The Blog

This International Women's Day, it feels right to talk about a group of women who have spent most of their lives being told they were too much, not enough, or simply difficult. Women who were anxious, disorganised, exhausted, and quietly falling apart behind a carefully maintained surface.

Designing a home that supports someone with dementia involves more than just aesthetics; it requires thoughtful consideration of their unique sensory and cognitive needs. By embracing neurodivergent-inclusive principles and simple DIY strategies, we can create calming spaces that foster comfort, safety, and dignity.

Many people now living in care homes grew up before autism, ADHD, and sensory processing differences were widely understood. They adapted, masked, and coped, often without knowing why the world felt so difficult. Now, in care, their needs remain largely invisible.

Sensory processing differences don't disappear when someone develops dementia. If anything, they often become more pronounced. Here I explore what we know about the intersection of sensory processing and cognitive change.

Most dementia care interventions are built around sensory engagement: aromatherapy, tactile objects, music therapy. But for people who are neurodivergent, these approaches can cause distress rather than comfort. This post introduces the central question of my dissertation.