From time to time we receive requests to review books about dementia. The books are made available to anybody in the network to review. Even if the target audience for a book are academics we feel it is especially useful for editors and writers to have critical friends who have dementia too. After all the DEEP world does consist of academics and writers and teachers too, who just happen to have dementia.
George Rook recently reviewed Dementia and Place:Practices, Experiences and Connections https://policy.bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/dementia-and-place
Read the blog by George Rook ‘We need to change Dementia Friendly’ here: https://georgerook51.wordpress.com/
Read the review by George here: Book Review Dementia And Place
After reading George’s review and blog I asked him if he would like to facilitate a discussion based on the book.
Our discussion involved three people with dementia and four who do not. We discussed the importance of our neighborhoods and familiarity within it whether you have dementia or not. But also we discussed the crazy lack of thought about the design of shiny hospital buildings which show no concept of being user friendly and more like a five star hotel. And of course the terrible signage we are all too familiar with. We heard of one new building spending thousands of wasted pounds on new signage when the ones they had done were not fit for purpose.
Rather than starting from a Dementia Friendly view point – start from a different place – What do you value, know and is familiar to you. What I enjoy most in my neighbourhood and what makes life worthwhile.
In adapting and changing our environments too much do we risk further confusing people and changing the character and fabric of their lives? George mentions signs and kerb stones being put up which changes the place he has lived and known for 40 years. So is there an equivalent in adaptations in our community places and our homes which will change your sense of self within it. For example having a grab rail installed outside your front door might help you get in to the house, but then does it change the way you identify yourself as the person who needs the grab rail to get in and the way the neighbourhood community view you as the person who now needs the grab rail by the door to get in. Change affects people.
We talked about how impossible it is to alter some of the fundamental character of older places changing to brighter lights or putting in rails. You are not going to meet the needs of everybody. But in the future when looking at building design we all agreed that sometimes design is put above purpose – like putting bedside cabinets in front of windows obstructing the view from a hospital bed to what has been proven to be beneficial in the healing process in hospitals is to be able to see outside (and preferably see trees too). We talked about how there are guides, books, resources and centres of excellence like Stirling – but still architects and designers get it wrong! Why? They don’t consult with the wider communities and after all is it style over substance?
The next facilitator’s Zoom is on Wednesday 27th April. Please book your place by emailing Anna@myid.org.uk
