Evidence Based Practice Reviews

Changes in vision and colour perception usually start in the 20s and get worse with ageing. Most people over the age of 65 have age-related problems with vision and mobility which may affect their independence. Ageing eyes are slower to adapt to changes in light and often more light is required to identify objects. People with Alzheimer’s disease often have added difficulties. Research suggests that the effective use of colour is one strategy that can be used to assist the visually-impaired person to be independent.

This checklist should be read in conjunction with the HMinfo Clearinghouse document “Industry Factsheet: Using colour and colour contrasts to improve accessibility and safety in the homes of elderly and visually impaired people”

There is little specific information pertaining to the design requirements of the physical home environment for people who experience problems with cognition who display aggressive or self-injurious behaviour. A systematic review, guided by the Protocol guidelines for systematic reviews of home modification information to inform best practice (Bridge & Phibbs, 2003) was implemented in this study. An initial literature review was conducted pertaining to the needs of and current design of homes of people who experience problems with cognition who display aggressive or self-injurious behaviour. Nine guidelines have been highlighted to assist in the design of optimum home environments for this population.