Why Color Contrast Matters in Dementia Care

Contrast refers to the difference in brightness or color between two objects or surfaces. In dementia care, contrast can be an important factor in helping people with dementia navigate their environment and perform everyday tasks.

Here are 3 reasons why contrast matters in dementia care:

• Contrast can improve visibility: People with dementia can often have difficulty seeing or distinguishing between objects, particularly those that are similar in color or in low light conditions. Using high contrast colors can help improve visibility and make it easier for people with dementia to see, identify, and interact with objects such as food on a plate, their toothbrush on the sink, the toilet in the bathroom, or their clothing laid out on the bed.
• Contrast can provide cues: Using contrast to create visual cues can be helpful for people with dementia, as it can help them orient themselves to their environment and understand their surroundings. For example, using high contrast colors for wayfinding signs can be helpful.
• Contrast can improve safety: High contrast colors can be used to highlight hazards or important information, such as the edges of stairs or areas the person is to avoid. This can help improve safety and reduce the risk of accidents.

Contrast can be a valuable tool in the care of people with dementia. By using high contrast colors in a way that supports the individual's needs and preferences, it's possible to create an environment that is safer, more visible, and easier to navigate and engage with.