The effects of visual barriers on exiting behavior in a dementia care unit.
Exiting due to wandering was a problem for caregivers in this dementia care unit. Previous attempts to control exiting by wanderers proved ineffective. We manipulated the view and light through a window using visual barriers: window blind, cloth barrier, and a combination of the two. The closed blind reduced exiting by 44%. The cloth barrier was the most effective solution, reducing exiting by 96%. The combination of the blind and cloth barrier reduced exiting 88%. These findings support those of Namazi, Rosner, and Calkins (1989).
Dickinson
J I
JI
Department of Housing, Interior Design, and Resource Management, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg 24061.
McLain-Kark
J
J
Marshall-Baker
A
A
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003221:Confusion; D003617:Dangerous Behavior; D003704:Dementia / Q000451:nursing*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007374:Interior Design and Furnishings; D008297:Male; D008961:Models, Structural; D012112:Residential Facilities / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012637:Security Measures