A Computer-Based Environmental Design Lexicon for Dementia Care

Principal Investigator: Kimberly Van Haitsma
Co-Investigators: Kim Curyto (Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services), Avalie Saperstein
Consultant: Margaret P. Calkins (IDEAS Consulting, Inc.)
Period: January 2003 - June 2008
Funded by: Extendicare Foundation

Abstract: This project builds on work funded by the Alzheimer’s Association entitled “An Environmental Design Lexicon for Dementia Care”. The purpose of the original AA grant was to develop a lexicon as a resource for designers who are building or renovating long-term care facilities with the needs of persons with dementia in mind. This lexicon of design alternatives was to take the form of a 100-200 page commercial publication. However, it became clear as the project progressed that a paper copy of the lexicon would not meet the true objective an end product that could evolve and adapt to new understanding.

A better form to meet the intentions of the original principal investigator, M. Powell Lawton, was to develop a world wide web-based database system to facilitate easy access to the information contained in the design lexicon. The goal of the website, www.dementiadesigninfo.org, is to advance the state of the art in environmental design for dementia and therefore promote the quality of life of persons with Alzheimer’s and related disorders.