I am going to learn to sail this year, always wanted to do this. Waves and open seas beckon.
Sunday, 6 May 2012
Saturday, 5 May 2012
Interior Design for Dementia
There are 800,000 people in the UK with some form of dementia- and this number is increasing.
Creating a safe environment for them in which they can also feel comfortable is a challenge.
In a home environment with 24 hour support, keeping the surroundings the same is relatively easy. There is no desire to leave and life goes on- albeit with some changes. Their nearest and dearest are around and you know what they mean when they talk about "Joan" or "William" or their money going missing. (trust me, this is common notion ). You can reassure them they have had breakfast and because you are maybe familiar they will believe you.
I have recently been doing some work within a residential care home with a dementia unit on the Wirral that also offers daily care to people living in their own homes. So many people with so many challenges in their lives. There is tons I could write about , having spent a lot of time interacting with them all.
But I will write about interior design.
I say interior design, but really it is about planning an environment.
As people get older their vision worsens. It is not just a case of get stronger glasses. Colour contrasts, depth of field, colour blindness all occur. Crucially for dementia sufferers this will make them feel more lost. There are lots of ways to decorate appropriately. Older people need 3 times more contrast than everyone else. Chairs can be invisible against carpets and walls.
The desire to want to go home can be strong. Some people are happy to have a safe environment and do not want to leave. As dementia takes hold, the past memories take over and the place they are in now has no memory for them. Putting a familiar painting on the wall can hinder or help- but the environment needs to feel comforting. They are often asking for mum. Taking into consideration each individuals care plan allows for familiar items to be present and activities to be properly co- ordinated to help them feel calm in strange surroundings.
Doors are a problem. They are a way in, but also a way out. There are solutions to this.
Outdoor spaces does not mean just an occasional walk or taken out in a chair. If you sit in a drab, dark space with heating on max, the slightest breeze hurts. The need for access to outside space and some view, even if it is just a good picture, is important. I regrouped all the plants to be seen visible by garden door.
There is lots more that I can write. The last 3 weeks have been the toughest and best experiences.
Let's get this environment right. I am trying to do that. I have some good ideas.
p.s. In this time I am sure that families, friends, and local authorities will try to help people to have an independent life in their own home.
I am looking at the people who require and need some form of respite or residential care. Attention span from a second to maybe a few hours, then you start again. They all deserve quality of life.
Creating a safe environment for them in which they can also feel comfortable is a challenge.
In a home environment with 24 hour support, keeping the surroundings the same is relatively easy. There is no desire to leave and life goes on- albeit with some changes. Their nearest and dearest are around and you know what they mean when they talk about "Joan" or "William" or their money going missing. (trust me, this is common notion ). You can reassure them they have had breakfast and because you are maybe familiar they will believe you.
I have recently been doing some work within a residential care home with a dementia unit on the Wirral that also offers daily care to people living in their own homes. So many people with so many challenges in their lives. There is tons I could write about , having spent a lot of time interacting with them all.
But I will write about interior design.
I say interior design, but really it is about planning an environment.
As people get older their vision worsens. It is not just a case of get stronger glasses. Colour contrasts, depth of field, colour blindness all occur. Crucially for dementia sufferers this will make them feel more lost. There are lots of ways to decorate appropriately. Older people need 3 times more contrast than everyone else. Chairs can be invisible against carpets and walls.
The desire to want to go home can be strong. Some people are happy to have a safe environment and do not want to leave. As dementia takes hold, the past memories take over and the place they are in now has no memory for them. Putting a familiar painting on the wall can hinder or help- but the environment needs to feel comforting. They are often asking for mum. Taking into consideration each individuals care plan allows for familiar items to be present and activities to be properly co- ordinated to help them feel calm in strange surroundings.
Doors are a problem. They are a way in, but also a way out. There are solutions to this.
Outdoor spaces does not mean just an occasional walk or taken out in a chair. If you sit in a drab, dark space with heating on max, the slightest breeze hurts. The need for access to outside space and some view, even if it is just a good picture, is important. I regrouped all the plants to be seen visible by garden door.
There is lots more that I can write. The last 3 weeks have been the toughest and best experiences.
Let's get this environment right. I am trying to do that. I have some good ideas.
p.s. In this time I am sure that families, friends, and local authorities will try to help people to have an independent life in their own home.
I am looking at the people who require and need some form of respite or residential care. Attention span from a second to maybe a few hours, then you start again. They all deserve quality of life.
Wednesday, 18 April 2012
Your New Kitchen
Planning a new kitchen should be an enjoyable experience. We spend a lot of time in there, cooking, chatting, eating, partying - if it is the same size as mine, maybe not all at once!
Not everyone can have a massive open plan kitchen. Sometimes that isn't what the family needs. Open plan apartments with the living/ dining/cooking space in one area can be incredibly noisy- especially if the washing machine is plumbed in there too.
All good designers will suggest drawing a plan first. Being practical at this stage will help the kitchen to function properly. Use the triangle theory, no cook wants be running miles between fridge, sink and cooker.
Radiators don't have to be boring , or is underfloor heating a possibility?
There are many different finishes and materials available for kitchen units, work surfaces and floors.
Ask for samples, consider how practical they might be. Do you plan on putting hot pans direct on the work surface? Do you want the work surface to become part of the sink or splashback? Darker surfaces show up crumbs more than light surfaces.
If you long for painted kitchen units make sure you can wipe them down without the paint coming off. If you are repainting your existing units take time to prepare the surfaces before painting.
Lighting is crucial. Spot lights in the ceiling might look great, but you will need some directional or task lighting when chopping and cooking. A dimmer switch can help create that party atmosphere.
All good designers will suggest drawing a plan first. Being practical at this stage will help the kitchen to function properly. Use the triangle theory, no cook wants be running miles between fridge, sink and cooker.
Radiators don't have to be boring , or is underfloor heating a possibility?
There are many different finishes and materials available for kitchen units, work surfaces and floors.
If you long for painted kitchen units make sure you can wipe them down without the paint coming off. If you are repainting your existing units take time to prepare the surfaces before painting.
Lighting is crucial. Spot lights in the ceiling might look great, but you will need some directional or task lighting when chopping and cooking. A dimmer switch can help create that party atmosphere.
Wednesday, 11 April 2012
Under My Feet
Leather look anyone? I really like this!
Follow me on Pinterest to see what else I like. http://pinterest.com/allyinteriors/
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