Formula 1 legend Sir Jackie Stewart's wife has been given a pioneering dementia-friendly makeover of her Swiss home as her condition progresses.
Lady Helen, who was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia in 2012, now lives in a specially redesigned apartment overlooking Lake Geneva, where everything from the lighting and kitchen layout to storage has been adapted.
The transformation was led by dementia design expert Professor Lesley Palmer, from the University of Stirling, working alongside Fiona Pi Architects.
64th wedding anniversary
It comes as the couple, who met as teen sweethearts and have two sons, celebrate their 64th wedding anniversary today. Three-time F1 champ Jackie, from Dumbarton, said: “Some of you may know that during my motor racing career, Helen was my timekeeper and my lap charter and she was the best.
“It is incredibly important to me, and our two sons, that we now give her the best support possible, as she lives with this cruel disease.”
First in mainland Europe
The apartment has now become the first in mainland Europe to receive the university’s prestigious Gold Dementia Design Audit Accreditation.
Features include low-level kitchen counters, a see-through fridge, open storage and specially designed lighting, all intended to make everyday life easier and allow Helen to remain at home for as long as possible.
Research has shown that dementia design can improve quality of life for people living with a dementia and their care partners.
University expertise
Stirling University is home to the Dementia Services Development Centre, and is a forerunner in healthy ageing research.
Professor Palmer said: “It has been a privilege to work with Sir Jackie Stewart’s family for over a decade.
“While their circumstances may differ from many, their journey with dementia – and the adaptations it requires at home – is something many families will recognise.”
