Service unveils new dementia-friendly environment
The Vale of Glamorgan Council’s residential services team have been working closely with the University of Worcester’s Association for Dementia Studies to transform Southway and Tŷ Dewi Sant residential homes.
Around £430,000 was spent adapting the homes, which have emerged as improved, more dementia-friendly spaces for its older residents.
A letter from the university’s Associate Specialist praised staff at Southway and Tŷ Dewi Sant for their “understanding of the needs of the residents, and [their] dedication to the projects, which has enabled them to be completed to a high standard within budget.”
As part of the transformation, walls have been re-decorated with a calming, neutral-coloured palate. Specially commissioned photographs of the local area now hang, their frames colour co-ordinated, “producing an uncluttered, clean and modern look.”
Corridors have also been colour coded with fire-retardant door covers, as well as matching handrails. Toilet doors are painted a uniform yellow, making them easily identifiable to dementia sufferers.
The buildings’ contemporary look is complemented by new, modern and mobility-friendly flooring.
The improvements have increased residents’ independence and activity, “as well as changing the whole feeling of the building.”
The homes have been granted further funding, allowing more projects to enter the pipeline.
Tŷ Dewi Sant hopes to upgrade lighting, kitchen areas, toilets, and ventilation this year. Whilst Southway plans to improve residents’ bedrooms, as well as installing an outdoor gazebo and weather-
appropriate flooring.
“The renovation has been such a positive change for the homes and their residents.
"I’m glad to see the Vale’s residential services reaching their potential in terms of creating a dementia-friendly space, thereby supporting the independence and well-being of the people in their care.” - Cabinet member for Social Care and Health, Ben Gray.