Built Environments and Dementia Care: Architectural Layouts as Determinants of Resident Well-Being

TL;DR

This study explores how the architectural design of dementia units affects residents' well-being and agitation levels.

Contribution

The study introduces a novel approach of using quantitative tools to analyze how architectural layouts influence resident well-being in dementia care.

Findings

Architectural layouts supporting physical well-being correlate with reduced verbal agitation.

Layouts promoting social well-being sometimes correlate with increased agitated behaviors.

Quantitative analysis of spatial configurations can enhance understanding of dementia care environments.

Abstract

The fast-growing number of individuals with dementia worldwide has prompted the establishment of specialized dementia units, yet these facilities may not always meet their residents’ well-being needs. This study, therefore, examined correlations between the architectural layout of seven dementia units and their residents’ well-being. Physical well-being was measured in terms of comfort and stimulation, while social well-being was measured in terms of status, behavioral confirmation, and affection. The residents’ verbal and physical agitated behaviors were also observed and documented. Diverse correlations were found between the five well-being dimensions and agitated behaviors. Negative correlations were seen between layouts that support residents’ physical well-being, verbal agitation, and all agitated behaviors combined. Yet unexpectedly, inconsistencies were seen between layouts that support residents’ social well-being and agitated behaviors, with increased agitated behaviors occurring in layouts that support status and affection. This exploratory study offers insights into the significance of the architectural layout of dementia units in augmenting residents’ well-being. Furthermore, this novel research sheds light on the potential of employing quantitative tools for comprehensively examining the spatial configurations of such units. Incorporating a descriptive well-being dimension into quantitative investigations can enhance our understanding of such environments, offering a promising avenue for optimizing residents’ overall well-being.