Environments for Ageing and Dementia Design Assessment Tool (EADDAT)

As we get older, we want to keep doing the things in life that we enjoy. Whether that’s going for coffee or eating out, cooking at home, a walk in the local park, going to the cinema or theatre. A diagnosis of dementia shouldn’t change that either.  

The Dementia Services Development Centre (DSDC) at the University of Stirling has created the Environments for Ageing and Dementia Design Assessment Tool (EADDAT), which has been designed to support people to make the places and spaces in which we live, work, and play more supportive of an ageing population, and people living with dementia. The toolkit provides information and guidance on changes that could be made to make a space more supportive, allowing our ageing population to be more independent and continue living in communities for as long as possible.  

Something as simple as introducing brighter lights could allow someone to keep up their favourite hobbies, such as reading, sewing or cooking. Removing contrasting door mats from entrance ways could make doorways accessible (a dark mat can sometimes be perceived as a hole in the floor).  

The Macrobert Art Centre has trialled Tier 1 of EADDAT and received a self-certification for their efforts, after meeting the relevant criteria. A Tier 1 self-certificate is a great way to reassure people using The Macrobert Art Centre who are living with dementia, or age-related impairments, that they are actively supporting their needs, as well as those of the community.  

Ailidh Aikman

Business Support Officer

The Dementia Services Development Centre,

University of Stirling.