Memory Corner Catalogue 2020 - Flipbook - Page 6
MEMORY
CORNER
www.HomecareMedical.ie
MEMORY
CORNER
SECTION 2 RESOURCES
DEMENTIA ENABLING ENVIRONMENT PRINCIPLES
1
UNOBTRUSIVELY REDUCE RISKS
People with dementia require an internal and external environment that is safe,
secure and easy to move around if they are to make the best of their remaining
abilities. However, obvious safety features and barriers will lead to frustration, agitation
and anger and so potential risks need to be reduced unobtrusively.
2
PROVIDE A HUMAN SCALE
The scale of a building will have an effect on the behaviour and feelings of a person with
dementia. The experience of scale is determined by three factors; the number of people
that the person encounters, the overall size of the building and the size of the individual
components, such as doors, rooms and corridors. A person should not be intimidated
by the size of the surroundings or confronted with a multitude of interactions and
choices. Rather the scale should help the person feel in control.
3
ALLOW PEOPLE TO SEE AND BE SEEN
The provision of an easily understood environment will help to minimise confusion.
It is particularly important for people with dementia to be able to recognise where they are,
where they have come from and what they will
if they head in a certain direction. When
they can see key places, such as a lounge room, dining room, their bedroom, kitchen and
an outdoor area they are more able to make choices and
their way to where they want
to go. Buildings that provide these opportunities are said to have good visual access. Good
visual access opens up opportunities for engagement and gives the person with dementia
the
to explore their environment. It can also enable staff to see residents from
where they spend most of their time. This reduces their anxiety and the anxiety of the residents.
4