26.07.13
Dementia-friendly care environments developed
People with dementia are set to benefit from specially designed care environments, as the DH has awarded £50m funding to 116 projects.
The funding will be shared between 42 NHS projects and 74 in a local authority setting. Initiatives include use of colour-coding to help staff identify patients who need extra support, and improve layout and signage to reduce confusion and agitation in those with dementia.
The full list of approved projects can be found here.
Hunt said: “There is little doubt that our home and work environment has an important impact upon our day to day lives – and our care environment is no exception.
“We can encounter any number of places and spaces in one day, and yet for someone with advanced dementia even walking from one room to another can be difficult. This pilot scheme will form an important first step towards driving forward better care environments for people with dementia.
“Funding was awarded to projects that demonstrate how practical changes to the environment within which people with dementia are treated in will make a tangible improvement to their condition.”
Jeremy Hughes, Alzheimer’s Society chief executive said: “The effect an unfamiliar hospital or care home environment has on the wellbeing of a person with dementia is often underestimated. Changes to a person’s surroundings can leave people with dementia feeling confused, anxious or agitated and can drastically affect their quality of life.
“Moving into a care home or spending time in hospital can be a difficult transition, and often the buildings and grounds are not laid out in a way that supports staff to deliver good quality care.
“Investment in pioneering projects that will create dementia-friendly environments within these care settings will play a vital part in helping to improve the care hospitals or care homes are able to provide.”
Tell us what you think – have your say below, or email us directly at [email protected]