“Set in 2030, how can the dementia care model be re-designed to break the stigma for future generations?”
It seems impossible nowadays to speak to someone who hasn’t been affected by dementia. It is pivotal that we respect their lives and memories, acknowledging that there is a person beyond the patient and that their environments must empower this individuality.
Inspired by the lives of real people who I volunteered with, The Memory Game was created to provide an alternative solution to existing methods of care to those living with dementia. The idea behind the design was to create a community where those living with the condition are included, where past stigmatisation is forgotten and where this diverse group of people can live out the rest of their lives, their way. The Memory Game is more than a care home; it is an opportunity for those living with dementia to feel valued in society and for their memories to be projected into a safe environment and shared with the wider population.
The intention of my thesis was simple; to educate. We have already come a long way in our society to help break the stigma and gain a wider knowledge on dementia. The Memory Game aims to push this further, involving those from every walk of life and immersing them within a world designed specifically for those living with this condition. The project aims to help educate the wider population on the challenges involved in designing for dementia. The Memory Game acts as a beacon of hope for this vulnerable group of people and a catalyst for future improvements and architectural developments.
