Designing dementia-friendly spaces with dignity
The spaces we live and work in profoundly shape how we feel, move, and connect.
For people living with dementia mate wareware, the built environment can either enable independence or create daily barriers.
That’s why the Alzheimers NZ’s Dementia Learning Centre (DLC) is working with Professor Ngaire Kerse from the University of Auckland to develop new guidance and training on designing dementia-friendly environments, both in private homes and aged residential care.
They are joined by host of other like-minded and experienced individuals, such as: Joyce Cook, Chair in Ageing Well and Co-Director of CCREATE-AGE, Keisha Rawiri, Sara McCunnie, Guy Collier, Tamika Simpson, and Alessandro Premier.
“Dementia affects how we perceive and interpret the world,” says Ngaire.
“As the brain changes, it becomes harder to judge distances, distinguish similar colours, or make sense of visual cues. A home that feels intuitive and safe can make everyday life much easier.”
Ngaire’s focus is on the home environment: how lighting, contrast, and layout influence comfort and confidence.
A bright room with glare, for instance, can disorient someone with dementia mate wareware, while a dark rug may look like a hole in the floor.
“Even something as simple as using contrasting colours for furniture and floors, or fitting traditional doors with visible handles, can make a big difference.”
Central to the project is the integration of Māori values such as whanaungatanga, to foster connection and belonging.
“We ask if people can find their way into a home? Is there a place to gather, and a place to be alone? These principles sit alongside universal design concepts to make spaces welcoming for everyone.”
Leading the complementary stream for aged residential care, DLC Director Caroline Bartle is guiding the development of tailored training and resources for care providers.
Residential settings bring unique challenges, such as shared spaces, routines, and staffing pattens, that all require design thinking aligned with models of care.
Caroline’s expertise ensures that the learning materials reflect the realities of care practice as well as architectural design.
“Together, we and Auckland University are shaping a suite of online modules and workshops that will help families, designers, and professionals apply dementia-friendly principles in real settings.”
The programme will cover both design essentials, such as wayfinding, safe kitchens and bathrooms, and visual accessibility, and practical implementation guidance for aged-care facilities and home retrofits.
Ultimately, their goal is simple but will have profound impacts: to increase knowledge, build confidence, and support communities to create environments where people with dementia mate wareware can live safely and with dignity.