title: Exploring the Influence of Environment on the Spatial Behavior of Older Adults in a Purpose-Built Acute Care Dementia Unit.
abstract: Limited research explores the experience of individuals with dementia in acute care geriatric psychiatry units. This observational case study examines the influence of the physical environment on behavior (wandering, pacing, door testing, congregation and seclusions) among residents in a traditional geriatric psychiatry unit who were then relocated to a purpose-built acute care unit. Purpose-built environments should be well suited to the needs of residents with dementia. Observed trends revealed differences in spatial behaviors in the pre- and post- environments attributable to the physical environment. Person-centred modifications to the current environment including concerted efforts to know residents are meaningful in fostering quality of life. Color coded environments (rooms vs dining areas etc.) to improve wayfinding and opportunities to personalize rooms that address the `hominess' of the setting also have potential. Future research could also seek the opinions of staff about the impact of the environment on them as well as residents.
authors.affiliation: Department of Geography, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, V8P 5C2, Canada.
authors.forename: Francesco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Mazzei
authors.affiliation: Island Health, Victoria, BC, V8R 1J8, Canada.
authors.forename: Roslyn
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Gillan
authors.affiliation: Department of Geography and Centre on Aging, Victoria, BC, V8P 5C2, Canada dcfisher@uvic.ca.
authors.forename: Denise
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Cloutier
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D003704:Dementia / Q000451:nursing*; D004779:Environment Design; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006749:Hospital Design and Construction; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011567:Psychiatric Department, Hospital; D036301:Qualitative Research; D013037:Spatial Behavior / Q000502:physiology*
keywords: dementia; human geography; qualitative research; spatial behavior