Designing a medium sized apartment for a person with moderate Dementia and their 24/7 caretaker built to give freedom and ease to both people who live in the apartment using wayfinding and smart technology that allows for easier navigation, subconscious creation of schedules and pattern recognition through color blocking, and a space that fosters artistic creativity.

Users

Problems, Positions, & Provocations

• Having a caretaker but wanting a sense of freedom despite needing assistance with daily tasks.
• There’s often difficulty with navigating life and schedules are often necessary.
• Social interaction and activities can help improve symptoms of degenerative diseases.
• Shared living communities allow bonding with others and live in a space that is accessible for people with various
  accessibility needs.
• Easily irratable and simple tasks and navigation can be confusing
• Sterile feelings of hospitals and Senior Care Centers
• Caretakers and the dynamic with their person

Values

• independence and freedom of choice
• seeing family
• doing activities that help with motor control and memory and stimulate both the
  mind and the body (ex: gardening, reading and lounging, art, board games)
• having schedules so that daily tasks are less confusing
• having technology aid rather than hinder autonomy
• emphasis on enjoying life
• being surrounded by nature
• constant potential for entertainment with colors and interesting ways to spend time

Preference for Aging in Place

Aging in Place refers to staying at home or in a more comfortable space with assistance.
There have been an increase in assistive living facilities that resemble shared housing
allowing for more privacy and areas to connect with neighbors. Everyone’s schedules are accommodated for despite how different their needs may be. They have their own bathroom and activities aren’t restricted by time slot but were open for certain hours. There’s an emphasis on wellbeing and health both physically and mentally.

Research

Key Aspects

• the event calendar is filled with a diverse array of activities, from fitness classes to
  cultural events, ensuring that there’s always something to look forward to.
• focus on including family members in activities and educating others
  on caring for those who suffer from dementia and other illnesses.
• space for visitors a shared community isn’t forced but promoted. Offers short term visitor
  stay. Has private dining spaces along with shared spaces.
• wayfinding technology through color blocking
• bright colors that stimulate the mind
• art and gardening projects throughout the apartment
• technology that aids in scheduling and anticipating needs
• Multi-use spaces

Importance of Material Choices and Finishes

There are dementia guidelines for good designs made for those who want to design or adjust spaces to make it ideal for those who have Alzheimer’s.

USE plain patterns, material effects with subtle patterns.

CHOOSE wood designs with a subtle grain and no knots, compliant with dementia guidelines

AVOID busy patterns, dark colours and high-contrast designs

MIX different designs and colours to create dementia-friendly combinations

USE contrast between floors and walls to enhance 3D perception

HARNESS Light Reflectance Value (LRV) to create pathways or isolate potential risks

DON’T create visual barriers that would discourage movement

Possible Technology Implements

• Sliding doors that are easily opened through motion sensors or a tap of the button.
• Wayfinding technology through lighting and spatial design. (Intuitive)
• Sensors that track changes in routine. Potential “check-ins”: with prevantive
  screenings and educational lectures.
• Accessible emergency contact devices.
• Responsive lighting taking into account individual preferences. Scheduled to align
  with their circadian rhythm
• Easily adjustable temperature control for individual spaces.
• Universal remote controls
• Lighting that locates objects and guides paths
• Easily accessible Emergency Call system.

Floorplan & Layout

Transforming uses of the space allowing for more versatile lifestyles and balancing privacy for both users.

Concepts & Mood Boards

Renderings

Lounge area (Relaxing & Entertaining)

Color Blocking & Transforming Elements

Personal Care

Arrival & Departing Transformed into Sleep & Wake

Arrival & Departing without Transformations

Loft Area for Relaxing & Entertaining

Primary Sleep & Wake

Cooking & Eating