Interdisciplinary research has evolved from a broad consideration in respect
to the rising number of people with dementia, rapid growth of an ageing
population, over-prescribed use of antipsychotic medication and the need for
cost-effective interventions supporting dementia care. Within this context this
research aims to explore the quality of multi-sensory stimulation offered in
homes for residents living with dementia, focusing on Multi-Sensory Environments
(MSEs) in particular, and whether design can improve such experiences
and maximise therapeutic benefits.
Figure 1:
Example of MSE in
dementia care
MSEs are widely used in dementia care as a meaningful leisure activity and a
therapeutic intervention. However, evidence suggests that they often fail to
address the specific needs of people with dementia due to inadequate design
and poor facilitation (Cruz et al., 2011; Dalke et al., 2011). Also, little research
has considered the impact of MSE design on engagement and well-being (Collier
et al., 2010; Anderson et al., 2011).
Figure 2: Examples of existing MSE facilities
This study investigates the aesthetic and functional qualities of MSE currently
provided such as material/colour/imagery applied, spatial set-up, usability,
accessibility, with the aim to establish reasons for success and failure. Fifteencare-homes with MSE will be visited to record how they use MSEs. Data will be
collected using ethnographic methods incorporating structured interviews
with care staff familiar with the MSE and observations of residents and carers.
All residents with dementia who currently use the MSE will be invited to participate.
Data will be analysed using thematic and content analysis. The results
will inform the design development of MSE for people with dementia and how
benefits for residents and their carers can be maximised through improved
design providing a person-centred experience.
The paper presents preliminary findings and methods from this research
project, a collaboration between researchers from design and occupational
therapy, funded by AHRC and supported by Care UK.
http://fada.kingston.ac.uk/de/projects/
D4H2013
to the rising number of people with dementia, rapid growth of an ageing
population, over-prescribed use of antipsychotic medication and the need for
cost-effective interventions supporting dementia care. Within this context this
research aims to explore the quality of multi-sensory stimulation offered in
homes for residents living with dementia, focusing on Multi-Sensory Environments
(MSEs) in particular, and whether design can improve such experiences
and maximise therapeutic benefits.
Figure 1:
Example of MSE in
dementia care
MSEs are widely used in dementia care as a meaningful leisure activity and a
therapeutic intervention. However, evidence suggests that they often fail to
address the specific needs of people with dementia due to inadequate design
and poor facilitation (Cruz et al., 2011; Dalke et al., 2011). Also, little research
has considered the impact of MSE design on engagement and well-being (Collier
et al., 2010; Anderson et al., 2011).
Figure 2: Examples of existing MSE facilities
This study investigates the aesthetic and functional qualities of MSE currently
provided such as material/colour/imagery applied, spatial set-up, usability,
accessibility, with the aim to establish reasons for success and failure. Fifteencare-homes with MSE will be visited to record how they use MSEs. Data will be
collected using ethnographic methods incorporating structured interviews
with care staff familiar with the MSE and observations of residents and carers.
All residents with dementia who currently use the MSE will be invited to participate.
Data will be analysed using thematic and content analysis. The results
will inform the design development of MSE for people with dementia and how
benefits for residents and their carers can be maximised through improved
design providing a person-centred experience.
The paper presents preliminary findings and methods from this research
project, a collaboration between researchers from design and occupational
therapy, funded by AHRC and supported by Care UK.
http://fada.kingston.ac.uk/de/projects/
D4H2013
