Indoor Living Environment Assessment Tool for People with Dementia.
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Designing an indoor living environment assessment tool for people with dementia living in nursing and residential homes, sheltered and extra-care housing.
IRAS ID
258152
Contact name
Martin Hyde
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Swansea University
Duration of Study in the UK
4 years, 5 months, 0 days
Research summary
The key aim of this study is to develop and test a tool that could potentially improve indoor living environments for those in the mild to moderate stages of dementia across institutional and supported housing settings. It will enable individuals using the tool to assess the suitability of the living environment for those with dementia but could also be used in the development of new facilities for those with dementia. The proposed study is informed by a literature review showing a link between indoor living environments and quality of life.
Why?
By 2021 in Wales there will be a 31% increase in people living with Dementia (National Dementia Vision for Wales 2011).
Popham and Orell (2012) are concerned that in care homes too much emphasis is put on the physical environment, such as health and safety features, at the expense of person-centred care. Davis et al (2009) highlight the importance of the physical environment in maintaining abilities rather than increasing dependence. However, safety of the individual is paramount. This suggests the need for a measurement tool to find a middle ground between risk and maintaining ability.
Pesonen et al (2011) assert that people with dementia have a unique perspective that would be lost without their inclusion in research despite the difficulties associated with ethical consent.
What?
I would like to develop an indoor environmental assessment tool to help assessment of environments used by people with mild to moderate dementia.
Who?
It will be developed through both group and individual interviews with people who have mild to moderate dementia over the age of 55, their carers, professionals and others involved in care.
Where?
In residential homes, nursing homes, sheltered and extra care housing in South Wales.
How?
Through focus groups to collect data to help inform the design of the tool, and cognitive interviews to test it.REC name
Wales REC 6
REC reference
20/WA/0061
Date of REC Opinion
17 Apr 2020
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion