“Dementia-friendly home” supports design for independent living

Date posted: July 9, 2018
Share
A dementia friendly home with green and purple sofa and chair in a living room

A new “dementia-friendly” home – developed by leading building science research centre BRE in partnership with HLP Architects and experts from Loughborough University – was officially opened on 4 July by Lord Richard Best, Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Housing and Care for Older People.

The show home – at the BRE Innovation Park, Watford – demonstrates concepts and technologies which will allow people with dementia to live independently for longer.

Open to the public, care-providers, local authorities, architects and anyone with an interest in dementia care, the house will allow visitors to gather ideas and solutions from the technology and design on show.

The array of features and design concepts – all based on proven academic research – include simple open-plan living spaces and adapted living features such as non-scalding faucets, simple switches, and rounded-edged furniture to minimise injury.

There are also more hi-tech innovations on trial including ‘talking cushions’ which promote activity after long periods of rest; sensory smart chairs; intelligent, self-regulating climate control and ventilation; and safety sensors in high risk areas such as the kitchen.

Each of the concepts and new technologies featured in the house will provide valuable data, allowing researchers to refine and improve their dementia friendly innovations.

Dementia care currently costs UK families around £18 billion a year and affects about 850,000 people.

In contrast to other conditions such as heart disease and cancer for which the NHS provides free care at the point of use, two-thirds of the cost of dementia is paid by those living with the condition and their families.

BRE spokesperson, Dr David Kelly, said the average annual cost of dementia care in the UK is between £30,000 and £40,000.

He added:

Creating environments which allow people to live independently at home for longer are just good sense – and could result in significant savings. That money could instead be channelled into research that alleviates the condition and reduces the emotional stress to the individual.

Image courtesy of HLP Architects.

Share

Keep Updated

Latest News & Events

Woman scientist in lab look at science microscope medical test a

Economic Opportunities

May 9 2025

‘Forging Ahead’ initiative to transform innovation and entrepreneurship across the Midlands

Today, (Friday 9 May 2025) a coalition of 15 Midlands universities launch a bold new initiative that is set to revolutionise how research and innovation are translated into real-world impact across the region.

Read more
New cluster report

Economic Opportunities

Apr 30 2025

New cluster report: How the Midlands is at the heart of innovation in space technology

A new Midlands Engine report articulates the investment potential of the region's world-leading aerospace supercluster.

Read more
Military fighter Jet engine inside – Airplane gas turbine engine

Economic Opportunities

Apr 23 2025

New report identifies the investment opportunities in the Midlands’ world-leading aerospace supercluster

A new Midlands Engine report articulates the investment potential of the region's world-leading aerospace supercluster.

Read more

Subscribe to our partnership newsletter