Effect of Physical Environment on the Behaviors of Residents with Dementia: A Comparison between a Small-Group Unit and a Traditional Care Unit

Abstract

This is a comparative study examining the influence of a small-scale dementia unit and a traditional dementia unit on behaviors of the residents. The small-scale unit and the traditional unit were selected through two phases in Vancouver, Canada. Seven residents from each facility completed the study. Physical environmental assessments were performed using two tools: PEAP (professional environmental assessment protocol) and TESS-NH (therapeutic environment screening survey for nursing homes). For the assessment of residents' behaviors, three assessment tools were used: MOSES (multidimensional observation scale for elderly subjects), MDS (minimum data set) and DCM (dementia care mapping). The study found that the residents living in a small-scale environment were more engaged in activities and more likely to respond in understanding their fellow residents. Residents living in a traditional long-term care exhibited fewer signs of social interaction. The findings suggest that a small-scale homelike environment could positively influence people with dementia to be more engaged in social exchanges and activities, and consequently help in reducing their withdrawn behavior.