With an ageing population, it is no surprise that dementia is on the rise in the general population. However, building specifications to accommodate this issue are playing catch up. This guidance is based on work with the University of Stirling’s Dementia Services Development Centre (DSDC).
DEMENTIA IS ON THE RISE
It is estimated that the number of people with dementia in England & Wales may reach approximately 1.7 million over the next 15 years, which is about 40% higher than earlier estimates. The fact that a large proportion of people remain undiagnosed means that the official diagnosis figures could even under-represent the true number of those living with the condition.
Dementia can affect a person in any number of ways. However, the main issues that make it difficult for a person to navigate their home come in the form of how they interpret and move around the space. For example, memory loss can make even the most familiar of room layouts unrecognisable. Also, a reduced ability to concentrate and solve problems can lead to difficulty in completing tasks and judging what is and isn’t safe.
DEMENTIA AND BATHROOM CHALLENGES
So, how can specifiers make one of the most difficult to navigate spaces – the bathroom – more accessible for those living with dementia? Well, it starts with considered design.
Lynsey Hutchinson, Senior Interior Designer at the Dementia Services Development Centre, University of Stirling, says: “Good design is substantially more complex than just making physical changes to the built environment. The bathroom, despite being one of the smallest rooms to design in any building, is one of the most complicated. Indeed, there are at least 10 tonal considerations within a bathroom or shower room. These include tonal contrast for surfaces/critical planes such as walls, floors, doors, skirtings, sanitaryware and toilet seats, which should achieve a minimum contrast of 30 points LRV (Light Reflectance Value) in order to see one object against another.”
GOOD DESIGN FOR DEMENTIA-FRIENDLY BATHROOMS
It is worth noting that a dementia-friendly bathroom doesn’t usually cost any more than a standard bathroom adaptation for the elderly. The key is good design and using the right products. So, here are the latest AKW and Dementia Services Development Centre (DSDC)-approved recommendations that can be taken as current best-practice for creating more dementia-friendly accessible bathroom spaces:
• Minimum 30-point LRV – Tonal contrasts of at least 30 points LRV are needed between surfaces to make it easier for people with dementia to navigate the space. Sanitary fittings need to contrast with the wall, and the toilet seat with the pan/cistern. Also, toilet roll holders and grab rails must contrast with the walls and the shower curtain and seat with the rest of the showering area.
• Floor colour choice – The floor needs to be a single, lighter colour that has no patterns or flecking (as these can be mistaken for dirt or holes and increase the possibility of falling). The maximum LRV difference of the bathroom flooring and adjacent rooms should be 10 points between the floor covering colours.
• Removing hazards – People with dementia are twice as likely to fall as others in their age group, therefore products with sharp edges are to be avoided. Use PET plastic shower screens rather than glass, and make sure a level access shower with a shower seat is installed, rather than a bath.
"Dementia can make it difficult for a person to navigate their home and interpret the spaces around them, making even the most familiar of room layouts unrecognisable.
1.7m people in England and Wales may be suffering from dementia within the next 15 years
Overcoming memory issues - Minimising reflective surfaces will help to reduce confusion among users (e.g., A roller blind above mirrors and frosted shower screens). Promotion of retro memory using more traditional fixtures and fittings is also recommended.
To minimise accidents, showers with auto shut offs, thermostatic taps and showers and low-surface-temperature radiators are also recommended.
CHOOSING DEMENTIA-FRIENDLY PRODUCTS
Choosing the right products can significantly help those living with dementia. For example, when it comes to showering, thermostatically controlled showers are better as they are safer for users who have cognitive disorders.
AKW’s SmartCare Plus and SmartCare Lever electric showers have controls that are easy to understand and use, rounded edges to minimise injury risk in the event of a fall, and an automatic shutdown feature to prevent flooding. AKW’s TMV3 approved Arka Care Mixer shower is also suitable for use in for care home applications.
With tonal contrast being so important for those navigating the bathroom space, AKW has developed safety flooring in six DSDC-accredited colour options that are also slip resistant.
They all have the highest possible rating value (1a): Ivory (LRV56), Cement (LRV55), Wedgewood (LRV26), Beige (LRV46), Dove (LRV38) and Dusk (LRV13). Tonal contrast coloured shower seats and support rails are also available.
In addition, choosing a highly cost-effective alternative to tiles, such as AKW’s Origins and Alveo wall panel ranges, can deliver cost savings of up to 40%. However, it is worth bearing in mind that plain colour, matt finish wall panels are the most suitable and recommended by the DSDC.
Thanks to these recommendations from the DSDC and AKW, specifiers and installers can create more accessible bathrooms for those with neurological conditions, without breaking the bank. A full guide on best-practice advice is available to download from AKW’s website.
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