Bristol-based Quarry House enlisted the advice of Dr Peter Kevern, Associate Professor in Values in Care, after the Care Quality Commission (CQC) reported it “requires improvement” and that the existing environment was “lacking in stimulation”.
Peter explained: “Dementia-friendly design is based on the discovery that many of the distressing experiences associated with dementia – disorientation, anxiety, isolation and sadness – can be alleviated by sensitively-designed spaces and decor.”
“Over-stimulation - for example flickering fluorescent lighting - can leave patients feeling anxious or restless. Conversely under-stimulation is also a problem if there’s nothing engaging to look at and no focus of interest.”
The newly built home, run by Bristol Care Homes, is one of few places in Bristol providing care for residents with more advanced dementia. But while residents, staff and visitors agreed that the home was decorated to a high standard the décor offered little interest, recognisability or orientation for residents.
Peter said: “Orientation and way-finding is incredibly important. If someone doesn’t really recognise their environment then it is hard to navigate their way around it. Most older people tend to look down when they walk, so you need to have landmarks on the floor or on the bottom of the walls. A key aim was to avoid stereotyping or patronising the residents with dementia. Often care homes use bright colours which can look rather childish and be visually over-stimulating.”
PACE design consultancy was brought in to create a series of pictures to cover the walls throughout the corridors and communal areas over four floors.
Geoff Crocker, Chair of Bristol Care Homes, commented: “For our care community at Quarry House, the designs have greatly improved orientation and recognition, and have resulted in a dementia-friendly environment which our residents and their friends and relatives greatly enjoy. We also wanted to create an environment that worked for everyone in it.
“Staff need a sense of where they are working and it’s the same for visitors – if they come into an environment that feels impersonal and institutionalised then they are less likely to stay or visit again.”
The chosen themes were “Garden”, “Meadow”, “Ocean” and “Sky” with digital wallpaper on each floor providing striking murals in the lobby, vinyl murals running between the skirting and dado rails along the corridors, and signage, including signs for residents’ rooms.
Peter added: “The benefits of using digitally printed vinyl meant that ten-metre lengths could be printed without any repeats, creating interest and making it possible to incorporate a “journey” with landmarks to aid orientation”.
“Residents’ own preferred elements also be could easily be incorporated, giving a sense of ownership and familiarity, aiding recall and orientation.”
The new designs which feature fresh flowers, hot air balloons and seaside views have been enthusiastically welcomed by residents who have reported improved mood, memory and found it easier to find their way around.
Following a recent visit from the CQC Quarry House achieved a rating of “good” in every category, with the inspectors describing the environment as “very dementia-friendly”.