When most people think of medical uniforms, they imagine traditional colours such as navy, green or blue.
At ScrubsUK, we know that in some healthcare environments, non-traditional scrubs can actually play an important role in patient care.
Recently, we worked with a specialist organisation supporting people living with dementia to create bright red scrubs featuring heart patterns.
While they look cheerful and welcoming, there is also a practical reason behind the design.
Understanding colour and dementia
Dementia doesn’t only affect memory. It can also impact the way the brain processes visual information.
People living with dementia may find it difficult to distinguish between similar colours or objects that blend into their surroundings.
In some cases, colours may appear duller or harder to recognise.
Because of these changes, many dementia-friendly environments are designed with clear colour contrast and bright visual cues.
This helps people better identify important objects and navigate spaces safely and confidently.
Colour also influences mood and behaviour.
Studies show that bold colours such as red can create visual stimulation and encourage engagement in communal environments.
Why bright scrubs help
For care teams working closely with dementia patients, clothing can also become part of the environment patients interact with.
Bright scrubs help staff stand out clearly, making them easier to recognise and identify.
This can help reduce confusion and increase a sense of familiarity for patients who may already feel disoriented.
Patterns such as hearts also create a friendly and approachable visual cue, reinforcing feelings of warmth and care.
Caring beyond the uniform
At ScrubsUK, we understand that healthcare uniforms are about more than appearance.
They are part of the wider care environment, helping professionals feel comfortable while also supporting the people they care for.
Whether it’s traditional clinical colours or specialist designs like our heart scrubs, the goal remains the same, to create uniforms that support healthcare professionals and enhance patient wellbeing.
Sometimes, a simple splash of colour can make a meaningful difference.