Review: Care & Dementia Show 2016

Mary arrived at the NEC, Birmingham this week, for the annual Care & Dementia show. She met with a number of our members who were exhibiting, and it gave her a great opportunity to hand out our newly released Focus Report on the UK Care & Nursing Home Sector for the Elderly. The author of this report, Rita Bancroft, attended the Care Sector Market Report seminar earlier in the day. Rita was delighted to tell us that our report supported the trends that were identified by global care provider Welltower Inc. who presented this session.

The show seemed smaller and quieter than previous years and the number of interior companies exhibiting has also reduced. It appeared that the event was slightly more focused on technology and support, however having all the seminars in the same venue was such an improvement on last year.

Mary attended the panel discussion ‘Using colour and lighting to strike the balance between form and function’ chaired by Diana Celella (SBID and the Drawing Room). Panellist Jacqui Smith provided a valuable introduction to using colour depth, tone and contrast to provide guidance and reassurance to the older person navigating unfamiliar spaces whilst some colour combinations can help to stimulate appetite. Carmel Satterthwaite from Panaz (BCFA Member and Council member) discussed how there is no need to compromise on design and colour choice with your fabrics as long as the specifier selects appropriate fabrics that meet the fire retardancy requirements, are anti-microbial, stain resistant, durable and where necessary waterproof.

We had 13 members exhibiting at this event, see how their beautiful stands were presented below.