JDC Spring-2001 v3 - A Pattern Language for Designing Interiors for Alzheimer's Patients

 
PATTERN 7 - From A Distance

Installation of large windows between the office and activity areas or hallways used by the residents attribute to efficient unobtrusive, visual surveillance. Position offices or nurses stations during the planning stage to enable an easy view of all patient doors, activity areas and outdoor areas. Bathrooms used by residents must also be monitored however privacy curtains should not be eliminated. Providing obstacle free hallways and a stable fixed setting also lightens the burden of surveillance.

JUSTIFICATION

Dementia patients need to exercise and get invxolved in enriched activity as it assists wandering (Cohen-Mansfield & Werner, 1998). However due to their inability to reason or a weak perceiving faculty even the most simplest object may not be safe (Stehman, Strachan, J. Glenner, G. Glenner and Neubauer, 1996). They cannot be left on their own and are only overcome with irritation and an injured self-esteem when their care providers constantly impinge their space. Hence the care provider needs to adapt the environment to provide unobtrusive and continuous monitoring which would reduce extraneous workload and facilitate imparting quality time with the patients (Stehman, Strachan, J. Glenner, G. Glenner and Neubauer, 1996).

"Everyone needs space of their own if they have to socialize…"(Alexander, Ishikawa and Silverstein, 1977).