforms, America flag and different branch insignia.

Staff Training

• Staff must have extra training for design changed to be effective. Training includes planning activities in outdoor areas, understanding how to incorporate and use memory care stations when a resident becomes agitated.