15. Environment

When thinking about having a positive environment for a person it is essential to consider a variety of factors:

  • What are the person’s past wishes and preferences regarding spending time in company?
  • What is the person’s present response to being with others?
  • Are individual comfort cues available for the person such as favourite pieces of furniture/blankets?
  • What objects are available to touch/hold that might be engaging /comforting
  • What is the background noise and how is the person responding to this?
  • Are there opportunities for the person to move around should they wish?
  • Are there clear signs to direct the person to the toilet?
  • Is there the opportunity for the person to access food and/or drinks?

EnvironmentThere have been a number of studies which suggest the person with dementia can be helped by the use of colour in the environment. This had led to, in particular, the specific use of red and orange. The ‘red jug scheme’ is used in some hospitals and care homes to encourage the person with dementia to drink by supplying a red jug and tumbler. Other ideas include use of red toilet seats or painting the doorways of toilets red.

Evidence based research from Australia (Gohar, 2009) considered the application of colour and colour contrast in the home environment of the elderly and visually impaired individuals. The conclusion was that the use of colour and colour contrasts specifically was found to be effective, not only for improving vision and clarity of the environment, but also in promoting better orientation, memory enhancement, a sense of safety and independence.

Further learning

Further learning resources «