Episode
Episode 09 | A conversation with Barbara Heulat
- Podcast
- Design Impacts
- Published
- Sep 6, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 3000
- Processing state
not_requested
Actions
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Summary
In this episode, host Ana Clark sits down with designer and author Barbara Heulat to explore the powerful intersection of interior design and dementia care. In this episode we discuss: * Barbara’s origin story: a childhood memory of visiting an “old folks home” that sparked a 40+ year career designing healthcare facilities * How becoming a caregiver for her mother (Parkinson’s-related dementia) and late husband (Alzheimer’s) transformed her understanding of design * The concept of the “silent caregiver” — how environments can calm or agitate someone living with dementia even without direct intervention * Practical design interventions: color and contrast for wayfinding, meaningful artwork, music tied to a person’s most memorable years, and toilet placement to reduce incontinence * Why caregiver health is just as critical as patient care, including Barbara’s own wake-up call after a heart attack * Building a support “team,” practicing gratitude journaling, and forgiving yourself for mistakes * Advocating for better design in healthcare settings using science-backed research * How to advocate for a loved one once they enter a care facility, including creating a personal history workbook for staff * Closing reflections on why designers are uniquely positioned to bring meaning and emotional wellbeing to dementia care Resources mentioned: * Barbara’s books: Taming the Chaos of Dementia and the companion caregiving workbook Caring Through Chaos * tamingthechaosofdementia.org — books, training resources, and caregiving guides * barbaraheulat.com — podcasts and blog content Design Impacts is a podcast by the South Central Chapter of ASID — elevating, celebrating, and educating our design community. If you have questions, comments, or want to get involved with the chapter — loc…