Visual perception and misinterpretation

Visual perception and misinterpretation animation

Dementia changes the way people experience the world. What seems harmless to us can be unsettling and even terrifying to them. Find out about a resident’s experiences and what staff did to support her.

This is a story about a simple solution without medication. It demonstrates the importance of careful observation and adapting a person’s environment.

If this animation does not automatically show/open you can open it directly in YouTube by clicking this link.

Consent has been gained from all those who shared their stories.

Information about 'visual perception and misinterpretation'

Please note: These are examples of what staff have done that have led to better outcomes for the people involved. However, it is important to recognise they will not suit everyone’s needs but serve to offer potential suggestions and to encourage you to explore alternative solutions that may help. Each example is the result of firstly getting to know and understand the individual, being curious to find solutions to providing better care and closely monitoring the outcomes of any changes made. If initiating suggestions given from the stories shared, we would encourage you to safeguard that person-centred care is in place and that you complement your learning from these stories with the relevant training needed to ensure you have the confidence and knowledge required.

Now take time to reflect.

Think of an individual you support…

Would this advice work for the person you support?

What else do you need to think about?

How can you implement this? What help do you need to do this?

Do you disagree with any aspect of the video?

Links to more resources about 'visual perception and misinterpretation'

Environmental assessment tools that staff can use to help them to develop dementia friendly environments.
The University of Stirling’s Dementia Services Development Centre have developed Environment for Ageing Dementia Design Assessment Tool (EADDAT). This is a series of resources used to assess environments used by people with dementia. It is in two tiers the first has no charge where there is a cost for the second.
DesCHA’s booklet ‘Designing homes for healthy cognitive aging’ offers information to help you understand the basics of ageing and dementia friendly design.
ALISS is a local information service for Scotland. It can connect you to information about support services, activities, groups, and resources in your Scottish community.
Dementia UK offer guidance on meaningful activities for a person with dementia
Age Scotland offer guidance on creating an enabling home for someone living with dementia.
This learning resource 'Understanding altered reality in dementia' is an animation on Turas that will help you understand altered reality in dementia. To access it you need to register with Turas. It is free to all social care staff in Scotland.

General links for all resources