Transformation of a private residence into a dementia-friendly apartment
Over the last ten years, the Dementia Services Development Centre (DSDC) at the University of Stirling, has had the privilege of working with the Stewart Family to support the use of non-pharmacological interventions for Lady Helen Stewart, wife of F1 World Champion, Sir Jackie Stewart OBE. Lady Helen was diagnosed with a dementia in 2014, and the Stewart Family have strived to provide Lady Helen with interventions that support her to maintain independence as her dementia progresses.
The DSDC team have provided a range of support packages, including design recommendations across their properties. Most recently, Lesley Palmer, Professor of Ageing and Dementia, has worked with the family, and Fiona Pia Architects, to create a dementia supportive apartment at the family residence in Switzerland. Research has demonstrated that dementia design can improve quality of life for people living with a dementia, and their care partners, reducing negative responsive presentations and support their abilities for longer.
The project was underpinned by DSDC’s Environments for Ageing and Dementia Design Assessment Tool (EADDAT), which is an evidence-based toolkit designed specifically to support the creation of environments – not just residential settings but places of work, public buildings, outdoor spaces and public transport – to be supportive of people living with a dementia, and an ageing population. The design interventions employed in this project are reflective of the individual requirements and personal preferences, that will support Lady Helen through her dementia journey, including end of life.
DSDC is delighted to announce that the project to transform Lady Helen's home into a dementia-friendly apartment has been awarded a Gold Dementia Design Audit Accreditation; the first apartment in mainland Europe to receive this prestigious Gold Award from DSDC.
Notes to readers:
The Stewart Family have long been advocates for improving dementia research, launching Race Against Dementia charity, which strives to find a breakthrough cure for dementia. Their vision is to win the race against dementia by accelerating global research towards a breakthrough cure with the utmost urgency. Race Against Dementia coalesce the brightest minds from medicine, motorsport and engineering to make that happen.
Dementia Services Development Centre (DSDC), is an internationally recognised centre dedicated to improving the lives of people with a dementia, at the University of Stirling. DSDC draws on research and practice, from across the world, to provide comprehensive, up-to-date resources on dementia, both personally and professionally. The Dementia Fund provides vital resources for our researchers to improve the lives of those living with a dementia, along with their families and carers. Through this fund, our team of professionals is working toward breakthroughs that bring comfort and dignity to those affected by a dementia, while helping carers and loved ones navigate the challenges they face.
