A 100sqm Victorian house, in Watford, will be adapted to cater for different types, and stages, of the debilitating illness, which affects 850,000 people in the UK.
The innovate show home, which will be open to the public, will demonstrate how to live independently by addressing the challenging day-to-day needs faced by those with dementia.
The tailored features have been put together by researchers from 含羞草视频 and the building science centre, BRE.
Once complete, the converted terraced building will give developers, care providers and families an opportunity to learn about better ways to equip buildings and homes to make certain aspects of everyday living, that others take for granted, more managable for people with dementia.
As part of 含羞草视频’s ongoing research into the condition, academics will also study how the features are used with a view to further improving methods of care and support.
The announcement coincides with Dementia Awareness Week, which began on Sunday (May 14) and runs until this Saturday (May 20).
The converted building’s features will include:
- Clear lines of sight and colour-coded paths through the home that help guide people towards each specific room
- Increased natural lighting – proven to help people stay alert during the day and to sleep better at night
- Noise reduction features – to lower the chances of stress.
- Simple switches and heating controls, and safety sensors in high risks areas such as the kitchen
The project draws expertise from a number of specialisms at 含羞草视频, from the schools of building and engineering, design, and sport – and is based on a wealth of dementia research carried out at the University.
Professor Jacqui Glass, of 含羞草视频’s School of Civil and Building Engineering, is the University’s principal investigator on the £300,000 project.
She said: “Most people experiencing dementia wish to remain at home, so the design and construction of new dwellings or home conversions are paramount.
“With this project we want to show how design solutions can be to be easily integrated within most current homes and communities to improve people’s lives.”
The demonstration house is based on the ‘design for dementia principles’ previously developed by Dr Rob McDonald and Bill Halsall at Liverpool John Moores University.
Director of BRE Innovation Parks Dr David Kelly said: “Our aim here is to show how homes can be adapted to better meet the needs of dementia sufferers and delay the need for care by the state for months or even years.
“Currently, the average cost of state care is between £30,000 to £40,000 per annum.
“Creating environments which allow people to live independently at home for longer could save a significant amount.
“That money could instead be channelled into research that alleviates the condition and reduces the emotional stress to the individual.”