Appropriate housing , including adaptations , can support older people to stay healthy and live independently for longer . This might reduce the need for social care .”
Appropriate housing , including adaptations , can support older people to stay healthy and live independently for longer . This might reduce the need for social care .”
gait and can burn themselves on a standard radiator . Therefore , we specify either a low surface temperature radiator or an automatic wall mounted heater .’
Jane goes on to explain that you need to consider if a mirror is needed in the bathroom at all , or if a small blind should be provided to cover the mirror when the person is home alone , as a person ’ s reflection can be frightening to someone with dementia .
‘ Lastly , we considered the door opening to the bathroom . Many times in the past , we would have replaced a bathroom door for a sliding door , but if this is unfamiliar to a person with dementia they may become trapped in the bathroom not knowing how to get out .
‘ Door furniture , such as the handles , also remained the same . If the bathroom space is small , we considered a two-way hinge so that the door could open either way .’
Trialling the adaptation
Jane and Louise worked with their housing adaptations team and decided to pilot four level access shower adaptations using this specification to see if it met needs .
‘ We researched suitable flooring and tiles , sanitary ware , shower units and equipment ,’ Jane says . ‘ We worked with the team ’ s technical officer and a contractor to resolve any issues , as the adaptation progressed and changed the original specification accordingly as we worked through these four adaptations .’
The results
Clients and their carers and families reported that the person with dementia needed less supervision and was therefore more independent . They also had reports of less falls in this area of the home .
‘ Since the trial , we have now had agreement that all of our local authority bathrooms will be adapted to a cognitive impairment design , so that housing stock is future proofed ,’ Jane is pleased to report .
‘ We use the cognitive impairment specification for private homes where a dementia diagnosis has been identified .
‘ We have agreed to use three walls tile colours and three non-slip flooring colours that are suitable for someone with a dementia diagnosis as standard ; always using a darker matt wall tile and a lighter floor . Specific products identified , such as a shower unit , are all uniformly installed .
‘ We continue to research equipment and products that can be used in conjunction with this design and change the specification accordingly .’
Future projects
The next stage is to roll this research out to other areas of the home and looking into other ways they can adapt the home with a dementia diagnosis in mind .
Jane says : ‘ We have found that this specification works with some clients with a visual impairment and other cognitive impairments as well , therefore more work is to be completed in these areas .
‘ With the introduction of the new Disabled Facilities Grant ( DFG ) legislation , dementia grants are now available , which are small grants to fund modifications that would allow someone with a diagnosis of dementia to remain living safely in their home for longer .
‘ Therefore , we are looking at how we can use signage , painting doorways a stronger colour to direct clients to a specific room and the use of technology to aid clients with a dementia diagnosis .’
Words JANE JONES , Senior Occupational Therapist , working with LOUISE HAMILTON , Occupational Therapy Assistant , Social Care Occupational Therapy Services , Stoke on Trent City Council . Email jane . jones @ stoke . gov . uk
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June 2023 OTnews 17