Publication Date
Spring 4-28-2025
School
College of Arts and Sciences
Major
Interiors and Fashion Merchandising
Keywords
Dementia, senses, long-term care, wayfinding, wandering, exit attempts, agitation, quality of life, interior design, architecture
Disciplines
Architecture | Disability Studies | Environmental Design | Geropsychology | Interior Architecture | Other Mental and Social Health
Recommended Citation
Schmidt, Mary, "Design Solutions for Common Problems in Senior Living Facilities" (2025). Senior Honors Theses. 1507.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/honors/1507
Abstract
With the aging population of the United States, the prevalence of dementia rises along with its challenges for individuals in long-term care facilities. As cognitive function deteriorates, dementia patients face growing difficulties in performing daily activities. Common issues such as wayfinding, wandering, exit attempts, agitation, and a generally low quality of life plague most dementia patients at long-term care facilities. Design features can improve quality of life, safety, and coherence for residents with dementia at assisted living facilities. This paper examines existing research to present various design strategies that can enhance daily life for dementia patients in long-term care facilities. Through evidence-based design, this thesis aims to propose design solutions to address the key challenges of wayfinding, wandering, exit attempts, agitation, and low quality of life in long-term care facilities.
Included in
Disability Studies Commons, Environmental Design Commons, Geropsychology Commons, Interior Architecture Commons, Other Mental and Social Health Commons
