“ Whilst attending the Design for Dementia Course, at the University of Stirling I was given the opportunity to experience first-hand some of the issues that a person living with dementia must cope with including how vision and eyesight can be affected.

During the experience, I felt scared and confused, and this feeling has stayed with me and drives my passion for sharing my knowledge and guides my recommendations.”

Kimberley Proctor is a Key Account Manager at Vision Linens specialising in residential and nursing care home linens. In 2024 Kim became a Dementia Friend.

Dementia Friends is a programme put together by the Alzheimer’s Society to help those living with dementia. The DF programme helps people to learn more about dementia to help those affected with actions both big and small. The goal is to raise awareness and understanding about the condition to improve the lives of people impacted by it.

There are a number of diseases that can impact the brain to cause dementia, including Alzheimer’s. These different causes can impact the brain in different ways and at varied rates. Although the situation will be unique to each individual and their circumstances the general symptoms include:

• Memory Loss
• Difficulty Problem Solving
• Language Difficulties
• Changes to Mood or Behaviour

The condition often impacts those over 65 but can be experienced by young people as well.

Kim has had more than 10 years of experience working within the care sector and has been able to use her training at the Stirling University Design for Dementia Course to offer bespoke interior design advice for care homes, retirement living, extra care, social housing, and complex needs accommodation.

“This is an experience and knowledge that I can offer when speaking with my customers. I regularly offer my advise when it comes to the interiors of a care home. For example, signage for dementia residents and why this needs to be different, wayfinding tools such as differentiating between floor levels with use of decoration, flooring and artwork and suggesting activities/ accessories that could be introduced to help evoke memories. I have found this to be extremely beneficial in providing best in class service to our customers.”