Bedrooms in Dementia Care Homes

Bedrooms in Dementia Care Homes – The Importance

Good bedrooms in dementia care homes are ones that’s been designed to keep them safe and aid independence. The bedroom should be a private, cosy and safe place which promotes a good night’s sleep. People with dementia may help with finding and recognising their bedroom.

Finding the Bedroom in a Care Home

For a person with dementia just finding the bedroom when faced with a number of doors can be confusing. This can lead to residents walking into someone else’s bedroom. If the resident then starts going through the drawers and cupboards the owner may think the person is prying which could lead to distress and aggression.

Distinguish bedrooms to limit confusion

Use distinguishing colours and room numbers to make bedroom doors stand out. (Strong primary colours can be most effective.) Combine this with personal photos and memorabilia in a display case such as a memory box outside the resident’s room, to help residents distinguish their room from that of another

Bedrooms in Dementia Care Homes a Personal Space

Personalising a bedroom is a way to make life in residential care feel like home and recognise which room belongs to them. Labelling cupboards and bathroom doors and positioning a Memory Box outside will help promote them to remain independent.

Many dementia sufferers lose the ability to recognise their own reflections, so it’s important that mirrors can be hidden, should they need to be. For this reason, reversable mirrors are a good option.

More information can be found at SCIE