The environment plays a key part in how someone feels. A number of factors about the environment may have a negative effect on a person with dementia including:
- The level of noise: a person may be sensitive to loud noise or may have particular preferences with types of music.
Considering the impact of the environment and noise
Powell, J. (2007) Difficulties in understanding.
- Lighting / heating: poorly lit or improperly heated areas can be disorientating or the source of discomfort.
- Lack of signs: this might disorientate a person as to which way to go to find the toilet or to determine which door is for the toilet.
- Layout: Poor layout of a room which does not allow for moving around.
- Number of people in a room: some people may become distressed when in company or when left alone for long periods.
Considering the impact of being left alone for long periods
Powell, J. (2007) Difficulties in understanding.
- Changes in routine, rushing.
- Lack of ‘comfort cues’ which are particular objects, pictures, pieces of furniture, photographs which help to link to past comfortable memories (see previous chapter).
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