An inclusive design for dementia standard: enabling future home adaptations in the UK

Background: The increasing prevalence of dementia and a growing inclination for ageing in place necessitate the design of homes to support people living with dementia (PwD). Extensive research exists for the design of care homes and specialised dementia facilities; however, there is comparatively less focus on the inclusive design of home environments. Current Building Regulations (England) Approved Document M Volume 1 (ADMv1) establish the minimum and optional standards for new homes, indicating that enhanced standards are necessary to support PwD.

Aim: To address the absence of a building standard for mainstream housing to support PwD in the UK.

Methods: Stage (1) review of current building standards and home environments; Stage (2) developing a new standard; ‘Inclusive Design for Dementia Standard (IDDS).’

Utilising a questionnaire and interviews, Study 1 (n=59) investigated gaps in the UK Building Regulations guidance. Study 2 (n=35) and Study 3 (n=18) discussed adaptations implemented by homeowners (with/without dementia) to support independent living. The data were analysed, summarised, and utilised to develop the IDDS (as reviewed in Study 4).

Results: Study 1 identified home design and adaptations for inclusion in the IDDS. Studies 2 and 3 identified adaptations for: 1) stairs, 2) ground floor toilet/wet room, main entry level access, wider entrance halls, and a ground floor bedroom. The feedback for IDDSv1.0 included: 1) whether the principles need to be a requirement (compliance); 2) adding descriptions for performance criteria; 3) stating outcomes for successful task/activity achievement with associated property design; and 4) improving accessibility such as layout and font for IDDSv2.0 (final output).

Conclusion: The lack of information to consider/include PwD in the design of mainstream housing motivated this research to improve future proofing for UK housing stock and support the ageing population to live well independently. An innovative building design standard (IDDSv2.0) has new sections for Assistive Technology, Windows and Lighting, Acoustics, and additional requirements for Private Outdoor Space.