Dementia design with the University of Stirling

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The need for specialist dementia environments

Dementia is one of the fastest growing health challenges in the UK, with diagnoses expected to reach 1.6 million people by 2040.

As needs grow more complex - ranging from advanced cognitive impairment to distressed behaviours and mobility challenges - the built environment plays a critical role in safety, wellbeing, and independence.

Traditional care settings often increase anxiety and confusion due to poor layout, unclear signage, visual overstimulation, and noise.

Our newest home, Springfield Vale in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, was designed specifically to counter these challenges through a research driven, non pharmacological care environment.

By embedding dementia sensitive design into every detail - from door colours to therapeutic technology - the home supports independence, reduces distress, and helps people feel truly at home.

The home represents Exemplar Health Care’s commitment to bringing together research, lived experience, and innovation.

Designed in partnership with world leading experts

Springfield Vale was created in collaboration with the University of Stirling’s Dementia Services Development Centre (DSDC) - a global leader in evidence based dementia design.

The home is built on their design principles proven to improve independence, orientation, emotional wellbeing, and overall quality of life.

It is anticipated to be Exemplar Health Care’s first home to achieve the Stirling Gold Environment Award.

Our team that designs and develops our new homes have also completed a PGCert in Design for Dementia and Ageing at the University of Stirling. This expertise, alongside the learning from our partnership, will help us apply these principles across our other care homes.

Meet our dementia design team

A wall sign with blue and white directional arrows and icons points to facilities: Toilet, Lounge, Bathroom to the right, Quiet Lounge to the left.

Modern kitchen with white cabinets and grey backsplash. Yellow dishes are displayed in glass cabinets. A toaster, fire blanket, and soap dispenser are on the counter.

A modern hallway with light gray walls and a wooden floor. A yellow door with name plates is on the left. The hallway is well-lit and orderly.

Light blue armchairs with floral cushions are in a cozy room. A small round table with a basket of white flowers adds a welcoming touch.

Bright, modern hallway with soft lighting, floral patterned wall panels, and light grey flooring. At the end are two chairs near a window, evoking a calm atmosphere.

Two adjacent rooms with hospital beds and neutral decor. Each room has wood flooring, beige curtains and blinds, creating a calm and sterile atmosphere.

Square wall clock with a white face and black numbers displays 10:09. Above, flip-style panels show "APR 1 WED." The tone is modern and precise.

Accessible bathroom with a white toilet featuring a vibrant red raised seat, safety rails, and a pull cord against gray tiled walls. Functional and inclusive design.

A person holds a smartphone displaying a messaging app screen. The interface shows a conversation with options for alert, pause, chat, and more at the bottom.

Dementia-friendly design features

Carefully considered design features help reduce confusion, support orientation, and create spaces that feel calm and reassuring.

The following features are integrated throughout the home to support safety, independence, and wellbeing:

Contrast, colour and visual clarity based on Light Reflectance Values (LRVs) that makes spaces and surfaces safer, clearer, and easier to navigate.
Thoughtful, dementia sensitive décor helps people feel safe, settled and more confident in their surroundings.
Layouts that reduce anxiety and help people find their way with confidence.
Circadian lighting that supports sleep and wellbeing.
Adaptations and cognitive aids that support independence and confidence.
Discreet technology that enhances safety and personalised care.

Dementia-friendly living spaces

Alongside these design features, each room in the home has been thoughtfully planned to support people living with dementia.

Bedrooms with en-suite wet rooms

Small, homely communities of 11 bedrooms, carefully located to reduce confusion while supporting familiarity and predictability.
Identified with memory boxes, a room number and personalised occupant sign in the unit’s colour, helping people recognise their own space more easily.

Shared living and dining areas

Homely lounges and dining spaces to promote choice and connection.
Quiet lounges to pause and feel settled.
All with viewing panels that allow people to see into before entering.

A minimalist bedroom with pastel walls features a single bed with white and beige bedding. A nightstand with flowers, green chair, and large window complete the serene scene.

Gray door labeled "Bedroom 25" in a hallway with light blue walls and leaf-patterned wallpaper. A wooden box on the wall contains papers, creating a serene atmosphere.

Inviting living room with pastel blue armchairs, floral curtains, soft lighting, and a flat-screen TV. Neutral tones create a calm, cozy ambiance.

Cozy room with four white armchairs arranged in a circle on brown carpet. Two windows with blue curtains flank the space. Soft lighting and wall art create a calm ambiance.

A cozy living room with light blue armchairs, a small wooden table with flowers, a wall-mounted TV above an electric fireplace, and soft ambient lighting.

Cozy seating area with two light blue armchairs and a small wooden table. A serene ocean painting hangs above. Adjacent room visible through window.

Modern kitchen with white cabinets, gray backsplash, and wood flooring. Yellow dishes in glass cabinets, a white counter with floral chairs, and small appliances create a cozy feel.

Cozy dining area with floral-patterned chairs and a matching bench, covered with light-gray tablecloths. Blue table settings and potted plants add contrast.

A clean, modern hospital bathroom featuring a sleek white bathtub, a sink, and patterned wallpaper. Red pull cords hang from the ceiling, ensuring safety.

Accessible bathroom with a lowered toilet featuring red and blue support bars. It includes a wall-mounted sink and an accessible bathtub with a hoist.

Modern kitchen and dining area with light wood flooring, soft green chairs, white cabinets, and a wall clock. Calm, welcoming atmosphere.

Modern kitchen featuring a patterned tile backsplash, sleek white cabinets, a coffee maker, and a sink with a tall faucet. The tone is clean and contemporary.

Modern kitchen with a sleek black induction cooktop set into white countertops. Patterned tile backsplash adds a touch of elegance. Stainless steel utensils and containers convey a clean, contemporary feel.

Modern salon with wood-paneled walls, mirrors, and soft lighting. Features barber chairs, a styling station, and decorative plants, creating a calm atmosphere.

A wooden table filled with sensory toys: glowing hexagonal lights, liquid timers, textured pads, fidget items, and illuminated objects, creating a playful and calming atmosphere.

Spaces that adapt to therapeutic needs and interests

The home is equipped with dedicated spaces and equipment, that adapt to the changing needs and interests of residents, to support both therapeutic, and meaningful daily engagement.

Activity, sensory, and therapy spaces

A calm, comfortable space for assisted bathing.
A central actvitity 'Hub' with assisted daily living kitchen used for social connection and reablement.
A salon offers a familiar space for personal care and grooming.
A dedicated therapy room to support physiotherapy and occupational therapy with accessible technology such as Yeti tablets.
Sensory trolleys with equipment such as tactile materials, lighting effects, diffusers, and bubble tubes.

Outdoor environments that inspire confidence

Green spaces are a core part of the dementia led design at Springfield Vale, supporting wellbeing, and connection to nature:

Wheelchair accessible looped wander paths.
Sensory planting and safe raised beds.
Accessible potting and vegetable areas.
Private seating as well as social spaces.
Ground floor bedrooms and rooms that offer direct garden access, enabling freedom and independence.
Signage that supports orientation with clarity and consistency.
Colour and contrast used to reduce fall risk.