Elderly Care: Scientific Care Awakens the Sunset Memories of Seniors with Dementia

“Elderly man with dementia hangs out of window, downstairs neighbours work together to save him” “Elderly man with Alzheimer's disease wanders off in the early hours of the morning” ...... With the aggravation of aging, the accompanying problem of old people's disability and dementia is plaguing countless families. The problem is plaguing countless families. Statistics show that every three seconds there is a new dementia in the world, and about 70% of them suffer from Alzheimer's disease, which has become a major public health problem that seriously affects the health and quality of life of the global population.

Alzheimer's disease is a brain disorder that slowly destroys a patient's memory and thinking skills, eventually causing the patient to lose the ability to perform the simplest of tasks. Most patients with Alzheimer's disease begin to experience symptoms as they enter old age. In the United States, Alzheimer's disease is currently ranked as the seventh leading cause of death and is the most common cause of dementia in the elderly.

It causes the patient to lose cognitive function (thinking, memory, and reasoning) and behavioural abilities to the point where it interferes with a person's daily life and activities. Dementia ranges in severity from the mildest stage where a person's functioning is just beginning to be affected, to the most severe stage where a person must be completely dependent on the help of others to perform basic activities of daily living.

A large number of clinical trials have shown that the key to overcoming AD is early prevention and early diagnosis. The International Alzheimer's Disease Report 2022, for the first time, systematically and comprehensively elaborates the concept of ‘post-diagnostic support’, which not only includes drug treatment, but also emphasises non-drug interventions.

The ultimate goal of ageing should be to live better. The passion for improving the quality of life for older adults extends to the mind, body and spirit, setting a new standard for elder care. Assisted living and memory care communities have unique requirements for furnishings. The ergonomic needs of older adults and the specific challenges faced by people with Alzheimer's disease and dementia and their caregivers are extremely important.

Designing living spaces for seniors diagnosed with cognitive decline such as Alzheimer's or dementia requires a balance of professional experience and industry knowledge. When an older adult in need of memory care moves into a senior living community, everything in the environment should provide the safety, comfort and security that anyone would want to feel at home.

Dementia due to physical and psychological changes, in the face of unfamiliar and complex things prone to anxiety and negative emotions, for example, the TV in the room because of the reflection of the mirror may cause psychological discomfort to the elders, that in the non-use of the TV we need to cover the screen with a cloth cover to reduce the unhelpful stimulation; dementia elders to the white recognition of the weakness of the switches in the room, we will choose and the wall contrast with the clear colours, to facilitate easy identification, including bedding colour selection, room lighting, furniture furnishings, bathroom supplies, etc., to create an all-round environment conducive to alleviate elders' discomfort and reduce mental stress.

By building a familiar environment for the demented elders, using the three meals a day to help the elders recall the past, letting them lower their psychological defences and help them find a sense of identity and belonging; helping the demented elders to improve their exercise and social skills with moderate activities such as walking a hundred paces before meals and singing songs; setting up convenient water refill stations, and providing fruits, yoghurts and beverages to ensure that the elders' water intake is guaranteed; and providing them with cognitive training at different stages to let them gain a sense of achievement. The creation of a memory care space and the provision of a memory care centre are also important.

Creating and furnishing memory care spaces involves a lot more than most people think. That's why industry experts exist - to strategically align design with senior living practices. Interior designers familiar with the senior living industry carefully consider every item, down to the smallest piece of artwork or accessory, to make sure it's essential.

This includes the furniture that residents use day in and day out.

It is important for developers, owners, operators and community management to rely on the industry's professional interior design team to ensure the right furniture is selected.

Key furniture features to consider before deciding on a room or individual piece of furniture include:

1. community activity (functionality)

2. aesthetics (colour)

3. cleanliness (materials)

4. comfort and safety

5. Activity: Furniture Functionality

Memory Care residents often spend a great deal of time together. Rooms in these communities typically have open common areas that promote socialisation and group activities. Mobility issues may vary, but older adults often need help or hold onto furniture to stand still. They also choose seating based on their physical condition, whether the seat is easy to use, or how close the seat is to the door.

For this reason, it is crucial to work with the right interior design firm when choosing the right furniture for your community.

Furniture should be sturdy and secure. Furniture designed specifically for the senior living industry often features accessible armrests, lower chairs, sofas, and tables that make wheelchairs more accessible or transfer from mobility devices to chairs. The height and depth of the seat are important factors in determining chair accessibility. On the one hand, the height of the seat affects an older person's ability to sit and stand comfortably. On the other hand, the depth of the seat determines the user's posture, support and comfort.

Chairs with a seat height that is too low can lead to excessive tension on the knees, making it difficult for older adults to stand up. A seat that is too high, on the other hand, can lead to instability and discomfort. The ideal seat height for an assisted living chair is between 18 and 20 inches above the floor. This height allows seniors to rest with their feet on the floor and their knees at a comfortable 90-degree angle. The ideal seat height is essential for seniors because it allows them to easily transition between sitting and standing.

