Attending a CPD with Crown paints and Melanie Thomas made me realise that what I had thought best for a dementia patient was not really appropriate.
There are so many things to consider when a loved one is diagnosed with dementia that it can be overwhelming. One aspect is the place where a dementia patient lives, moves and functions. In the beginning most patients can continue living in their own homes, but as the illness progresses, most times their surroundings could hinder their daily routine.
Any unnecessary changes should be avoided as this could be upsetting. There are certain habits every person has in their own home and these should remain the same. There are though things that could be done and the patient could benefit from. Things that would actually improve the way they experience their own space. Decluttering, removing any dangerous objects and freeing any obstructed paths in the house is essential.
Perspex cabinets can be also very practical for the everyday routine, allowing the patient to find clothes and other objects used daily more easily. Choosing soft fabrics, cotton, velvet, linen, wool can be comforting and should be encouraged, yet the use of patterns especially that of small and busy ones needs to be minimised since they can be confusing; Of course, as time passes by other adjustments are necessary such as the removal of mirrors because they can be perplexing for some dementia patients.
Colour vision declines with warmer and stronger colours becoming better recognised. To my mind pastel and muted colours were regarded as the perfect choice for the interiors of a patient’s house in the belief that they could have a calming effect, but this is not really true. What I learned from the seminar is that when the patient has reduced vision and is unable to differentiate objects for example, doors from walls or the end of their kitchen counter, their perception of space becomes distorted, which can put them in danger. Vibrant colours specifically ones contrasting with each other are preferable aiding to differentiate objects and surfaces. Getting advice from a colour expert is crucial, as research has shown that tonal contrast can be achieved when colours have at least 30 points of LRV- Light Reflectance Value.
Floorings and surfaces that have a glare and appear wet should also be avoided or covered with carpet as a person with dementia is more prone to slip or fall over. Hand rails could be installed for support especially when there is a long corridor in the house. Shadows can be confusing, so the levels of lighting should be high and constant in all the rooms. And let’s not forget, access to natural light is vital.
There are so many issues to be addressed when facing a dementia diagnosis; however, small things that can be sorted out in the patient’s home could really make or break their day.
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