Toward an Integrated Context-Based Design Approach for Dementia Residential Care Homes: A Review of Key Operational...

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Environmental Psychology
• Assistive Technology

Background:

• Dementia causes neurocognitive impairments, including memory loss and visuospatial deficits, impacting safety and navigation.
• Effective wayfinding and environmental safety are critical for individuals with dementia in residential care.
• Cognitive deterioration in dementia necessitates user-focused assistive technology and design interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a context-based management system for dementia residential care homes.
• To assess operational and design problems affecting wayfinding for dementia sufferers.
• To identify how assistive technology and design interventions can improve environmental safety and navigation.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature review and analysis were conducted.
• The review focused on cognitively-related assistive technology (AT) efficacy.
• Assessment of AT impact on daily living, safety, and orientation was performed.

Main Results:

• Key design variables identified include topology, floor finishing, signposting, color, and texture.
• Meaning, emotional connection, memory cueing, and object recognition enhance wayfinding.
• Cognitively facilitating AT can mitigate impacts of cognitive impairments on safety and wayfinding.

Conclusions:

• Operational and design guidelines are proposed for stakeholders in dementia care.
• A dementia-centered design approach is crucial for addressing care home challenges.
• Design must integrate behavioral, cognitive, and communication factors for optimal outcomes.