5 Dementia Care Home Decorating Ideas

Tactile Walls and Interactive Paintings

If you are caring for someone living with dementia, then creating spaces that provide sensory stimulation can be invaluable. Adding points of interest and encouraging environmental engagement, tactile walls and interactive wall paintings are great dementia care home decorating ideas. When choosing what to go for, consider all types of senses that people use and the types of objects that may lead to an autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR). This can include everything from walls covered with interesting and varied textures that feel soft or pleasing to the touch or that create a satisfying sound, or artwork that encourages thought and interaction. Not only making spaces more enjoyable to be in all round, but these sorts of care home decorations can really appeal to those living with dementia on an instinctive and subconscious level for enhanced happiness and comfort.

Designated Areas for Comfort

When considering the best dementia care home decorating ideas, why not consider creating different areas for comfort? Providing unique spaces with designated themes and decorations, these can create a more immersive and authentic environment for those living with dementia and offer plenty of points of interest. Depending on how much space there is and the layout of your care home, you can opt for designated areas such as a café space, “bar” area, and shops where residents can enjoy their favourite activities and relive familiar routines. Outside, you can also create designated areas such as outdoor games areas or bus stops so that residents can enjoy different activities and savour time outdoors in the sunshine and fresh air too. By creating designated areas for comfort, this also creates more of a sense of community, purpose and familiarity – a precious support for those facing challenging moments in their lives.

Inspiring Decorations

Using decorations that aren’t overwhelming are some of the best and most simple dementia care home decorating ideas. To create the most comfortable space that is both functional and inspiring, use bold, colourful decorations, and consider creating different areas with era-themed artwork and talking points to act as memory aids and to evoke familiarity and positive feelings. Whilst being careful not to be too overwhelming, the use of bold colours can help elderly residents and those with advanced dementia to distinguish areas more clearly. This is because ageing in particular can cause the eye’s lenses to thicken, making it harder to perceive environmental contrasts and causing colours to seem duller. Consider avoiding too neutral or too similar tones and use bold colours for stronger contrasts, for example, a navy sofa against a bright, white wall. It’s important to opt for solid colours, as opposed to patterns, as busy patterns can often be disorientating for those living with dementia.

Reduce Clutter

When preparing spaces for those living with dementia, it’s great to include a variety of textures and talking points for interest and activity. However, it’s also really important not to overcrowd rooms and fill spaces with too much large furniture or clutter. This is because too many objects can be overpowering, and also act as serious trip hazards. Imposing on space and extending into walkways, too much furniture or objects can make it hard for those living with dementia to move around, especially those who depend on walkers or wheelchairs. Similarly, throws and rugs on the floor often present unnecessary challenges and are easy to trip over. For better traction, think about using carpets instead of smooth hardwoods or slippery tiles and avoid rugs that are easy to ruffle or catch underfoot. 

Good Lighting

According to the NHS, most people living with dementia, as well as older people in general, benefit from brighter lighting conditions than on average. This helps with diminished eyesight, avoids potential confusion, and reduces the risk of falling over. For the most effective care home decorating ideas, a person-centred approach should focus on the use of bright, flexible and even lighting to accommodate individual requirements. As dementia advances, it’s also possible that those living with the symptoms may find shadowy areas in rooms uncomfortable or even ominous and brighter lighting can help residents to feel safer and more comfortable. When considering dementia care home decorating ideas, it’s also important to maximise natural lighting too, as light from the sun can help to maintain circadian rhythms and also boost serotonin levels.

Wisteria Care Home

At Wisteria House in Plymstock, we provide a safe and comfortable home for those living with dementia. Rated CQC Outstanding, we specialise in offering the highest quality care and service and pride ourselves on creating an enriched, supportive and welcoming environment for those in need.

If you would like to find out more, please do get in touch.