Clara Doubleday

Project Description

Dementia is one of the leading causes of death in Scotland and has an estimated increase of 50% by 2044 (The Scottish Government, 2023). Additionally, the Scottish Government estimated 90,000 people living in Scotland are affected by dementia, 3,000 of whom are under the age of 65 (The Scottish Government, 2023). These figures highlight the scale of the condition and also shows the urgent need for inclusive and supportive environments that cater to the growing population of dementia patients. Bellfield Care will offer a dementia-friendly day wellness centre that will respond to this growing need by demonstrating how interior design can positively influence the daily experiences, well-being and independence of people living with dementia.

The key objectives of the wellness centre is to enhance the quality of life of the clients through thoughtful dementia-friendly design that will support orientation, comfort and accessibility whilst also creating a welcoming and enjoyable atmosphere. In order to do this, the centre will prioritise independence and well-being by allowing the individual to feel supported without feeling restricted. The social spaces will encourage interaction and community, which is important to the residents in Portobello, and help to reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness that are commonly experienced by people living with dementia.

To help provide an all-round experience for the clients, Bellfield Care will offer both social and medical assistance. For the social side, the wellness centre will include a cafe to encourage social interaction and flexible daily activities that can be tailored to the individual's needs. On-site medical support including facilities such as a pharmacy, doctor’s consultations and a private emergency ward will be available in the medical side of the wellness centre.  All of these features are provided to ensure the patients are given comprehensive care while maintaining dignity and quality of life.