Memory Corner Catalogue 2020 - Flipbook - Page 8
MEMORY
CORNER
www.HomecareMedical.ie
MEMORY
CORNER
SECTION 2 RESOURCES
8
PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES TO BE ALONE OR WITH OTHERS
People with dementia need to be able to choose to be on their own or spend time with
others. This requires the provision of a variety of spaces, some for quiet conversation with
one or two others and some for larger groups, as well as spaces where people can be by
themselves. These internal and external spaces should have a variety of characters,
e.g. a place for reading, looking out of the window or talking, to cue the person to
what is available and stimulate different emotional responses.
9
PROVIDE LINKS TO THE COMMUNITY
Without constant reminders of who they were, a person with dementia will lose their
sense of identity. Frequent Interaction with friends and relatives can help to maintain
that identity. This is made easier when the person is admitted from the local community
as friends and relatives are able to drop in easily. The environment must include spaces
for the resident and their visitors to use within the unit and in its immediate surrounds.
These need to be attractive and comfortable to encourage visitors to come and spend
time. Stigma remains a problem for people with dementia so the unit should be designed
to blend with the existing buildings and not stand out as a ‘special’ unit. Where possible a
‘bridge’ should be built between the unit and the community by providing a space that is
used by both the community and people with dementia. Where the unit is a part of a larger
site, there should be easy access around the site so people with dementia, their families
and friends can interact with other people who live there.
10
RESPOND TO A VISION FOR WAY OF LIFE
The environment should support the person with dementia to lead a life that has
meaning and value to them. The choice of this life style, or philosophy of care, will vary
between facilities. Some will choose to focus on engagement with the ordinary activities of
daily living and have fully functioning kitchens. Others will focus on the ideas of full service
and recreation, while still others will emphasise a healthy life style or, perhaps, spiritual
The way of life offered needs to be clearly stated and the building designed both
to support it and to make it evident to the residents and staff. The building becomes the
embodiment of the philosophy of care, constantly reminding the staff of the values and
practices that are required while providing them with the tools they need to do their job.
6
*Principles provided by Dementia Enabling Environments, www.enablingenvironments.com.au