Dementia Friendly Products

Dementia Friendly Products

Why dementia friendly products are vital in today's healthcare environment

In an increasingly ageing population, dementia is something that now affects over 800,000 people in the UK. According to the Alzheimer’s Society, two thirds of medical beds in general hospitals are occupied by people over the age of 65 and around 30% of them will have dementia and a staggering 80% of those in care homes will be living with dementia or some kind of severe memory problem.

Those with dementia have unique needs; they can easily become anxious, frightened, disoriented and aggressive. Studies have shown that their environment plays a huge role in managing their state of mind and fulfilling functional needs such as wayfinding. Particularly so when it supports treatments such as reminisce and ‘life story’ therapy.

New Vision Health and dementia friendly products

We diversified into dementia friendly products when we were asked to participate in a ground breaking dementia project at Bradford Royal Infirmary. Using our extensive experience in signage and undertaking training and development in the area of dementia friendly environments, we have created a range of products based on theories that research shows help those living with dementia to feel calm, trigger memories and locate their own spaces. These can equally be used in hospital dementia wards, such as at King's Mill Hospital, or in care home environments, such as Winnersh by The Abbeyfield Society.

Our nostalgia products include memory boxes, Kodak digital displays and retro TV. Our wayfinding range includes large format wall murals, Picture This display system and dementia friendly signage. To promote calm and well-being we have the digital aquarium and Reversible Mirror. Many of these products meet multiple needs and we’re continuing to add new ones as new theories emerge. Many of these can be purchased from our online shop.

We can help in creating dementia friendly environments from the initial design stage through to upgrading existing spaces. Contact our dementia lead, Tony Stead, for more details.