Well Built Places Consultancy & Education

The design of healthcare facilities, especially those catering to dementia patients and the elderly, requires careful consideration of various elements to enhance health and well-being. Among these elements, the use of colour plays a significant role. Colour can influence mood, behaviour, and cognitive function, making it a crucial factor in creating therapeutic environments. Here, at Well Built Places, we explore the best practices for the design and use of colour in healthcare facilities for dementia patients and aged care, drawing on current academic research and evidence-based design principles.

Importance of Colour in Healthcare Design

Colour impacts psychological and physiological responses, making it a powerful tool in healthcare design. For dementia patients and the elderly, appropriate use of colour can aid in orientation, reduce agitation, and promote a sense of calm and safety. The strategic application of colour can also help in distinguishing different areas within a facility, thereby supporting wayfinding and reducing confusion (Dalke et al., 2004).

Colour and Dementia Care

Dementia patients often experience changes in vision and perception, which can make navigation and recognition of spaces challenging. Best practices for using colour in dementia care facilities include:

1. Contrasting Colours: High-contrast colours can help dementia patients differentiate between surfaces and objects, such as walls and doors, or floors and furniture. This can reduce the risk of falls and improve spatial orientation (Marquardt & Schmieg, 2009).
2. Calming Colours: Soft, pastel colours such as light blues, greens, and lavenders can create a calming environment, which is essential for reducing anxiety and agitation in dementia patients. These colours are less stimulating and can promote relaxation (Day et al., 2000).
3. Avoiding Complex Patterns: Patterns can be confusing and disorienting for dementia patients. Simple, solid colours are preferable to avoid visual confusion and stress.
4. Colour Coding: Colour coding can be used to help patients navigate the facility. For instance, different colours for different wings or areas can assist in wayfinding and help patients remember the purpose of each area (Fleming et al., 2003).

Colour and Aged Care

For the broader aged care population, the use of colour can enhance comfort, safety, and emotional well-being. Best practices include:

1. Warm Tones: Warm colours like soft yellows, peaches, and warm neutrals can create a welcoming and cosy atmosphere. These colours are associated with feelings of warmth and comfort, which are crucial in aged care settings (Joseph, 2006).
2. Natural Colours: Earthy tones and colours found in nature can have a soothing effect and help residents feel more connected to the outdoors, which can be especially beneficial for those who have limited mobility and access to outdoor spaces.
3. Consistent Colour Schemes: Consistent use of colour schemes throughout the facility can help reduce confusion and provide a coherent visual experience. This consistency supports cognitive function and orientation (Calkins, 2009).

Implementing Colour in Design

The implementation of colour in healthcare facilities should be part of a holistic design approach. Consideration should be given to:

1. Lighting: The effect of natural and artificial lighting on colour perception is significant. Designers should ensure that colours are chosen based on how they will appear under different lighting conditions (Veitch & Newsham, 2000).
2. Material Selection: The choice of materials and finishes can affect the appearance and durability of colours. Easy-to-clean, non-glare surfaces are preferable in healthcare settings to maintain hygiene and visual comfort.
3. Input from Stakeholders: Engaging patients, staff, and family members in the design process can provide valuable insights into the preferences and needs of the facility’s users. This participatory approach can lead to more effective and user-friendly designs (Parker et al., 2004).

Conclusion

The design and use of colour in healthcare facilities, particularly for dementia patients and the elderly, require careful consideration of psychological and physiological impacts. By implementing best practices such as using contrasting colours for orientation, choosing calming hues, and avoiding complex patterns, designers can create environments that support health and well-being. These principles, combined with a holistic approach to design, can significantly enhance the quality of care and life for patients and residents in these facilities. Please contact Well Built Places should you wish to discuss how we can assist you in the creation of happy, healthy and well places.

References

• Calkins, M. P. (2009). Evidence-Based Long Term Care Design. NeuroRehabilitation, 25(3), 145-154.
• Dalke, H., Littlefair, P., & Loe, D. (2004). Lighting and colour for hospital design. London: The Stationery Office.
• Day, K., Carreon, D., & Stump, C. (2000). The therapeutic design of environments for people with dementia: A review of the empirical research. The Gerontologist, 40(4), 397-416.
• Fleming, R., Forbes, I., & Bennett, K. (2003). Adapting the ward for people with dementia. Sydney: HammondCare.
• Joseph, A. (2006). The Impact of the Environment on Infections in Healthcare Facilities. The Center for Health Design.
• Marquardt, G., & Schmieg, P. (2009). Dementia-friendly architecture: Environments that facilitate wayfinding in nursing homes. American Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease & Other Dementias, 24(4), 333-340.
• Parker, C., Barnes, S., McKee, K., Morgan, K., Torrington, J., & Tregenza, P. (2004). Quality of life and building design in residential and nursing homes for older people. Ageing & Society, 24(6), 941-962.
• Veitch, J. A., & Newsham, G. R. (2000). Exercised control, lighting choices, and energy use: An office simulation experiment. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 20(3), 219-237.