How interior design colors and shapes can help those with dementia symptoms

Those with dementia symptoms can benefit from living in an environment with special colors and shapes. Hollenbeck Palms, being a certified Dementia-Aware Safe Space, is a community that understands this, and provides memory care services at our Hensel Memory Enhancement Center that includes this important element.

In this article, we explore how use of special colors and shapes in a living environment can help those with dementia symptoms.

What Colors Help with Dementia Symptoms?

For people living with dementia symptoms, colors can impact memory abilities. For example, blue is often used to provide peace and calm, while yellow and red may stimulate the nerves and body.

Ultimately, the best colors for those with dementia symptoms will vary depending on the individual’s needs and preferences. However, by carefully considering the role of colors in the environment, caregivers can create a more supportive and welcoming space.

It is also essential to be aware that green is the final color that those with dementia are able to perceive; hence, green clothing might be a good color to select for clothing. At our Los Angeles memory care center, we include a lot of green natural foliage throughout the property.

What Shapes/Design Help with Dementia Symptoms?

In addition to colors, shapes and design can also be used to provide visual cues and support for those living with dementia symptoms. For example, large geometric shapes displayed near exits have proven to reduce wandering into stairways and doors.

Throughout a dementia care community, there should be landmarks to help with decision-making. This can be artwork, outdoor features or objects that are easily recognizable. These are distinctive cues that can help with wayfinding.

You also can implement shapes into a person’s life in several ways. For example, art therapy enables people with dementia symptoms to meaningfully express themselves through activities such as painting and sketching. Through art, some people suffering from dementia symptoms can communicate their feelings and recall past experiences. At Hollenbeck Palms, we provide art programs for this reason.

Other shape-based games are fantastic for stimulating important parts of the brain, such as the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for planning and problem-solving. These games can also help to improve memory, hand-eye coordination and overall mood.

Start by including these tips every now and then to ensure you don’t overwhelm your loved one. As they become more familiar with the shape games being consistent is key, however.

At Hollenbeck Palms we utilize these concepts in our Hensel Memory Enhancement Center. We built the center with the idea of promoting calmness, relaxation and stimulation. It doesn’t just stop there though. Our team has been trained by an internationally recognized dementia care expert to better understand how to communicate with those with dementia symptoms.

While it is important to note that there is no one-size-fits-all solution to managing dementia symptoms, using colors and shapes as visual cues can be an effective way to help those living with the condition. If you or a loved one are struggling with dementia, consider reaching out to a community like ours.

At our Hensel Memory Enhancement Center, our therapeutic interior design, activities and other methods help improve the quality of life and mood of those living with memory loss.

Contact us today to find out more about becoming a resident.