Introduction: People all over the world are living longer. Most people can expect to live over sixty years and more. Older people are more susceptible to various diseases, including dementia. Currently, more than 55 million people worldwide live with dementia. Dementia has physical, psychological, social and economic consequences on the life of the individual, their caregivers, family and the wider community. Purpose: The aim of this paper is to examine, through an overview of professional and scientific literature, the dementia-friendly design of living environments in retirement homes. Methods: We use a descriptive method of work with a review of the literature in the field of friendly living environments and design in retirement homes, adapted for people with dementia. The literature review took place through DIKUL, namely in the databases: CINAHL, MEDLINE, PuBMed and SciencDirect. The literature was searched with the help of key words in Slovene: demenca, demenca in bivalno okolje, demenci prijazna gradnja and in English: housing for elderly, dementia, design for dementia and dementia environment. The literature review took place from March 2021 to March 2022. Results: The living environment is not only a key factor in providing comfort or dwelling function but also a non-pharmacological factor in managing disinhibited behaviour. A well-designed and adapted environment can reduce confusion and agitation, improve wayfinding and promote social interaction. Architectural planning and design can solve orientation problems by using a variety of approaches, from introducing direction markings, signs, planning the walkways, lighting and contrasts, to managing corridor lengths, reference points, and other sensory signs. Adaptations of the premises prove to have an impact on patients’ perceptions and make it easier for people with dementia to perform daily activities and help maintain their remaining abilities. Today, in many countries (Australia, the Netherlands, Italy, the United States, the Scandinavian countries etc.), various innovative approaches are being developed to create a better and healthier living environment for people with dementia. Discussion and conclusion: In recent years, new concepts of work with people with dementia have been developed in Slovenia, the living environment is being adapted, employee training is being carried out, and homes are being developed in the direction of the holistic centres for the elderly. The key to ensuring an optimal living environment is the participation of architects, interior designers, medical staff, relatives and also the elderly who live there.
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