Use Colour to Provide Independence and Safety for Your Loved Ones

Did you know that you can use colour to provide independence, safety and accessibility for those with low vision?  Creating visual safety cues can be very helpful for those who need a bit of extra assistance in the home!

Let talk colour science…

Bright colours are easier for the sight-impaired to recognise as they are able to reflect more light,
solid, bright colours (not pastels) are more visible and bright light can intensity colour.
Colours in similar families of warm and cool (like blue, green and purple) may be more difficult for people to distinguish between, so keep this in mind.

So… how do we use it?

You can use colour in a variety of ways! Use bright colours to show hazards (cabinet edges, stairs), changes in levels on the ground and colour coding systems within the house.

You can keep the idea of colour in mind when you’re placing objects as well, for example put light objects against darker ones for easier visibility and avoid clear and transparent objects (such as glasses and cups) to help your loved one see them clearer. You can get creative with patterns that are bold, like stripes and zigzags, to get objects noticed!

You can go one step further and apply these principles on doorknobs and cabinet handles to increase visibility., Use contrasting colours on the dinner table so the edges of the plate are easier to see.

Okay, I’m sold! What do I do now?

You can come and have a chat to us at WOW! Mobility to discuss what coloured objects would work best in your home.

One of our favourite products of all time is the Uccello Kettle, that delivers hot water safely and steadily, every time. And what’s even better is that it’s bright RED!

The Uccello Kettle is a practical assistive technology that makes pouring a kettle feel light as a feather, while also opening up a world of confidence and independence for anyone who wishes to handle boiling hot water safely.

For dementia sufferers, red can be perceived as “danger”, and it may recognise red as meaning “hot” or “do not touch”. As with the black and white version, the revolutionary and unique pouring design of the Uccello Kettle was thoughtfully designed to enable hot water to be poured from Kettle to cup, easily, safely and confidently.

So, there you have it! Pop into WOW! Ipswich (online or in-store) and chat colour with us.

Information for this article sourced from: https://visionaware.org/everyday-living/home-modification/contrast-and-color/

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