Statistics to support the need for change
DSDC research project
Enhanced a hospital ward environment by improving the lighting, flooring, signage and toilet areas. The results were:
- 70% reduction in slips, trips and falls
- 60% reduction in agitation and aggression
- 50% reduction in incontinence episodes
Bawley E
Designing for Alzheimer’s Disease strategies for creating better care environments
- 90% of challenging behaviours are caused by the environment and other people
Cambridge University Hospital research findings
- A person with dementia is twice as likely to fall as someone without dementia
- 42% of patients who fall are dehydrated
- 1 in 4 hospital beds are in use by a person with dementia
The Symptoms of Dementia and how the Environment has an Impact
- Memory loss – where am I, why am I here, I don’t recognise anyone, anything, anywhere
- Communication skills – forgetting words, not able to speak/explain/ask clearly. Not able to understand what is being said
- Emotions – a person with dementia may forget people and places but not how a person makes them feel
- Visual perception – lack of spatial awareness (2D & difficulty judging distances), tunnel vision/loss of ability to distinguish between colours
- Loss of ability to apply logic and reason (sense danger). Unable to sequence events correctly
- Experience increased levels of stress and anxiety
- Easily confused and disorientated
PLUS
- Age related ailments – sight, hearing, physical fitness, height, chronic conditions such as high/low blood pressure, diabetes, stroke or heart issues