Understanding Memory Care Residents

The universal key to successful Interior Design is knowing and understanding your client. At DesignPoint, we get to know an array of clientele, however this process never becomes more personal than when empathizing with our memory care residents.

Understanding our memory care residents means understanding that their perception of interior space is far different than our own. Residents with these needs can range in severity, however first recognizing the triggers of patients with Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease can show us what to respond to while designing. For these patients, daily normalcies can easily become frustrations. We are first aware that these patients have a close dependency on the five senses, and view their world at a different pace through these lenses.   Experientially, these combined senses alter how a space is perceived, in accordance with their comprehension of sensory clues. By understanding the agitations that are brought upon by visual and tactile form, we can design accordingly.

Three important factors to note when designing for patients in need of memory care include, wayfinding, sensory stimulation, and comfort.   The way we analyze and address these topics aims to facilitate an environment encouraging both physical and mental health.

1. Wayfinding – Address your residents memory loss by allowing easy navigation of a floor plan. Look to avoid dead end paths that cause disruption and confusion and create seamless transitions spatially between programs. Additionally, create key points of reference that resonate easily, these design elements can become points of reference within a building for an individual to return to.
2. Sensory Stimulation – Obtrusive colors and patterns can often be distracting, however texture and color can carefully be used to our advantage in memory care. Proven to reduce psychological symptoms of dementia, utilizing the senses by way of feeling or seeing can aid in familiarity. Objects and design elements that can be felt as well as seen, form visually satisfying relationships that soothe brain activity and understanding of the way something functions.
3. Residential Comfort – While always maintaining the requirements of contract design, making these new facilities feel as close to “home” as possible can eliminate feelings of discomfort and agitation. The concept and feeling of ‘belonging’ is an ultimate goal when considering how design elements can alter the atmosphere of a shared living environment that residents call home to. Referencing relatable memories based on activity and location can put the resident in this setting and trigger specific memories of the past.

The way we apply these techniques through Interior design can be seen in multiple facets from space planning, material selection, to art and accessories. Some of the overlooked necessities of designing for memory care patients should be recognized in the way we exploit interactive design and art for wayfinding use. By resolving issues of confusion and fostering mental stimulation on a daily basis, it is statistically proven to show advancements in daily activity, mood, and memory retention.

Ultimately, we at DesignPoint design with the perspective of our residents always in mind, while not compromising our preface of design knowledge.