Dementia-friendly apartment design supports independence at home

A Swiss apartment adapted for a woman with advanced dementia has become the first home in mainland Europe to receive a Gold dementia-design accreditation.

Dementia can make everyday spaces confusing or unsafe, increasing dependence and sometimes forcing people to leave familiar homes.

University of Stirling specialist Professor Lesley Palmer worked with Fiona Pia Architects on the home of Lady Helen Stewart. The redesign uses lower counters so she can join kitchen activities, a transparent accessible fridge, open cupboards, front-facing clothes, clearer lighting and materials intended to support calm and orientation. Medical and cleaning areas are integrated discreetly, while private spaces support care. Stirling’s Dementia Services Development Centre awarded its highest rating.

The project demonstrates how design can preserve participation rather than treating a home as a purely clinical setting. It is one bespoke, well-resourced apartment, however, and the university release provides no measured change in Lady Stewart’s independence or wellbeing. Simpler adaptations may be more transferable than the full redesign.

The centre will continue using research, audits and toolkits to help other residential and commercial spaces test dementia-friendly changes.