The National Aged Care Design Principles and Guidelines are expected to come into effect very soon, but don't be overwhelmed by the task at hand. Even small changes will take you 'closer to better'.

The new Federal Government guidelines are 'strong recommendations' developed as a response to the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, and aim to improve the design of residential aged care accommodation.

The four principles and 31 guidelines are supported by over 200 checklist items, making them a design blueprint for increasing quality of life for some of the most vulnerable people in society.

While not enforceable, and with no requirement to rebuild legacy residential homes, the guidelines have been developed so that providers can retrofit or adapt existing spaces to create a more positive environment.

So where do you start?

If you're looking for changes you could make right away, there are plenty of options that are quick and won't blow out the budget.

• Let in the light

  Most aged care homes conform to codes written for younger eyes, resulting in poor lighting for older people. One of the simplest solutions is to make sure curtains are fully opened every day, replace dim light globes and add more fittings if necessary. Aim for ambient light levels of 300 lux. Don't know how to check light levels? There's an app for that! Try this one.

• Click and contrast

  A lick of contrasting paint colours can make a world of difference, bringing out the different parts of a space - walls, doors, windows or floors - in a way that makes more sense for people living with cognitive impairment. We aim to achieve at least 30% luminance contrast between elements. The tool trusted by specialists in dementia-enabling design is the Architecture and Access Luminance Contrast Calculator.

• Happy feet

  Remove any dark coloured mats from entrances and exits in resident areas, and find some fixed matting to match the floor colour. This is because darker sections appear as obstacles to those with vision or cognitive impairments.

• My space

  Personalising a space can help people feel a greater sense of place and belonging, and familiar objects decrease anxiety. Furnish and decorate spaces with items that are familiar and resemble the intended function of the space – for example, a lounge room should resemble a domestic lounge, one which the resident would find in their home. Make sure you provide opportunities to personalise spaces. 

• Get a review

  The Dementia Centre have been gathering evidence and experience in this field for 30 years - ask us to take a look and give you some guidance. Whether you want tweaks to your refurb or a big change, our certified consultants can help. 

• Get educated

  The Dementia Centre's Dementia Design School is essential training for aged care professionals seeking proven tools to deliver dementia-inclusive design. Sign up for updates and we'll let you know when new dates and locations are released.