Impacts of a therapeutic environment for dementia care

Abstract

This study explores the association ofphysical environments with the behaviors and care ofpeople with dementia. In order to have a comparative understanding, environmental settings of a traditional nursing facility and an innovative dementia care unit on the same campus were selected. Behavioral observations were done on 12 residents before and after their move ftrom the traditional facility to the dementia care unit. Resident and staffusage and behaviors in the shared spaces were systematically recorded and analyzed Findings include increased use ofthe activity spaces, increased social interaction among the residents, and more interactive than assistive behavior between the staff and residents