PRINCIPLE 7: Supportive care environments for older people with confusion

NSW hospitals will provide a supportive care environment for the older person with confusion.

Supportive care environment

A good environment can help to reduce confusion and agitation, improve orientation and encourage social interaction¹. An older person’s confusion and behavioural disturbance may be worsened by an unfamiliar environment.

The design of general hospitals and emergency departments can often make people with dementia even more confused^2,3. Despite the increasing prevalence of dementia and delirium in hospitals, few wards are designed appropriately for people with cognitive impairment⁴.

Strategies to orientate older people and minimise confusion include:

• clear signage, in contrasting colours
• minimising noise and hustle
• positioning familiar items around the bed area to create a warm and friendly atmosphere
• ensuring toilet doors are painted with an identifiable colour and illustrating ward signs with pictures^3,5.

References

1. Fleming R. FI, & Bennett K. Adapting the ward for people with dementia. Sydney: 2003.
2. NSW Dementia Policy Team. The NSW Dementia Services Framework 2010 – 2015. Sydney: 2010.
3. Dementia Services Development Centre. Design features to assist patients with dementia in general hospitals and emergency departments Stirling: 2012.
4. NSW Dementia Policy Team. The NSW Dementia Services Framework 2010–2015. Sydney: 2010.
5. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Dementia Care in hospitals: costs and strategies. Canberra: AIHW, 2013.