Prince George Duke of Kent Court invests £250,000 to enhance the living environment for people living with dementia
23 March 2022
Over 900,000 people are estimated to be living with dementia in the UK today. A person’s risk of developing dementia rises from one in 14 over the age of 65, to one in six over the age of 80.
Looking at ways to further support its residents, Prince George Duke of Kent Court, in Chislehurst, has been transformed to enhance the environment for people living with dementia.
The care home, which currently supports up to 73 residents, has undergone refurbishing to part of its first floor to create a ‘house model’ dementia environment. The new area is now able to support 19 residents with dementia. It has an open lounge and a dining room, creating a central point for residents to go to for socialising, relaxing or to enjoy different activities.
Resident Patricia Neville with staff member Sylwia Miry, stroking one of the new rabbits at Prince George Duke of Kent Court
Other spaces that have been created to support residents include a country kitchen, sensory zone, technology zone and an ‘outside inside’ area. The ‘outside inside’ area is designed to bring the ‘outdoors indoors’, from the wall décor to the furniture and the friendly new pets. By working closely with residents and understanding their interests, the roof terrace has also become a focal place of interest with animals and a water feature.
Resident Sheila Andrews tests out the new sensory light equipment at the Home
Prince George Duke of Kent Court opened its doors in 1968. The works have added innovative and modern facilities to the care home, which also has a putting green and garden area.
Simon Doherty, Home Manager at Prince George Duke of Kent Court, said:
The new environment is based on the current good practice dementia design. We have carefully considered the different areas in the Home’s redesign, from lighting to suitable colour schemes and newly themed areas with a reminiscence approach. We have also introduced animals into the Home as well as an increased use of sensory equipment. We believe the new areas will truly enhance and promote our residents’ health and wellbeing.
[Summary: RMBI Care Co. Home Prince George Duke of Kent Court, in Chislehurst transforms of its first floor to create a ‘house model’ dementia environment to support 19 residents with dementia.]