Chasing Vapors within a Disappearing Mist: Conceptualizing Dementia Narratives

The built environment within healthcare institutions is of critical importance to persons with dementia, as the characteristics of the interior environment, the lived experience within, and the reciprocal nature of that exchange can be directly related to their well being. Yet the role of the environmentand more importantly, the role of the patient as a primary author towards conceptions of what that physical environment should look and feel likerarely feature in routine dementia patient satisfaction assessments.

This research sought to understand whether patients with dementia have the capacity to perceive the institutional space and place around them, and if so, how. Participants with mild to moderate dementia living in an institutional setting who could provide consent were asked a number of lived experience questions. The responses were videotaped and scored qualitatively.

The results suggest that patients with dementia are aware of the institutional space around them, and can be active agents when contributing to thoughtfully designed environments that promote the health and well being of its residents. If persons with dementia are thought of as active participants within the design of the built environment, then this can lead to new reconceptualization of spatial domains and ultimately impact care.