Design of residential environments for people with dementia and sight loss: a structured literature review

Citation

Bowes A, Dawson A, Greasley-Adams C & McCabe L (2016) Design of residential environments for people with dementia and sight loss: a structured literature review. British Journal of Visual Impairment, 34 (3), pp. 225-237. https://doi.org/10.1177/0264619616653991

Abstract
A structured literature review concerning the design of living environments for people with dementia and sight loss was conducted. Following systematic searching, thirty three items were included and quality assessed. Findings are described covering colour and contrast, lighting, fixtures and fittings, entrances and exits, gardens and outdoors. The discussion highlights the poor quality of evidence, combined nevertheless with useful suggestions for design; the tendency for literature to be fragmented; and the need for improvements in terms of study focus, study quality and an emphasis on independence and individual needs. The review was subsequently used to inform the development of design guidelines.

Keywords
Design; dementia; Alzheimer’s; sight loss; literature review

Journal
British Journal of Visual Impairment: Volume 34, Issue 3

People

Professor Alison Bowes

Professor, Faculty of Social Sciences

Dr Alison Dawson

Senior Research Fellow, Faculty of Social Sciences

Professor Louise McCabe

Professor, Dementia and Ageing