Color can be used to create a homely, warm and welcoming atmosphere that encourages independent living and provides safe spaces for people with reduced vision and dementia.
The floor covering, furniture, textiles (curtains, rugs, pillows) and the color of the walls together build the overall color scheme. The best result is achieved when these elements are coordinated and harmoniously complement each other, creating an aesthetically pleasing and calming look.
It is worth considering that due to the natural thickening of the lens with age, older people often experience colors as „faded.“ Over time, they may find it harder to distinguish blue, green, and purple tones, which can sometimes appear as shades of gray. Warm colors — red, orange, and yellow — are usually much easier to recognize.
Tonal contrast and orientation in space
Tonal contrast between key surfaces is extremely important in helping a person understand a space and navigate it more easily. Tonal contrast refers to how light or dark a color is. In the built environment, the recommendation is that the difference in contrast between surfaces be 30 points (or 20 points if there is very good lighting).
The tonal value of a color, also known as LRV (Light Reflectance Value), is identified through the two middle numbers in our scan code.
Ensure a tonal contrast of at least 30 points between:
- the color of the walls and the color of the doors
- the color of the walls and floor
- the handrails and the color of the walls
- the chairs and the backs of the chairs in relation to the floor
- kitchen work surfaces and floor
- kitchen work surfaces and kitchen units
- the toilet seat and the sanitary element (WC)
- the edges of the stairs in relation to the treads and risers
If an accent wall is used to emphasize a change in direction, it is good practice to have a contrast of at least 20 points in relation to the base color of the walls.
Worktops that are in monochrome performance (instead of hinges) and with matte finish are easier to use, because matte surfaces create less glare.
It is also easier for people to notice and use switches and sockets, handles and knobs if they are tonally different from the wall behind them.
In care homes, it is useful to highlight bathroom doors, while other doors (e.g. storage rooms) can be "camouflaged" if they are rooms with limited access.
How can buildings be better designed for people with dementia?
Careful planning of facility design is key to helping people with dementia.
Entrance zones
A porch or canopy at the entrance can help the eyes adjust more easily to the change from outdoor to indoor lighting. The reception area should be bright and welcoming, with comfortable seating and lighting that directs the eye to important elements, such as signs and directional signs. It is ideal to display photographs of local landmarks on the walls to encourage recognition and a sense of security.
Hallways
It is important to use tonal contrast in critical areas and pay special attention to lighting. Ideally, floors should be carpeted to reduce the risk of injury in the event of a fall. However, the floor covering should have consistent tone from the hallway to rooms used by people with dementia, without a clearly visible „threshold“ that could be interpreted as a physical barrier. Where different floor materials meet, use textures and colours that are visually similar to encourage movement across the joint. Where possible, avoid thresholds/strips at the joint, as they can cause stopping or unsteadiness – they are often perceived as an obstacle.
Floor coverings
Avoid rugs with stripes, lines or a „dotted“ pattern, as these can be confusing. While it is recommended that items such as doormats be the same or very similar in tone to the rug, it is best to avoid them altogether. As dementia progresses, mobility can decrease and people may begin to „sluggish“ their steps; combined with reduced vision, this increases the risk of tripping on uneven surfaces. Choose matte, non-slip finishes and avoid glossy floors, as they can appear wet and slippery. In some cases, contrasting textures and colors can be intentionally used as a „deterrent“ signal.
Textures and patterns in people with dementia
Textures and patterns can be stimulating in interiors, but they can also be overwhelming. Familiar patterns can create a sense of security, but in an unfamiliar environment, some motifs can cause confusion for people with dementia. Strong geometric patterns with contrasting colors „deform“ the space and in some cases can cause hallucinations — so they should be avoided. Patterns with dots/spots or very small motifs can also be problematic, as they can be misinterpreted as dirt or bits of hair.
Prints and wall graphics can help as a navigational guide, but realistic murals (e.g. a path leading into a forest) can create confusion, as people may think the image is real and try to "enter" it.
Textures like velvet, wool, linen, and cotton are perceived as „dry“ and therefore warmer. Rich textures and subtle, tone-on-tone patterns are effective at adding interest without being uncomfortable and help create a homey atmosphere.
Labels and visual aids
Signs and visual aids can make a significant difference in helping people remain independent for as long as possible. The combination of images and text makes it easier to identify the function of the room. For example, a clear, graphic illustration of a bed for a bedroom is best placed at the door itself, and not on an adjacent wall.
It is believed that using graphics together with words improves comprehension. In doing so, black or dark gray text on a yellow background is most easily visible. The University of Stirling suggests that signs be placed at a height of about 1.2 m from the floor, because people with dementia tend to look predominantly downward