4. We are aware of the Nee Soon HDB blocks that are colour-coded to help elderly with dementia move around, and we are also aware of this wayfinding project in Kebun Baru that are also intended to aid in wayfinding. What are your thoughts on the two different approaches?

Emily: Human navigation consists of two main processes: wayfinding (deciding where to go) and locomotion (moving through space and avoiding obstacles). Regardless of the types of visual cues provided, it needs to be able to help us orientate ourselves, thereafter plan the route by making the start and end points clear, help us to monitor our progress as we move towards our destination, and finally recognising the destination once we have reached it. At the end of the day, it is about how we perceive, experience, and use the visual cues in the built space, and think about what to do with it.

While both are wayfinding projects, the big difference between the two projects is that the murals in Kebun Baru were done in a way that considered how persons living with dementia take in visual cues (Information), and our subsequent response to it. This was possible because the project had two persons with the lived experience as co-planners and decision makers. Hence, our sensitivity to having a low threshold of environmental stimulation, potentially being distracted by irrelevant visual cues to problem-solve in a wayfinding task, and our weak ability to process information. These were all taken into consideration for the placement and design of the wayfinding murals in Kebun Baru.

The murals were painted only at key points that will support decision-making and a way to monitor that one is on the right track to home. The colour of each mural is kept to a maximum of three colours because stimulation involving more than one sense can easily overwhelmed our limited attentional functions. This also explains the rational for the comparatively smaller-sized numerals for the block numbers to avoid competing for attention with the murals. Unlike colours, carefully chosen murals that considers the cultural and age factor of a particular neighbourhood add a touch of meaningfulness and familiarity on top of being distinctive and legible.

Anjang: To me, when an entire pillar is painted in a particular colour, I will get slightly overwhelmed. There is also no associative memory for the designs in Nee Soon. When there is too much information, I will not be able to process all the details that are given, and it increases the confusion for me. I really like the ones in Kebun Baru, as the murals are catchy, and reflect culture and reminiscence. There is a lot more character for the murals in Kebun Baru. They make me smile and happy. For me, this is a lot more helpful for persons with dementia, as the murals also bring back fond memories when I see them. 

5. As persons living with dementia, do share with us what else we can do to aid in wayfinding for persons living with dementia, especially in our neighbourhoods?

Emily: For me, I would advocate for dementia-sensitive levels of lighting in the neighbourhood and walkways. Good lighting is particularly important for persons living with dementia to minimise anxiety. Poor lighting reduces our ability to make sense of our surroundings and increases the difficulty in navigation. Hence, general lighting in the walkways and void decks, as well as localised lighting in the elevator areas can be further explored to aid in wayfinding.

Anjang: Because of my Lewy body dementia, my visual perception is affected. Do not use dark-coloured tiles and be mindful of the lighting used that it does not cast dark shadows. Dark shadows make me fearful because of the possible illusions that I may have when I see these dark shadows.

6. As self-advocates speaking up for people with dementia, do share with us how can the society be more inclusive for persons living with dementia. 

Emily: We need a society that can accept and appreciate people with dementia as individuals who think, behave, and express ourselves differently from societal norms. Despite living with cognitive impairments, we have common needs like everyone – the need to feel accepted and valued as a fellow member of society.

Anjang: Everyone in the community should learn how to recognise and aid persons living with dementia. Do not argue and be patient with us.

There are days when I am overwhelmed by too many stimulations in the community – noise, sights, signs, traffic, crowd, and when this happens, I will get agitated and react unpleasantly. So, to me, dementia awareness is key for any community to become dementia-inclusive. Unfortunately, because of the invisible nature of our condition, you will probably only know that I am living with dementia when I react negatively. On other days when I am not triggered, I am constantly learning to cope and navigate on my own. So, do not take our reactions as something negative. Rather, be patient with us, and understand that our reactions are simply our way of telling you that we need help.

This post was edited from the original post on the Dementia Singapore website.