Age-related changes in our sight, hearing and mobility affect how we engage with our environment. For example, changes in our eyes impact on depth perception, glare, and ability to distinguish contrast. Similarly, cognitive change such as dementia also requires specific environmental changes to be made to ensure the user can remain safe and independent. An age supportive environment would account for these changes and use design to support its users.
With around 900,000 people in the UK living with dementia, and two-thirds of those living at home, we need to ensure there are no barriers for people with dementia to remain active in their communities. Whether that be taking public transport, using local services such as libraries and leisure facilities, or going out for a drink or a meal without stigma and enjoying themselves in surroundings where they feel comfortable.
It is important to be aware that people living with dementia can perceive things differently. For example, a black mat placed in the doorway of a shop may be perceived as a hole in the ground, which can make some people fearful of crossing the threshold. Removing the mat or providing a mat that does not contrast with the floor is a simple way to make a doorway accessible.
Public transport is especially important in helping older people to maintain independence and a connection to their communities. However, we often find that public transport does not meet their needs. For example, timetables are often provided in a small font and can be difficult to understand, which may prevent someone from using the service.
Local shops, from pharmacies and supermarkets to cafes and pubs, all have a role to play too. For many, the ability to access local shops and perform daily activities enables people to stay at home for longer. Simple tasks like posting a letter or withdrawing money from a bank can contribute to maintaining skills, providing the person with a sense of purpose and independence in their lives. One way we can support our ageing population to continue using the local high street is by ensuring that signage is easily identifiable and visible.
To help make the places and spaces in which we live, work and play more supportive of an ageing population and people living with dementia, Dementia Services Development Centre (DSDC) has launched the Environments for Ageing and Dementia Design Assessment Tool (EADDAT).
EADDAT provides practical solutions and guidance on how the design, layout and furnishing of buildings and environments can make it easier for older people and people living with dementia to use places and spaces in their community.
Underpinned by the latest research, the toolkit can be used for existing, new-build and refurbishment projects. Research has demonstrated that dementia design can sustain independence and support quality of life for people with dementia. Additionally, research tells us that age-friendly environments can help foster healthy and active ageing by building and maintaining cognitive capacities across the course of our lives. This is increasingly more important as the global population is ageing.
The tool is split into three tiers, with tier 1 the entry level, working up to tier 3 which is still development, but will be the most comprehensive version.
EADDAT was launched following successful trials by Transport for London and Kirklees Council.
Cllr Musarrat Khan, cabinet member for Health and Social Care at Kirklees Council, said: ‘I have seen first-hand how DSDC’s design work can very positively impact on the experience of people living in a care home environment that is built using their design research, but, of course, most people live in their own homes in local communities. It is really important, therefore, that we apply the same attention to design to public spaces and buildings and to enable people to make simple changes to their own homes that will enable them to continue to live well.
‘Whilst we talk about dementia friendly design, the principles work for everyone. This is very much about inclusive design that works well for people at all stages of life. This design guidance is intended to be used by all of us for everything from major building projects to choosing a new door mat for our own home. Incorporating these design principles into every stage of the process is highly cost effective. It costs no more to use a dementia friendly paint scheme or flooring that creates an inclusive environment than it does to make choices that prevent people from enjoying a building or public space.’
The scheme is entirely voluntary, but businesses and organisations can make a real difference to lives by using the toolkit. There is also the option to receive recognition of the achievement either through a self-certification or formal DSDC audit accreditation. By making environments more welcoming to elderly people, organisations and businesses will attract new trade while providing an important service for the community.
To find out more about EADDAT and how it can be used in your local authority area, contact DSDC at dementia@stir.ac.uk. Alternatively, you can read more about EADDAT or download EADDAT.
If this article is of interest, then check out our feature, 'Why co-production is key to digitally inclusive services'.
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