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Encouraging discussion about accessible design

Disabling environments make life with dementia harder than it needs to be, but problem solving and designing with people with dementia can help eliminate most of those problems, says Dr Julie Christie, service manager (international) for HammondCare

The importance of design in residential environments for people living with dementia is increasingly recognised as an essential component of care. There are some wonderful examples of good design, but there are also many examples of design that does not work for people with the condition. 

Design is an integral part of our lives. When it works well, it is an intuitive thing and on the whole we are unaware of it. The opposite is true of poor design. When design is thoughtless, it becomes disabling and even frightening, resulting in stress and distress, anxiety, frustration and unnecessary dependence. 

Design experts working with people with dementia know about dementia ‘the condition’ and there are many design schools to inform on the impact of light, noise, signage and so on. However, when you speak to people with dementia you begin to see the human cost of getting design advice wrong. 

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Upcoming Events

Care Roadshows - Glasgow

Hampden Park Stadium, Glasgow
16th April 2024

Care Show London

ExCel, London
24 April 2024 - 25 April 2024

Future of Care Leaders Conference

The King’s Fund, London
Tuesday 30th April 2024

Care Roadshows - Liverpool

Aintree Racecourse, Liverpool
14th May 2024

Care Roadshows - Birmingham

Villa Park Stadium, Birmingham
16th May 2024

Care Home Awards

Royal Garden Hotel, London, W8 4PT
17th May 2024

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