Designing alternative living for people with dementia to decrease the caregivers’ burden and letting people stay at their own place longer

Abstract

With the rising numbers of people with dementia and unsuitable houses for people with dementia there is a need for alternative housing for people with dementia. Previous studies are focussed on designing for people with dementia and not on their caregivers and the caregiver’s burden. This research focusses on decreasing the caregivers’ burden and finding a way people can stay at their home longer. Through literature studies, interviews, fieldwork and floorplan analysis I analysed how people with dementia and their informal caregivers experience their current living spaces and how they conceptualize future ideal possibilities for housing. Results indicate a design complex that allows people to move within the complex helps people to stay in their familiar environment. Furthermore, informal caregivers can rely on neighbours who are in similar situations. This research is necessary addition to current research because of its focus on people with dementia and their informal caregivers as duos who want to stay together.