Balconies, terraces and roof gardens: a request for help from Professor Mary Marshall

If we want people with dementia to remain near where they have always lived, or near to their relatives, we are going to have to get used to care homes in towns and cities which are more than singe storey. Already the majority have two floors and most of them do not have balconies, terraces or roof gardens.

Quite often people with dementia are on the first floor rather than the ground floor, for reasons that are hard to understand given that they need to be outside as often as the rest of us but are less likely to be able to use lifts and stairs on their own. I expect it is about concerns that they might walk away because the gardens are not properly designed.

I am writing a book about balconies, terraces and roof gardens for the Dementia Services Development Centre in Stirling, in the hope that we can promote easy to access, outside space above the ground floor. Like most people, the thought of having dementia and never feeling the fresh air makes me feel really anxious.

The book will present the arguments for outside space above the ground floor – health as well as human rights – and will go on to show how it should be provided ,with lots of photographs of examples. I would really welcome views, experiences and suggestions of places (good and bad) which I should visit.
If you would like me to send you a feedback form for specific balconies, please let me know.

These are examples of what can be achieved to give people the opportunity to enjoy a safe outdoor space that is not a traditional garden.
Reproduced with kind permission
Pozzoni LLP, Chartered Architects
and Designers and the CLS group

Please contact: mary@marymarshall7.wanadoo.co.uk
if you have any questions, feedback or ideas about balconies.

Faith in Older People – Summer 09 newsletter