Inclusive design is all about creating spaces that are accessible to people of all abilities. One challenging area of inclusion is people with cognitive impairments like dementia. Inclusive design can help your loved one stay comfortable as they go through their experience.

This article will provide you with practical tips and ideas on how to transform your home into an inclusive space that promotes independence, mobility, and well-being for loved ones with cognitive impairments.

Design Challenges for People with Dementia

Some of the common behaviors of people with dementia make designing spaces for them. What may seem like a normal design may appear frightening or confusing to someone with dementia? Even places and things that were loved before their illness could turn scary as memories change.

Before you can make an inclusive design, learn about dementia and the challenges your loved one will face over time throughout the entire progress of the disease. This will help you make a design that can change over time as your loved one’s perception of the world changes.

Also, if their condition permits, ask your loved one about the challenges they face and what they’d like in their environment. You can work with them to make your home more accessible, and it’s a great way to understand what your loved one is going through.

Dementia-friendly Design Principles

We can sum inclusive design for people with cognitive disabilities up in three ideas:

• Safety

• Familiarity

• Comfort

Keep Your Loved One Safe with Accessibility Equipment

The first thing to consider is safety. People with dementia can try to wander out of the house or quickly become disoriented and fall. You’ll need to install accessibility equipment like handrails and non-slip flooring to reduce the chances of an accident. You may also need to install coded door locks and other means of preventing an escape for the safety of your loved one.

Familiar and Non-threatening Elements

The great terror of dementia is that everything becomes unfamiliar as memory decays. So creating a space that is welcoming and inviting is crucial. Soft colors and textures can soothe the mind, and incorporating familiar things in the space can help someone with dementia cope.

One effective way to achieve this is by using photographs. Displaying family photos and pictures of memorable moments can help evoke positive emotions and memories. Place these photos in easily accessible areas, such as on a wall or in a photo album, so that your loved ones can easily reminisce and feel a sense of connection to their past.

Personal mementos also play a significant role in creating a familiar atmosphere. Whether it's a cherished item from their childhood or a special gift they received, these objects can bring a sense of comfort and security. If your loved one likes plants, bring some in to improve their state of mind and improve the air quality of the home.

There are also some design ideas you should avoid because they’re disorienting. Reflective surfaces, such as large mirrors, can create visual distortions and may cause distress or confusion for individuals with cognitive impairments. Also, avoid overly bright or contrasting colors and patterns, as they can be overwhelming and may contribute to sensory overload. 

Wayfinding and Orientation

Wayfinding is the ability to navigate and orient oneself within a space. For individuals with cognitive impairments, maintaining a sense of direction and understanding the layout of their surroundings can become challenging. These design ideas can help.

One of the most important aspects of wayfinding is the use of clear signage. Homeowners should strategically place signage throughout the environment. The text on the signs should be large and easy to read, with high-contrast colors to ensure visibility. Besides textual information, consider incorporating pictograms or other symbols to aid comprehension for individuals who may struggle with reading.

Color-coded pathways can also be incredibly helpful for wayfinding and orientation. By assigning different colors to different areas, individuals can easily identify and follow the path that leads them to their desired destination. 

Visual landmarks are another effective wayfinding tool. These can be anything from eye-catching artwork or sculptures to distinctive architectural features. By incorporating these landmarks into the environment, individuals can use them as reference points to navigate their surroundings. 

Also, creating memory aids can significantly enhance wayfinding and orientation. Labeled drawers and cabinets can help individuals remember where they have stored their belongings or important items. 

Promoting Independence and Mobility

Creating a home environment that promotes independence and mobility is crucial for individuals with cognitive impairments. Creating accessible pathways and transitions within your home can be done by:

• Ensuring that doorways and hallways are wide enough to accommodate mobility aids such as wheelchairs and walkers. 

• Arranging furniture in a way that allows for easy navigation and movement. 

• Installing a stairlift or a ramp to facilitate access to different areas of the home.

• Use contrasting colors to highlight changes in flooring surfaces or levels.

Reducing Sensory Overload

Sensory overload can be overwhelming and distressing for individuals with cognitive impairments. What may be an okay combination of color and light for you can be frightening to someone with dementia. 

Proper lighting design is crucial for individuals with cognitive impairments. There needs to be adequate light throughout the home and it needs to be welcoming. Try to avoid glare and shadows as much as possible. You may need to install curtains over windows and only open them when you need more natural light.

Sound can be another source of sensory overload. Consider using sound-absorbing materials to reduce noise levels. Provide quiet areas or designated spaces for relaxation and solitude and label them clearly.

Organization and Storage Solutions

Creating an organized and clutter-free home environment can enhance the well-being and functionality of your loved ones with cognitive impairments. Some ways to do this include:

• Use labeled storage containers and shelves to help with the organization and retrieval of items. 

• Keep frequently used items within easy reach. 

• Minimize visual clutter by using closed storage solutions or concealing wires and cables.

Conclusion

Caretaking for someone with dementia is tough, but it’s even tougher when their environment isn’t inclusive. Simply making your space more safe, familiar, and comfortable for them can make a world of difference in your loved one’s life. 

Author: Mark Miller

Cover image by Collov Home Design on Unsplash