By KLTV Newsdesk –

Simple changes making a big difference for residents with dementia

More residents of West Yorkshire living with dementia will be able to remain in their homes safely and for longer, thanks to a wave of improvements by housebuilders across the region.

The ‘dementia-ready’ homes, developed in partnership with Mayor Tracy Brabin’s Dementia-Ready Housing Taskforce, feature simple but powerful adaptations designed to make life easier for those affected by conditions such as Alzheimer’s.

The ten dementia-ready criteria include features like recognisable front doors that stand out from neighbouring properties, step-free access to reduce falls, and plenty of natural light to support wellbeing.

These practical changes are set to improve daily life for many residents.

Mayor Tracy Brabin is calling on all housebuilders to adopt these standards in their new builds and refurbishments: “One in two of us will be affected by dementia in our lifetime, either because we develop the condition ourselves, or because we become a carer for a loved one.

“It’s vital that our housing is ready to meet this challenge and provide safety, security and dignity in later life.

“That’s why we’re leading the way in West Yorkshire with our dementia-ready housing criteria, adopted by every member of our regional housing partnership.”

Local developments already embracing change

Housing developments meeting the dementia-ready standards include 88 new homes nearing completion in Seacroft and Gipton, Leeds.

Delivered by Wates Construction for Leeds City Council, the homes have been funded in part by £1.7 million from the Mayor’s Brownfield Housing Fund and will be made available at affordable rent for local people.

Connect Housing Association has also refurbished communal areas in a flat development in Otley, Leeds, using dementia-friendly designs such as coloured number plaques and repainting to reduce confusion.

Rachael Dennis, Chief Executive of Incommunities and Chair of the West Yorkshire Housing Partnership, praised the region’s progress: “We know that as people get older, their housing needs change – and for many, staying in their own home is key to happier, healthier lives.

“Through our support of the West Yorkshire Dementia-Ready Housing Taskforce, we’ve committed to creating homes that help people living with dementia stay independent for longer.”

Helen Lennon, CEO of Connect Housing and Chair of the Dementia Ready Taskforce, said: “At Connect Housing, we are proud to be actively implementing these vital dementia-ready standards.

“By embracing these practical measures across West Yorkshire, we can empower more individuals living with dementia to maintain their independence, comfort, and connection to their communities for longer.

“This collaborative effort, championed by the Mayor, is making a real difference to people’s lives.”

What dementia-ready homes look like

The dementia-ready criteria adopted by all fifteen members of the West Yorkshire Housing Partnership include:

✅ Easy-to-find front doors, using distinct colours or features like planters
✅ Step-free access to all doors
✅ Calm, clear interior decoration avoiding confusing patterns
✅ Bathrooms that are easy to find and have locks that can be unlocked from outside in an emergency
✅ Ample natural light and views of nature
✅ Outdoor spaces that are easy to access and navigate
✅ Proximity to amenities within 1km to promote independence
✅ An active dementia champion within each housing organisation

With over 5,000 affordable homes being delivered during this Mayoral term, the dementia-ready criteria will make a real difference to countless families across the region.

Mayor Tracy Brabin summed up the impact: “Together, we’re ensuring that people can live happier and healthier lives no matter what life throws at them, in a brighter West Yorkshire that works for all.”