According to numerous studies, color therapy is highly beneficial for those who suffer from dementia. The effect of various colors on the brain and on standard human behavior has been studied at length over the past few years. This is especially true regarding the overall impact of various colors on those who are living with a diagnosis of dementia.

Color Therapy

Different colors have a direct impact on our feelings and how we interpret the environment around us. If you care for a patient who has dementia, continue reading to learn how to use various colors to your advantage.

Blue

Blue is a color that is known to provide a calming effect on dementia patients. If you have rooms – such as a bedroom – where you want the patient to experience peace and quiet, blue is one of the best colors to use.

In addition to putting the patient at ease, it is also beneficial in making the room appear much larger than it is in reality. Furthermore, the color blue has been found to help in reducing heart rate and blood pressure.

Pink

Pink is an uplifting color. If you care for a dementia patient that experiences tendencies of aggression, this is the color that should be used. One of the best places to use the color pink is in bathrooms and other rooms where patients are cleaned, changed, and assisted.

Many are naturally reluctant to have help in toileting and bathing. If aggression occurs, it is most likely to happen in the places where these activities take place. Splash a little pink in the room and you will find that the individual is much more cooperative.

Lime Green

One of the biggest challenges with dementia patients is catching and maintaining their attention. If you find this to be difficult, incorporate the use of lime green.

You may place lime green tape or other products on a walker, a cane, or even a door knob. This will help draw in the patient’s attention to those items. In turn, they are likely to use the product and avoid complications – such as falls.

Red

Red is known for stimulating activity within the brain. A study was done several years ago that was referred to as the “red plate study”. In this, it was found that dementia patients who were served food on red plates consumed up to 25% more food than those served on plates of other colors.

Many believe this is due to the fact that it stimulates brain activity and that the patients were better able to see the food on the plate. Incorporate red plates, cups, and utensils into the care you provide, and you are sure to find that the patient eats more.

Black

Finally, there is black. If you care for a dementia patient that likes to wander around a lot, you should use black mats. These should be placed in front of doors, stairs, and other areas that you do not want the patient to wander into. To them, the black color is interpreted as a hole. As a result, they will avoid it.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are many ways to use colors when caring for someone with dementia. If you feel as if the individual is no longer able to live independently, we here at Beacon Senior Advisors can assist you in finding the proper living arrangements. Simply contact us now by calling the following number: 973-713-0096 or visit us at www.BeaconSeniorAdvisors.com