Wanderland: A Long-Term Memory Care Design
Abstract
The purpose of this work is to analyze the existing data on aging, environmental psychology, and dementia-related disease and apply to the architectural design of indoor and outdoor spaces for people with Alzheimer's disease. Designing an innovative environment for these people develop care facilities. The intention is to supply long-term care providers and architects with an architectural solution for Alzheimer's care units based on a social type of care. Alzheimer's Disease (A.D.) is the most common irreversible dementia in late life. Research indicates that almost 10% of those above the age of 65 are afflicted with the disease. (alz.org) The Alzheimer is characterized by a deficit in attention, learning, memory, and learning skills. In advanced stages, the patient will also face language and movement impairment. (Reisberg 1998) In addition to physical limitations which accompany aging, the incidence of dementia also increases with age. (Ferri et al. 2005) Other research sponsored by the National Institute of Aging suggests that almost 50% of those over the age of 85 probably have A.D. (Kart 1990). This shows a major healthcare issue in providing services for this population of impaired elderly. The aim of this project is providing a specialized environment with the possibility to accommodate the needs of many users including the impaired resident, caregivers, staff, and family members. So, it can maintain and even embrace the functional capacity, self-respect, and dignity of persons in the intermediate stages of A.D. (Namazi 1991) During progression of the disabilities and mental issues, patient will exhibit problematic behaviors including incontinence, violence, mood swings, and aimless wandering, which is challenging for family members to take care . (Lawton 1984) Hence, due to the mentioned ratio of this disease and the permanent long-term care, an alternative care environment is a necessity. The main idea in this project is providing a variety of experiences for the seniors with A.D. to promote and maintain a higher quality of life for all concerned. The attitude toward long-term care completely ignores the fact that the main goal of the nursing home is not to cure the patient but to provide an environment and care program for assisting the resident. (Coons 1992) The dwelling is all the activities related to cherishing, protecting, nurturing, and cultivating one's environment. (Heidegger 1977) And assisted living facilities should bring these factors.
Subject
Senior LivingArchitectural design
Long-term care facilities
Alzheimer's disease--Patients--Care
Older people--Housing
Older people--Medical care
Architecture--Health aspects
personal care homes
Texas--Dallas
Department
ArchitectureCollections
Citation
Sadeghi, Parisa (2018). Wanderland: A Long-Term Memory Care Design. Master's thesis, Texas A & M University. Available electronically from https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /199220.