People in West Yorkshire in the UK will be able to live in their own homes safely for longer as new dementia-ready criteria for housing have been agreed by the city.

 

The criteria was developed by Mayor Tracy Brabin’s Dementia-Ready Housing Taskforce, set up in March 2022, to support people living with the disease.

 

The West Yorkshire Housing Partnership has agreed to adopt the list of 10 measures for all new homes, and not just older people’s housing. This includes personalising front doors, so they are easy for people living with dementia to find, a good level of natural light in all rooms to improve wellbeing and reduce falls, and appointing a dementia champion at each housing organisation to promote understanding of the disease among colleagues, residents, and the community.

 

The partnership, made up of housing associations, as well as Kirklees Council and Leeds City Council, will incorporate as many of the criteria on new developments as possible and is also looking at how to incorporate the measures in existing homes.

 

According to government data, the number of people living with dementia could rise to two million by 2050 – double the number of people with the disease today. Dementia costs the UK £26.3 billion a year and is a significant challenge for the NHS.

 

For many people, staying in their own home as they age helps them live a happier, healthier life.

 

Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “Living with dementia shouldn’t mean losing your home, community, or dignity. We want people in West Yorkshire to live happier and healthier lives, so making homes dementia-ready means as people get older, they can remain independent in a supportive environment for longer.

 

“These simple but effective measures are testament to our work to ensure that we have high quality housing across the region that meets the needs of our people and communities.

 

“Together, with our partners, we’re dedicated to building a stronger, more vibrant West Yorkshire that works for all.”

 

The 10 criteria for dementia ready housing are:

* A front door that is easy to find, day or night – This could be through different coloured front doors or adding other distinctive features such as wall-hung planters.

* Step-free access to all doors for new homes – Falls are more common for those with dementia. Without a step, people can get outside more easily.

* Internal decoration that avoids confusion – Dementia can change perception so bold patterns, stripes and highly contrasting floor tones may cause problems.

* The bathroom is easy to find – being able to find the toilet easily, especially during the night, helps people to retain independence and dignity.

* Bathroom locks aid rescue – Falls in the bathroom are common and being able to get help quickly is vital.  A door that can be unlocked from the outside in an emergency could save a life.

* A good level of natural light in all rooms - Exposure to natural light improves wellbeing and can also help to prevent falls.

* A view of nature in at least one habitable room – Connection with the natural environment stimulates memory and can slow down the progression of the symptoms of dementia.

* Access to an outdoor space that is easy to navigate – Outdoor activity helps the brain process and coordinate. It also promotes a healthy sleep pattern.

Amenities and other homes within 1km – People with dementia are less likely to drive so having amenities close by is important for independence and promoting activity.

* An active dementia champion within the housing organisation – the champion's role is to promote understanding of dementia among their colleagues, residents, and wider community.

 

A dementia housing taskforce was pledged by Tracy Brabin before her election as Mayor, to help ensure that people with dementia have the quality of housing they need to keep them safe, and to live well independently for as long as possible.

 

Plans for dementia-ready homes across the region were endorsed at the region’s Place, Regeneration and Housing committee on February 29. Members of the committee also approved plans for 1,119 new high quality homes across West Yorkshire. - TradeArabia News Service