How can building design improve dementia care provisions?

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It causes changes in mood, judgement, personality, and makes it difficult to communicate or cope with day to day tasks. And it usually gets worse over time. By 2020, it is estimated over a million of us will suffer from such symptoms – caused by dementia.  

Dementia can start as early as 40. With about one in every 20 people over-65 suffering from it, by the age of 80 about one in five are affected. Yet care provisions and older adult facilities have been identified in the Draft of the Health Building Notes as largely unfit for purpose. Clearly, building design must respond to the demand for quality dementia provisions and care facilities.  

Can Gerry Robinson Fix Dementia Care Homes? - asked BBC One recently.

Care and treatment for sufferers of dementia should be at the heart of the general election campaign, the Alzheimer’s Society charity told the BBC. As the press continues to reveal the flaws in elderly care – specifically in relation to dementia care – how is building design working to improve provisions and facilitate a better healthcare service for older people?