Quality of life improved through design

A nation-wide service to managers and architects involved in designing facilities for people with dementia will reportedly improve the lives of those affected by the neurological disorder.

Education and advice will be provided to aged and health care managers who are in the process of planning new or refurbished facilities for people with dementia.

The service, led by Professor Richard Fleming of University of Wollongong’s NSW/ACT Dementia Training Study Centre, is already active in New South Wales and Victoria, and will be operational in Western Australia by April this year.

Professor Fleming claims the project will “reduce confusion and depression” for people with dementia, as well as encourage social interaction.

“This project brings research findings into the hands of those who can make use of it to improve the wellbeing of people with dementia,” he adds.

He says “winding corridors and dead-ends” are confusing to many people, but seen as even greater obstacles for those with dementia.

“It is important we look at the patient’s needs and create for them an environment free of barriers and constraints to their enjoyment of life.”

Aged Care Association Australia chief executive, Rod Young, tells DPS News “any service which helps providers with the care of people living with dementia should be applauded”.

“A service which makes accommodation more appropriate for the treatment of people with this disorder will be effective by addressing such things as light wells and core lighting points, which may sometimes attract the attention of people living with dementia,” he adds.

Forty aged and healthcare providers across Australia will adopt the service.