Elderly Care by Design 2010 Background & Objectives
 Elderly populations around the world are growing at a rapid rate, increasing the demand on healthcare services. Simultaneously, attitudes and perspectives on ageing are changing.
A health conscious and well-educated generation with new and different points of reference is emerging. More prosperous societies are also creating opportunities for seniors to lead an active and rich life far into old age. This development is creating a demand for changes both in health and social care service delivery and in the design of physical environments for the elderly.
Incidences of dementia and related diseases are expected to rise to over one million in the UK in the next ten years. People with dementia progressively lose their coping abilities and perceive their environment as more stressful, resulting in anxiety and behavioural syndromes that require constant supervision. If the environment fails to support their specific needs, the person may become disorientated, be unable to express their needs and show signs of agitated and disruptive behaviour.
Evidence shows that problematic behaviour in people with dementia is strongly related to the degree to which residential environments fulfil their needs. Treatments are needed to sustain their retained abilities and to reduce problems such as verbal and behavioural agitation, depression, and social withdrawal.
A combination of pharmacologic, behavioural, and environmental approaches could be the most effective treatment in improving health, behaviour, and quality of life for elderly. Medical care cannot be separated from the physical environment in which it is delivered. The outcome of pharmacological care and environmental design is an important part of the therapeutic process.
Good design can have a therapeutic effect on the behaviour and quality of life for people with dementia. The quality and character of the designed environment for the elderly should be considered to be a powerful instrument capable of improving health and well-being.
Objectives for the day
• Exploring how the built environment can support the delivery of high-quality, integrated health and social care services that support independence and promote good health
• Identifying the key design features of psychosocially-supportive environments for older people
• Reporting on international case studies of environments for older people that are delivering real and measurable benefits
• Identifying new technologies to support independent living
• Addressing issues of capital investment, service improvement, changing care pathways, cleanliness, social isolation, access to outdoors and nature, comfort and control, privacy and dignity, independent living, interiors, art and furnishings
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