Furniture that facilitates daily social interactions is equally important. Studies have shown that designing seating in a group rather than around the perimeter of a room promotes more meaningful interactions. For safety reasons, occupants are less likely to interact with others when chairs are placed along the walls on the outside of the room. Sitting face-to-face, on the other hand, increases the chances of eye contact and auditory communication, thus increasing the likelihood of real interaction.

When rooms are consciously decorated, they have the potential to enhance the living experience of their occupants. Senior living design experts know which colours, textures and patterns create a pleasant atmosphere in a memory care community. It's also important to create a cheerful, attractive and colourful work environment for the care team.

It is recommended to maintain contrast between furniture and flooring so that items are most recognisable in a senior community. This is especially important for residents who require memory care; they may need help to distinguish between different surfaces and appropriate seating.

Here are some interesting colour associations that apply to dementia care:

u Red represents warmth and can convey a sense of comfort. For people with dementia who have lost their appetite, a bold red colour can stimulate interest in food.

u Blue is understated and calming. Studies have found it helps lower blood pressure and anxiety. Incorporating blue in interior design can make a space appear larger.

u Green is reminiscent of spring and all things green. Its vibrancy is a welcome addition. Since the colour green affects people of all ages, it is often found in senior living spaces. Interestingly, lime green is successful in focusing attention on a focal point or important detail, especially for seniors with memory problems.

u Black can be problematic for people with cognitive impairments. People who is Dementia with Lewy bodies, in particular, can experience visual hallucinations. Dark coloured furniture can be intimidating as it can be mistaken for shadows or even holes in the wall or floor.

Commercial grade furniture is best suited for nursing homes due to its safety and durability. However, there are some additional regulations that must be met in terms of material performance to deal with harsh environments such as high temperatures or liquid exposure. Prioritise durability first. Choose chairs made from strong, durable materials to ensure they can handle the challenges of a senior living environment. Metal materials, such as aluminium or stainless steel, are excellent assisted living chair choices because they are extremely strong and wear-resistant. Not only can these materials withstand the wear and tear of daily use, but they also provide essential support for seniors.

In addition to durability, another advantage of choosing metal chairs is their high visual appeal. If you want to enhance the overall ambiance of your space without compromising on durability, consider using metal chairs. Metal chairs come in a variety of colours and styles to suit any type of environment. In fact, wood grain coatings can also be applied to metal chairs to mimic the look of solid wood, giving them both the sturdiness of metal and the warmth and beauty of wood.

This design not only enhances the aesthetics of the furniture, but also maintains its durability and practicality, ensuring the best possible experience for nursing home residents.

It is critical for memory care communities to have a proper understanding of the furniture materials needed for healthcare environments. For example, when incontinence and food accidents can occur on a daily basis, top considerations for materials include:

l Cleanability - how many seams does the furniture or its covering have?

The chair's seamless design and smooth, non-porous surface greatly simplifies the cleaning process. The seamless design reduces the likelihood of dirt and bacteria build-up, while the smooth surface makes it impossible for liquids to penetrate, allowing the chair to be kept hygienic using only standard cleaning agents. These features ensure that metal wood grain chairs remain clean in environments with high hygiene requirements.

l Infection control - how well does the fabric hold up to the cleaning products required?

The natural antimicrobial properties of metallic materials further enhance the infection control of these chairs. Metallic materials are effective in inhibiting the growth of bacteria and viruses, making them suitable for use in locations where strict hygiene standards are required. At the same time, these chairs are well adapted to a wide range of cleaning agents and disinfectants, ensuring that they remain undamaged when using a variety of cleaning products.

l Durability - Will the fabric/fibre or surface last through heavy use, soiling or UV exposure?

High quality aluminium alloy or stainless steel materials are chosen for their extreme durability and resistance to damage. Whether in a high-temperature sterilised environment or in frequent contact with liquids, these chairs maintain their integrity and are not easily damaged, making them suitable for long-term use. In addition, metal chairs can withstand frequent use, reducing replacement and maintenance costs.

l Safety - If a component breaks or is damaged, could it cause injury?

Metal wood grain chairs have a sturdy construction and are not prone to breakage, even under intense use. If occasional damage occurs, it is designed to minimise injury to the user, ensuring safety and reliability. It also reduces costs.

Elderly people indulge in food, drink and laughter in moments of relaxation. All of a sudden, the chair slips and topples over, causing injury and serious harm to the user. This is a scenario you will not want to see in your senior living centre or anywhere else. To avoid this, make sure that the senior living dining chairs you purchase have safety features. One of the most prominent safety features is non-slip feet or cushions that prevent the chair from sliding on smooth surfaces (floors). These feet or cushions can significantly reduce the risk of slips and falls, promoting accessibility through safety. Also, make sure the assisted living chair has a stable structure to prevent accidental tipping. Chairs intended for use in senior living centres should be sturdy and balanced.

Specialised partners

Individuals with dementia living in a memory care community may not leave their residence often. When possible, their surroundings should provide them with a variety of experiences. To achieve this safely and excellently, contact Yumeya for professional support in creating or remodelling a senior living space for someone who needs memory care.