Let There Be Light
by Margie
I recently attended the International Design School, facilitated by the Dementia Centre at HammondCare, which brings together people to understand and improve dementia care design. An important discussion was lighting and the impact that light has on residents. It was stressed that dementia is not only a condition impacting on memory, but affects the person’s physical and psychological wellbeing.
Lighting is a critical element in the human centred design of spaces and particularly for those with dementia. For people who are ageing light and visibility is impacted by:
- The ageing eye
- The ageing brain
- Dementia
- How their surroundings are interpreted, leading to confusion
- Their ability to read signs or visual cues
- Being able to effectively participate in activities
- Reduced safety and higher risk of falls
- Toilets and communal spaces are more visible
- Landmarks are recognised
- Faces, gestures and body language can be seen
- Day-to-day personal activities are easily carried out
- Features of day/night (circadian rhythms) and seasonal changes are easily viewed
- Recreational activities are enjoyed
![Let There Be Light](https://aej.com.au/wp-content/themes/ej21/img/blank.png)
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