How can developers design dementia-friendly residential estates

As the global population continues to age, the prevalence of dementia is increasing. According to Circle Senior Living, 60% of people over the age of 70 experience some kind of memory issues.  

People with dementia often face challenges in navigating their environment, leading to feelings of confusion and frustration. By incorporating dementia-friendly design principles into residential estates, developers and estate managers have the opportunity to create inclusive and supportive communities.  

But what are the key considerations and strategies that can be employed to build residential estates that are design-friendly for people with dementia? 

1. Clear and intuitive layout

A well-designed residential estate should have a clear and intuitive layout that minimises confusion and aids navigation. Consider implementing the following design principles: 

• Clearly marked and prominent signage at key locations, such as entrances, common areas, and amenities
• Use of colour contrast to distinguish between different areas and elements, making them easily identifiable.
• Avoidance of complex floor plans with excessive corridors, dead-ends, or too many turns.
• Prominent landmarks and visual cues that help residents recognise their location within the estate. 

Quito Esteves, CEO of LiveWell, which has two developments that cater to the elderly – one in Somerset West and the other in Bryanston, says: ‘We have designed our new facilities in such a way that they are compact, small and barrier-free. We ensure there are barrier-free thresholds on the doors and a minimal amount of steps. There are no sharp corners. It’s important to keep to things that look familiar.’ 

2. Safe and accessible outdoor spaces

Outdoor areas play a big role in promoting the well-being of residents with dementia. Developers can focus on the following aspects: 

• Thoughtful landscaping with clearly defined pathways and seating areas.
• Adequate lighting to ensure visibility and reduce shadows, which can cause confusion.
• Implementation of secure fencing to prevent residents from wandering off while still providing a sense of freedom.
• Incorporation of sensory elements like gardens, water features, and bird feeders to create calming and engaging environments. 

Esteves highlights the importance of encouraging people with dementia to make use of outdoor spaces. He advocates encouraging seniors to develop their fine motor skills and gross motor skills (big body movement through exercises like yoga). 

‘We advocate people to sleep in the rooms, otherwise, they should be walking around as much as possible. New facilities won’t cater specifically for Alzheimer’s but they can be repurposed,’ he says.  

3. User-friendly interior design

When it comes to interior design, estate managers should embrace simplicity and functionality if they are in charge of residents that suffer from dementia. Consider the following design strategies: 

• Use clear and consistent signage throughout the building, including room numbers, directions, and labels for common areas.
• Colour-coded or picture-based way-finding systems to assist residents in finding their way back to their rooms.
• Minimisation of visual clutter and the use of contrasting colours to make important elements stand out, such as doorways, handrails, and emergency exits.
• Adequate lighting to minimise shadows and enhance visibility, ensuring that residents can easily identify objects and spaces. 

4. Safety measures 

Ensuring the safety of residents with dementia should be a top priority too. Developers can incorporate the following safety measures into the design of residential estates: 

• Installation of handrails in hallways, staircases, and bathrooms to provide support and reduce the risk of falls.
• Use of non-slip flooring materials to prevent accidents.
• Implementation of secure locks and alarms on windows and doors to prevent wandering without restricting freedom of movement.
• Designation of safe areas, such as quiet rooms or sensory spaces, where residents can relax and find comfort. 

5. Ensure you hire the right team

It’s important for developers and estate managers to keep people active and independent as long as possible but this can’t be done without the right people in place.  

Corene Breedt-Rammutla, CEO and co-founder of Circle Senior Living, which has recently launched its new development in Sandown says, ‘Most people talk about the building and how you can make the estate cater better for people with dementia. It’s not about the building but about having processes and a team in place that can personalise care and can be reactive to your needs.