Home environment and dementia

The Dementia Enabling Environment Principles are based on the work of Professor Richard Fleming and Kirsty Bennett, University of Wollongong. These principles are evidence based, and have been constructed from reviewing research literature of studies looking at maximising enablement and wellbeing for people living with dementia through physical design.

The physical environment can work well – or make some big problems – for people living with dementia. These web pages move through the living environment room by room.

Dementia-friendly environments is a comprehensive and user-friendly online resource for service providers, carers and families who support people with dementia. The resource was originally developed for use in residential aged care facilities; however the information and advice is useful to anyone who wants to create an environment that is more friendly, inclusive and supportive for people with dementia - whether the environment is a residential care setting, hospital, community health service, private home, backyard, shop or public space.

The vast majority of people with dementia live at home and wish to remain there. In Australia it is estimated 70% of people with dementia live at home in the community. In the UK the number of people with dementia living in the community is estimated at 60%, in the US 80% and in Canada over 93%. Although many of these people are living with others, in Australia evidence suggests about one third of community dwelling older people living with dementia live alone. Appropriate housing options can not only provide comfort, functional support, social stimulation and independence for people living with dementia, but can also assist formal and informal carers to deal with the changing needs of the person they support over time. A well designed or appropriately modified home can support and enhance both the quality of care and the quality of life for both people living with dementia, and those who support them.

Osborne, Ash, 'Home modifications to support people living with dementia' in Design, dignity, dementia: dementia related design and the built environment, World Alzheimer Report , Vol.1, p.62-68, Alzheimer's Disease International, 2020

The World Alzheimer Report 2020, ‘Design, dignity, dementia: Dementia-related design and the built environment’, is a global perspective of dementia-related design that takes a cross-cultural approach, reflects regional and economic differences in low-, middle- and high-income countries, and considers urban versus rural settings.