How does the environment of an acute ward affect people with dementia?

5 key points

1. Admission to hospital may cause avoidable harm to people with undiagnosed dementia
2. Good hospital design can help reduce the “care burden” of dementia
3. Monitoring technology can reduce the need to observe patients
4. All toilet doors should be a consistent, bright, contrasting colour
5. Some people eat better if the setting is like a cafe or dining room

Let’s discuss

• After reading this article, list the environmental features on your ward which may have a detrimental effect on people with dementia.
• Think about your ward. If you had an unlimited budget how could you adapt your ward to make it suitable for people with dementia?
• Using current resources, what changes could you make to your ward to improve the lives of people with dementia?
• How could you change your own practice to support people with dementia when they are admitted to hospital?