Designing with Dementia in Mind: What Every Realtor and Designer Should Know

As the number of individuals living with dementia continues to rise, it’s essential for realtors and designers to understand how the built environment can significantly impact the lives of those with this condition. Whether you’re working on staging a home, designing a new space, or helping families find a safe and comfortable environment, understanding the needs of individuals with dementia can make all the difference.

Here’s what every realtor and designer should know when it comes to creating dementia-friendly spaces:

1. Prioritize Safety with Clear Layouts

People with dementia often experience confusion and memory loss, making it difficult for them to navigate complex or cluttered spaces. When designing or staging a home for someone with dementia, prioritize simplicity and clarity. Open floor plans and clear sightlines allow individuals to see where they’re going and can help reduce feelings of disorientation.

Consider minimizing hallway turns and unnecessary obstacles. Where possible, create well-defined spaces for different activities (such as cooking, resting, and eating) to provide structure and comfort.

Enhancing home safety with smart control technology: A user manages temperature, power, lighting, and security features through a tablet interface.

2. Use Contrasting Colors for Visibility

Color can play a significant role in enhancing visibility and understanding spatial boundaries. For individuals with dementia, using contrasting colors can help highlight important features, such as doorways, stairs, and furniture edges. Avoid using similar colors for walls, floors, and furniture, as this can lead to confusion.

For example, a dark-colored door frame against a light-colored wall will stand out more than a door in a color that blends into the wall. Additionally, brightly colored items can help catch attention and encourage engagement, such as red plates or bold rugs, which may stimulate appetite or interaction.

3. Create a Calm, Clutter-Free Environment

A cluttered space can be overwhelming for individuals with dementia, causing increased anxiety or confusion. When staging or designing spaces, especially for individuals with dementia, keep the environment neat and tidy with minimal furniture. The goal is to allow the person to focus on what’s most important in their immediate environment without distractions.

Avoid too many patterns or busy designs that could contribute to confusion. Keep surfaces clear, but also ensure that items important for daily living, like family photos, are strategically placed to promote connection and comfort.

4. Incorporate Natural Lighting

Natural light has a positive impact on mood and cognitive function. For individuals with dementia, exposure to sunlight can help regulate sleep patterns and reduce agitation. Whenever possible, maximize natural light by using sheer window treatments or placing furniture near windows to allow for more light.

At night, ensure that rooms are well-lit, particularly pathways to the bathroom and bedroom. Low-level lighting that mimics the soft light of day can be used to avoid harsh contrasts, which could cause discomfort or disorientation.

Spacious and bright living room with modern furniture and large windows offering a lush garden view.

5. Familiar Items Promote Comfort and Security

Familiarity can provide reassurance and reduce anxiety for people living with dementia. When designing a space, incorporate personal items such as family photographs, heirlooms, or cherished decorations. These items can provide a sense of continuity and belonging.

Designers should also consider including tactile items that evoke positive memories, such as soft fabrics or textures. Additionally, incorporate simple, functional furniture, like easy-to-use chairs and comfortable sofas, that cater to the needs of individuals who may have mobility challenges.

6. Simplicity is Key: Avoid Complex Technology

Technology can be both helpful and confusing for individuals with dementia. As a realtor or designer, be mindful of the technology you introduce into a space. Choose simple devices that are easy to operate, such as phones with large buttons or thermostats with clear displays.

If incorporating smart technology, such as voice assistants, ensure they are easy to understand and operate without complex instructions. The goal is to reduce cognitive load and prevent frustration.

7. Design for Independence

While creating a dementia-friendly space, it’s essential to design with the individual’s independence in mind. This means providing easy access to everyday essentials such as clothing, food, and bathroom facilities. If possible, create spaces where the person can perform daily tasks, like making tea or using the bathroom, with as little assistance as possible.

Designing spaces that promote autonomy helps boost confidence and supports a sense of self-worth. However, safety should always come first, consider adding grab bars in bathrooms, non-slip floors, and clearly labeled drawers and cabinets.

8. Ensure Comfortable, Accessible Bathrooms

The bathroom is a key area that requires special attention when designing for people with dementia. Many individuals with dementia experience challenges with toileting, bathing, and personal care. Designers and realtors should prioritize easy-to-access, non-slip surfaces, and clear signage to help individuals navigate this essential space.

Install grab bars near the toilet, shower, and sink. Avoid overly complicated faucet or shower controls, opt for easy-to-use, lever-style handles. If possible, create a bathroom that’s as functional and safe as possible, with a calming design that avoids too many bright colors or harsh lights.

9. Consult with Dementia Care Experts

While realtors and designers can make valuable improvements to a home, it’s crucial to consult with dementia care professionals, caregivers, and medical experts to better understand the specific needs of individuals. This collaboration can provide further insights into the types of modifications that can support a safe and comfortable living environment.

Conclusion

Creating a dementia-friendly home requires sensitivity, knowledge, and a keen understanding of how the built environment impacts cognitive and physical function. For realtors and designers, making thoughtful choices when staging, designing, or renovating can significantly enhance the lives of people with dementia and help them live independently and comfortably for as long as possible.

By considering these design principles, realtors and designers can be part of a growing movement that prioritizes the well-being of individuals living with dementia, ensuring that they have spaces that promote comfort, safety, and dignity.

If you're interested in learning more about dementia-friendly design, contact us today to discuss how we can help you create spaces that truly support individuals with dementia.