New standards call for dementia-friendly design

The design of a building can change the way we engage and interact, move around, and even our mood.

This is particularly so for a person living with dementia. We know there is a clear link between design and what people living with dementia do.

A well-designed environment will reduce agitation, anxiety, conflict, confusion, depression, falls, restlessness, stress associated with bathing, reliance on physical help, wandering and use of psychotropic drugs.

It will improve way finding, eating behaviour, motor function, independence in dressing, ease of supervision, pleasure, mobility, activities of daily living, self-help, toilet use and interactions

Click here to read the full article by Kirsty Bennett, Manager Environmental Design Education Services, DTA