A panel of experts featuring representatives from Housing 21 have united in their passion to improve housing for people living with dementia by coming together for a series of thought-provoking webinars.
Pam Mastrantonio, Housing 21’s Managing Director for Retirement Living, chaired the ‘Housing – Rising to the Dementia Challenge’ discussion in partnership with sector experts who promoted the benefits of ‘Dementia-Friendly Designs’.
With more than 944,000 people living with dementia in the UK, and one third of them living alone in their own homes, sector experts came together to discuss how everyone - from architects and designers to housing providers and individuals - had a part to play in creating dementia-friendly homes.
Pam said: “With one in every 11 people over the age of 65 living with dementia, there are not enough purpose-built developments available to support people with this condition and we know that the vast majority of people want to remain living in their own homes. However, there are many simple steps and considerations that can be made to ensure more homes, including those which are privately owned and rented, can better meet the needs of people affected by dementia.
“From an early stage, this can involve developers and architects building homes in close proximity to local amenities to reduce the risk of isolation; implementing step-free access to minimise the chance of falls and installing different colour doors to help people identify their homes.
“Internally, removing rugs, that can be a trip hazard and avoiding strong patterns which cause confusion and disorientation can make an enormous difference, as can minor changes like adding contrasting colour toilet seats to help make it more visible to ageing eyes. On their own, these changes can seem small, but together can make a substantial difference to people living with dementia.”
The webinar was organised by the Dementia and Housing Working Group (DHWG), in partnership with Housing LIN. More than 200 people, including representatives from over 80 local authorities and 60 housing associations, were among those who watched live with many more since watching the recording.
The Dementia and Housing Working Group, which is supported by volunteer stakeholders including Housing 21, aims to provide information, insight and influence to improve the health, wellbeing and quality of life for people living with dementia.
Vanessa Pritchard Wilkes, Chair of the DHWG and Head of Strategic Operations at Housing 21, said: “Using the combined knowledge of DHWG members and through platforms such as this webinar, we have the ability to influence the housing sector and improve the lives of people living with dementia.
“Often, a lack of awareness or understanding about dementia-friendly properties can be the biggest barrier so we hope through partnership events such as this online seminar, we can help more people to understand that everyone has a role to play. Whether it’s the design of a new build or adapting an existing home, by working together we can help to inform people of the challenges, provide insights into solutions, and help to influence change on behalf of everyone living with dementia.”
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