Good lighting is essential. It helps all of us find our way around our environment and allows us to complete everyday tasks. A person who is 60 years old can need two to three times more light than someone who is 20 years old.
For someone who is living with dementia, low light levels or glare may make it even more difficult to identify contrast and depth in their environment. In practical terms this may mean that they only see a part of an object or do not see the object at all, eg a white toilet sitting on light tiles. Poor lighting can lead to changes in behaviour, is associated with distress and adds to a person’s risk of falling. A person with dementia may experience increased disorientation and distress when waking at night. This may increase their risk of falls and incontinence. Consider vision impairment, as well as memory and other cognitive changes, when reviewing lighting.