Memory-friendly design in toilet

Working with the elderly and how to make your day together successful:

Memory-friendly design in toilet

We want to openly share with the family members of the elderly some ideas about the ways you can make your day successful. This time, in our section: Working with the elderly, we talk about how to apply memory-friendly design in a toilet.

Memory-friendly design is an approach to designing spaces and products that consider the needs and abilities of individuals with memory impairment, such as dementia or Alzheimer’s. Here are some ways memory-friendly design could be applied in a toilet:

1. Clear signage: Clear and concise signage can help individuals with memory impairment navigate the toilet and identify important areas, such as the toilet, sink, and hand dryer.
2. Simple layout: A simple and intuitive layout can make it easier for individuals with memory impairment to navigate the toilet. For example, the toilet, sink, and hand dryer should be located linearly with minimal obstructions.
3. Colour contrast: Using contrasting colours for different elements, such as the toilet seat and lid, can help individuals with memory impairment differentiate between various components.
4. Consistent design: A consistent design throughout the toilet can help individuals with memory impairment recognize the space and feel more comfortable using it.
5. Safety features: Installing safety features, such as grab bars and non-slip surfaces, can help prevent falls and injuries in individuals with memory impairment.
6. Visual aids: Including visual aids, such as pictures or symbols, can help individuals with memory impairment understand the function of different components and navigate the toilet more easily.

In summary, memory-friendly design can be applied in a toilet by using clear signage, a simple layout, colour contrast, consistent design, safety features, and visual aids. These features can help individuals with memory impairment navigate the toilet more easily and feel more comfortable using the space.