The lived neighborhood: understanding how people with dementia engage with their local environment

Abstract

Background:In this paper, we report progress on “Neighborhoods: our people, our places” an international study about how people living with dementia interact with their neighborhoods. The ideas of social health and citizenship are drawn upon to contextualize the data and make a case for recognizing and understanding the strengths and agency of people with dementia. In particular, we address the lived experience of the environment as a route to better understanding the capabilities, capacities, and competencies of people living with dementia. In doing this, our aim is to demonstrate the contribution of social engagement and environmental support to social health.Methods:The study aims to “map” local spaces and networks across three field sites (Manchester, Central Scotland and Linkoping, Sweden). It employs a mix of qualitative and participatory approaches that include mobile and visual methods intended to create knowledge that will inform the design and piloting of a neighborhood-based intervention.Results:Our research shows that the neighborhood plays an active role in the lives of people with dementia, setting limits, and constraints but also offering significant opportunities, encompassing forms of help and support as yet rarely discussed in the field of dementia studies. The paper presents new and distinctive insights into the relationship between neighborhoods and everyday life for people with dementia that have important implications for the debate on social health and policy concerning dementia friendly communities.Conclusion:We end by reflecting on the messages for policy and practice that are beginning to emerge from this on-going study.

Transforming lived places into the connected neighbourhood: a longitudinal narrative study of five couples where one partner has an early diagnosis of dementia

“…For instance, the findings indicated that a 'neighbourhood' was a place where the couples lived, but more significantly was a product of their connections with 'people' and 'places' and their access to 'resources', coupled with their interpretation of 'being in place'. Our findings also endorse the position of the 'lived' neighbourhood (Ward et al 2018) where people living with dementia can use their potential and capabilities to offset the limitation they encounter. In addition, the three themes draw attention to participants' inside views of the world outside through illustrating their feelings of belonging and connection to their neighbourhood, thereby enriching and advancing the concept of 'neighbourhood' being a lived place within a flexible and fluid geographical boundary.…”

“…It is this conflicting position that has stimulated interest in a 'person-in-environment' approach to dementia studies in order to better understand the complex relationships and inter-relationships that are happening in such everyday settings (Blackman 2006;Duggan et al 2008;Huber et al 2011;McGovern 2016;Tranvåg, Petersen and Nåden 2015;Ward et al 2018;Wiersma and Denton 2016). Generally speaking, transforming spaces into meaningful places derives from using spaces over time, so forming patterns of familiarity and comfort, which contribute towards the development of an emotional attachment and a sense of ownership (Rowles and Bernard 2013).…”

“…These factors draw attention to how citizenship-based approaches fit with the increasing interest in dementia-friendly communities and neighbourhood-level research (Bartlett 2014;Harding et al 2018;Tampubolon et al 2018;Ward et al 2018). It is at this intersection that the present study is situated, taking a subjective and inductive approach to explore, over time, the in-depth meaning, construction and place of 'neighbourhood' in the everyday lives of five people with dementia and their care partners using a mix of qualitative approaches, as will now be outlined.…”

Living Life and Doing Things Together: Collaborative Research With Couples Where One Partner Has a Diagnosis of Dementia

“…Wiles et al 2012;Gillsjö et al 2011;Soilemezi et al 2017;Ward et al 2017;Keady et al 2012;Keady et al 2014;Nygård, 2004 Comfort/safety inside home Comfort/safety outside home Being able to stay in familiar environments. Importance of facilitating daily activities and chores to promote independence and activity inside the home and in the neighborhood.…”

“…Importance of facilitating daily activities and chores to promote independence and activity inside the home and in the neighborhood. Tanner et al 2008;Torrington, 2009;Werthon & Monk, 2008;Soilemezi et al 2017;Mitchell & Burton, 2010;Keady et al 2012;Ward et al 2017;Keady et al 2014 Physical wellbeing Physical activity as a source of doing things together as a couple and to promote healthy aging, cognitive function and physical wellbeing.…”