GHP August 2015

16 | ghp August 2015 The importance of Designing Dementia Friendly Care Environments It is estimated that there are 800,000 people with dementia in the UK and this number is expected to double in the next 30 years. The proportion of people with cognitive problems and dementia in general hospitals continues to increase and the need to make the physical environment of health and social care buildings more dementia friendly is now widely acknowledged. This article outlines some of the key features of dementia friendly design and introduces a suite of environmental assessment tools for care settings. The Association for Dementia Studies, University of Worcester, is a multi-profes- sional university research centre which draws on and contributes to the interna- tional evidence base for person-centred dementia care. Using this evidence we deliver education programmes that empower people to provide skilled, competent and compassionate care. Sarah Waller CBE, RGN, FRSA Developed and led The King’s Funds Enhancing the Healing Environment pro- gramme from 2000 to 2015. She is now an Associate Specialist, Association for Dementia Studies, University of Worcester. She can be contacted at dementia@ worc.ac.uk