Dementia Considerations and Links to Design
Episode 8:
This episode is devoted to design for dementia with a review of the FRIEDA model of dementia principles with expert Alex Fleming, and how it relates to care facility interiors. Practical examples of how to apply theoretical principles to design implementation are discussed. Tribute is also paid to a unique care project which won a Design Award for Best Specialist Dementia Design.
- Guest: Alexander Fleming
- Dementia Support available at McCarthy and Stone, UK
- CPD on FRIEDA Principles, Royal College of Psychiatrists
- Housing our Ageing Population Panel for Innovation (HAPPI)
- ‘The HAPPI principles are based on 10 key design criteria. Many are recognisable from good design generally – good light, ventilation, room to move around and good storage – but they have particular relevance to the spectrum of older persons’ housing which needs to both offer an attractive alternative to the family home, and to be able to adapt over time to meet changing needs.’
- Hat’s Off Feature: Falkland Grange Care Home, Berkshire, UK
- Winner of the Pinders Healthcare Design Award for Best Specialist Dementia Design.
- A project approached in an unusual way, designing directly with the client resulting in a particularly warm, homely and non-institutional environment.
- Innovation Spotlight: Professor Tom Kitwood, attributed with development of ‘Person-Centred Care.’ Working in the 1980’s at the University of Bradford, England, Professor Kitwood noted that dementia is only a diagnosis, not a person or a statement of their needs and aspirations. Person-Centred Care has four main tenets, all of which can be directly reflected through design (design examples given in the podcast.
About Alexander Fleming
Alex has been working in the field of dementia care for over 12 years. Alex has served in various capacities over the course of those years, after completing his Masters of Research in Dementia Care at the University of Birmingham, he progressed onto become a Dementia Advisor for the Alzheimer’s Society, Dementia Life Enrichment Manager at Sunrise Senior Living and is now currently working as the Dementia Health and Wellbeing Advisor for McCarthy Stone, the UK’s leading developer and manager of retirement communities.
