Dementia Care Research and Psychosocial Factors

Area of Science:

• Environmental psychology
• Gerontology
• Social work

Background:

• Dementia diagnosis often disrupts social connections, increasing isolation risk.
• Eco-mapping visualizes social connections, but its use for natural environment links in dementia research is novel.
• The natural environment significantly impacts well-being, necessitating exploration in dementia care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify the nature, quality, and essence of connections to the natural environment for people with dementia.
• To explore these natural connections within the context of their overall well-being.
• To understand how nature connection influences the well-being of individuals with dementia and their care partners.

Main Methods:

• A qualitative multi-method study involving care partners and individuals with dementia.
• Eco-mapping during virtual interviews to visualize "blue-green-white" environmental connections.
• Walking interviews and participant photography to contextualize data and explore well-being-environment relationships.

Main Results:

• Eco-maps effectively visualized complex social and environmental connections.
• Connections to nature provided energy, strength, and facilitated reconnection with self and partner.
• Nature acted as a non-judgmental companion, fostering safety and calmness.

Conclusions:

• Connection to the natural environment offers protective benefits for families affected by dementia.
• Assessing these nature connections can inform and enhance family-centered support.