While we typically associate aged care with clinical or personal care, recognising the impact of the physical environment for people living with dementia will have increasing importance. The new Australian Government design guidelines include guidance areas including enable the person, cultivate a home, access the outdoors, and connect with community. The guidelines highlight how environmental factors shape the experiences of people living with dementia and the impact of this on their quality of life and subsequent ‘behaviours’. 

Recent data collected by Dementia Support Australia highlights this impact:  

• Relocation stress contributes to over 10% of referrals, highlighting the challenges associated with transitioning to new environments. 
• Environmental factors such as noise, light and accessibility account for approximately 24% of all referrals, underscoring the critical need for targeted interventions. 

Fostering a homelike setting with familiar routines and surroundings including a domestic kitchen, easy to access garden and familiar furnishings can nurture a sense of independence and wellbeing. Recognising the impact of noise, light, and other sensory inputs on behaviour and mood, highlights the importance of implementing strategies aimed at minimizing unwanted stimuli. 

Here are some practical strategies that carers and family members can implement to create a supportive care environment, whether it be in residential aged care or at home. 

Practical support strategies: 

1. Managing stimuli: Minimise noise, clutter, and other distractions to create a calm environment. Simple adjustments, such as using soft lighting or providing a quiet space for relaxation or installing soft furnishing such carpet or curtains to absorb unwanted noise. 

1. Establishing familiarity: Surround the individual with familiar objects, photographs, and routines. Do not enforce mealtimes, showering or sleep times. These can be different for each person. 

1. Engaging in meaningful activities: Encourage participation in activities aligned with the person's interests. Whether it is gardening together, listening to music, sharing stories of the past, or doing the laundry – all can enhance well-being. 

1. Promoting independence: Ensure areas such as dining areas, bathrooms and outdoors are clearly visible and easily accessible. Keep doors to outside unlocked. Have clear signage that is consistent, at visible height and include images where appropriate.  

1. Seeking opportunities for connection: Empower the individual to engage in tasks to the best of their abilities. This may involve breaking tasks into manageable steps or providing gentle prompts to encourage participation. Encourage residents and their guests to be involved in tasks like meal preparation, service and clean up. 

If a person living with dementia in your care is experiencing changes in behaviour call us on 1800 699 799 and we help understand why these changes may be occurring. This will include looking at the care environment and providing strategies that can help.