When Colors Help

2023 Author : Hannah Pearcy | [email protected] . Last modified: 2023-11-26 11:39

Ambient atmospheres have a surprising impact on people with dementia. Color and light play a special role here. The St. Marien Hospital in Cologne consistently implemented a pioneering spatial concept. Martina Lehmann Prof. Dr. Ralf-Joachim Schulz heads the new geriatric department in Cologne. He knows the special needs and requirements of people with dementia, because the majority of his patients suffer from it. The spatial concept was designed by architect Gudrun Kaiser from Aachen. A lot of emphasis was placed on the color and material combination as well as on the use of biologically effective light. So it happened that the companies Caparol and Waldmann were included as specialists for color and light. The designers Eva Häckel and Imme Bode from Caparol FarbDesignStudio developed a color conceptthat harmonises pleasantly with the changing lighting moods, adapted to daylight. The aim should be to activate the patients, to make their orientation easier and above all to promote their well-being and sense of security. Color and light Color and light are inextricably linked. The basic requirements for the impression of colors are the type and illuminance of the light. This interaction is very noticeable in the dementia ward. The changing light makes the colors look different over the course of a day - just as it happens under the conditions of natural daylight. Color tones cannot have the same effect in every light, for example, the red tones are more brilliant in warm light, while the cool morning light gives the blue tones a fresh shine. The changing, "biodynamic" light helps to positively influence the daily rhythm that is often out of step with dementia patients. Aim and concept The focus is on the well-being of the patient: when they come to the ward, not only is the environment strange, but the situation itself is incomprehensible. A pleasantly friendly room atmosphere with a homely character therefore has a positive effect. Different surfaces and colors offer sensual variety and stimulating impulses, while at the same time serving as a guide. The intention is to create a room atmosphere that prompts the patient to stay in order to reduce tendencies to run away. In almost all areas there is an oak look floor. This creates a comfortable base, which at the same time provides surefootedness. A cream color creates a pleasant mood in the patient rooms. The viewing wall from the patient's point of view is accented in color. Three pastel shades were used alternately. This gives the rooms individual character and helps confused people to identify "their" room more easily. Gentle atmosphere In the public areas, such as in the activation room, café or the center of the station with reception and elevator, many wall surfaces are painted in a sand color. In contrast to "clinic white", this creates a natural, gentle atmosphere. Room elements or room edges that are important for orientation have been highlighted with intensely colored wall surfaces. This attracts attention and guides the patient - even unconsciously - to the center of the ward. The clear visibility of all room elements is important for independent action and movement. Therefore, attention was paid to high contrast distances. Decorative surfaces were used in areas with longer stays. Wall coverings (Capaver Element Effects in different designs) are partially coated with a shimmering, glossy color (Metallocryl Interior). These walls offer a visual experience, are intended to arouse curiosity and the will to explore and encourage people to move there. The implementation was strictly according to the concept. The color scheme is well received, also by employees and relatives. The new rooms offer the ideal setting for studies with dementia patients. In addition, the colored rooms have an "infectious" effect on other stations. The positive experiences of geriatrics "rub off" on future renovations of the hospital, says Prof. Dr. Schulz.

3 questions for Prof. Dr. Ralf-Joachim Schulz

3 questions for Prof. Dr. Ralf-Joachim Schulz What requirements do dementia patients place on a room and what should be considered in principle? Dementia patients are characterized by a frequently existing temporal and local disorientation. For this reason, we try to enable the patient to concentrate on a few, but essential, things through therapy approaches that include the family environment and certain spatial structures in order to improve the overall orientation. The fewer disturbing and distracting elements in a room, the easier it is to bring the patient into a calm, basic mood, in which he is able to concentrate on everyday activities. What experiences have you had with dementia patients in different room atmospheres - positive and negative? The first experiences that we have gained with our color space concepts with light support are that overall a more relaxed and calmer overall atmosphere was created for both patients and the employees of the house. Although this has not yet been fully scientifically proven, it is based on observations from the past six months since the dementia ward has been in use. It should not be underestimated how the atmosphere in the room also relaxes the nursing and medical staff working there and also enables it to be able to react more easily to the often existing demanding behavior of the patients. It is also the case for the patients themselves that the room atmosphere with hyperactive,Disoriented patients through clear structures and color schemes seem to enable better manageability with timely medication and practice by therapists. How important is a holistic color-material-light concept? What should be achieved with the interior design? The importance of a holistic color material lighting concept will only be demonstrated in the next scientific surveys. The first experiences and observations show, however, that the choice of light and color is a very decisive combination that decides on the generation of mood and sense of space. How important is a holistic color-material-light concept? What should be achieved with the interior design? The importance of a holistic color material lighting concept will only be demonstrated in the next scientific surveys. The first experiences and observations show, however, that the choice of light and color is a very decisive combination that decides on the generation of mood and sense of space. How important is a holistic color-material-light concept? What should be achieved with the interior design? The importance of a holistic color material lighting concept will only be demonstrated in the next scientific surveys. The first experiences and observations show, however, that the choice of light and color is a very decisive combination that decides on the generation of mood and sense of space.which decides on the generation of mood and sense of space.which decides on the generation of mood and sense of space.