Living with dementia

Abstract

Elderly suffering from dementia go through a difficult and confusing time from the moment they start to show symptoms of dementia. During this time, the process of dementia can only be slowed down. It has the looks of it that there isn’t anything more that can be done, but to make them feel as comfortable as possible for the time being. Although it looks like ‘just’ softening of circumstances, this could actually contribute to the wellbeing of elderly suffering from dementia. The theme of ‘well-being’ is inextricably connected the feeling of ‘comfort’. The task that lies before us can be promoted by this research question: How do you create an environment that makes elderly suffering from dementia feel at as comfortable as they used to feel at home, despite the fact that they find themselves in a surrounding that is not their home? The findings of this research focuses the organisational aspects of environments. Although there are a lot preferences that help to feel a elder suffering from dementia more comfortable on climate-level, this research puts emphasis on how the set-up of a building can make one experience more comfort. When the sequences of spaces is similar to the sequences of a normal home, while approaching a living room, it contributes to well-being of the elderly suffering from dementia. In the old traditional elderly housing communal areas tented to fail their function as living rooms, hallways are long and monotonous and outdoor space along with the entry towards these spaces are rare. The different gradients in spaces will avoid confusion of dementia sufferers. It helps to find one’s own place within a environment. Feeling at home does not end at the border of a room or building. Also, creating resident-groups with a similar background makes it easier for residents to connect to their environment. Activities and functions can be aimed towards the mind of a smaller group instead of trying to entertain a large group all at once. Residents will understand the behaviour of their fellow-residents preventing confusion and agitation. Furthermore, the environment that has a small scale and works like an household will also function as a one, creating possibilities for dementia sufferers to contribute to this and gain responsibility and develop more self confidents. This confidents helps elderly suffering from dementia to feel less confused when difficult moments occur. In addition, as result of the inability to function properly at everyday situations the world of dementia sufferers is becoming smaller with time; it is important that they still experience a sense of control over their own lives. When they still have a world where they can move freely, it already contributes to the experience of freedom and not feeling locked up. Also, a sense of control can be provided by a wide range of alternatives concerning from as small as different seatings in common areas to various activities that can be held at the account of the dementia sufferers but also includes third parties. Lastly, by including facilities serving the neighbourhood social integration is encouraged. Associations and communities originating for the nearby neighbourhood will bring different kinds of people into a building and gives the opportunity for the elderly suffering from dementia to stay in touch with the outside world. It works also the other way around that everyday people get more interaction with dementia and thereby creating more support for this fragile group. Safety, security and protection within a neighbourhood do not have to go hand in hand with exclusion of society.