Dementia-friendly design revitalises tired space

Published: 14-Nov-2016

Non-institutional space empowers, stimulates and reduces confusion and isolation among individuals with dementia


Shackletons, a leading UK designer and manufacturer of specialist contract furniture for the healthcare sector, has completed a dementia-friendly refurbishment for the Chester-based dementia care specialist Vivo Care Choices.

Vivo hired Shackletons to transform the tired and dated interior of a dementia only, day, respite and short break care facility to improve wellbeing and cognitive function among its service users. Shackletons presented a design strategy that provided a non-institutional space to empower, stimulate and reduce confusion and isolation amongst individuals with dementia.

The completed first phase of work provided dementia-friendly furniture, soft furnishings and specialist reminiscence artwork to complement the improved lighting, flooring and paintwork schemes, creating a calmer and more peaceful space.

'I have had really positive feedback with regards to the furniture quality, design and colour choices made,' said Gary Hayward, Business Development Officer, Vivo Care Choices. 'It was reported back that there was a calmer atmosphere within the service, and that the furniture and soft furnishings have made the service feel more like an upmarket hotel.'

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