The world's population is ageing at an unprecedented rate. Over the next few decades, the number of people aged 65 and over is set to double, and by 2100, one in five people will be over 65. Australia, too, is experiencing this trend, with the percentage of older individuals projected to rise significantly. This demographic shift brings with it unique challenges, particularly in relation to dementia — a progressive brain condition characterised by memory loss and cognitive decline affecting millions worldwide. As our population ages, the number of people living with dementia is expected to reach a staggering 150 million by 2050. In Australia alone, the number of individuals living with dementia is projected to exceed 590,000 by 2028.
These statistics highlight the urgent need for governments around the world to invest in universal and affordable access to appropriate care, and encourage social inclusion – and for the architecture and design industry to create environments that cater to the needs of our ageing society in a meaningful and empathic way. By gaining an understanding of the complex challenges posed by the process of ageing, as well as conditions like dementia, industry professionals can create spaces that truly improve quality of life for occupants.
Fostering dignity through thoughtful design choices
There are many unique considerations architects and designers should – and some might already – be aware of when designing environments like aged care homes. Safety is important, ensuring a space that residents, staff, and visitors can enjoy with peace of mind. Well-planned spatial layouts, clear pathways, non-slip surfaces and high levels of lighting all work together to foster independence and confidence as well as reduce falls.
While safety is paramount, it is vital to create an environment that is as close to home as possible. Incorporating domestic amenities, soft textures, and inviting furniture, as well as addressing acoustics, keeping in mind temperature control, and good access to natural light are essential elements in crafting an environment that gives occupants comfort and purpose.
From a spatial perspective, it is vital to strike a balance between smaller, intimate spaces that offer privacy and respite and larger rooms that encourage social interaction. The power of connection cannot be overstated, as it can play a pivotal role in reducing feelings of loneliness and anxiety. Immediately accessible gardens, shared dining areas, and other rooms with dedicated purpose provide vital opportunities for residents of aged care homes to engage with others and form meaningful connections.
Underpinning all these considerations is the integration of dementia-friendly design. Creating a sense of familiarity and facilitating ease of navigation is crucial to compensate for memory loss and disorientation. Incorporating familiar objects, fixtures, fittings, and artworks as well as providing scope for personalisation throughout the home can have a profound impact on a person’s sense of comfort and confidence. Additionally, salient, meaningful landmarks, and easily readable cues serve as reliable spatial anchors, assisting individuals living with dementia to more easily find where they want to go.
Masterclass in empathy
Designing spaces for older people and individuals living with dementia is a multifaceted undertaking that requires a deep understanding of the occupants' circumstances, as well as skill in the layered role design can play in improving quality of life.
With that in mind, the Dementia Training Australia (DTA) is hosting a series of masterclasses on aged care design for industry professionals – Masterclasses in Aged Care Design: Creating Supportive Environments for Older People.
DTA provides education and training to improve the health and wellbeing of people living with dementia, and these interactive, one-day events have been created in collaboration with Constructive Dialogue Architects to equip architecture and design industry professionals with knowledge and skills necessary to create meaningful homes for older people and individuals living with dementia. Through interactive workshops, exploration of the literature and international case studies, participants will gain a better understanding of the complex impact of ageing and dementia, explore the connection between models of care and architecture, and discover best practice for creating spaces which are truly supportive to older people living in aged care environments.
The course will be led by two prominent experts in design, Nick Seemann and Liz Fuggle, who are practising architects and the key authors of the Draft National Aged Care Principles and Guidelines for the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care. Nick and Liz will cover the core principles of design for residential aged care, talk through the practical applications in real-life projects and encourage participants to practise reviewing plans, and discovering effective strategies for creating more supportive spaces.
Designing spaces that embrace ageing and dementia requires a nuanced and refined approach. Architects and designers must display a deep understanding of the unique considerations involved in creating environments that prioritise safety and comfort, while nourishing a sense of confidence, independence as well as social connections. By learning about the experience of the occupants, industry professionals can create spaces that not only address the needs of the residents but create vibrant and stimulating environments that celebrate their aspirations and preferences, fostering well-being and dignity. These masterclasses can certainly help them learn how to achieve that.
These in-person courses will be taking place between Thursday 22 June 2023 and Thursday 2 November 2023 in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide. The Masterclasses are equivalent to 6 hours of CPD, including 1 hour for NCC, and the participation costs $500 per person, which includes lunch, refreshments, and printed resources from the experts.
Industry professionals who would like to find out more about this transformative initiative, view the schedule or register, should head to DTA’s event site.
