Design of residential environments for people with dementia and sight loss: A structured literature review

Abstract

A structured literature review concerning the design of living environments for people with dementia and sight loss was conducted. Following systematic searching, 33 items were included and quality was assessed. Findings are described covering colour and contrast, lighting, fixtures and fittings, entrances and exits, gardens, and outdoors. The discussion highlights the poor quality of evidence, combined nevertheless with useful suggestions for design; the tendency for the literature to be fragmented; and the need for improvements in terms of study focus, study quality, and an emphasis on independence and individual needs. The review was subsequently used to inform the development of design guidelines.