THE BENEFITS of INTERACTION WITH ENVIRONMENTS CREATED FOR ATTRACTING BIRDS ON PEOPLE LIVING WITH DEMENTIA

Abstract

In consideration of the increasing growth of people living with dementia, researchers have started to look at different interventions that help enhance their health and well-being. While the search for medical interventions is important, it is critical for other professions to consider how to contribute to the quality of care that dementia patients receive. Therapeutic landscapes can improve the overall care process for older adults with dementia living in long-term care facilities (i.e., dementia care homes) (Bossen 2010). While the landscape should be designed to help older adults with dementia, it should also create natural environments that attract birds that can further benefit health and well-being of this population. Due to the impact of the decline in cognitive functioning on older adults’ health and well-being, the purpose of this study is to summarize design guidelines for interactive landscapes between birds and older adults with dementia and provide design examples that benefit not only older adults with dementia but also a bird friendly habitat.

A comprehensive literature review was conducted to gather information for design guidelines that are specific for spaces that attract birds as well as for older adults with dementia. In addition, intensive telephone interviews with three bird experts from the Audubon Society have been conducted to understand the various aspects of the environment that helps create a healthy bird habitat. Design guidelines for these specific purposes should focus on creating and maintaining healthy environments for birds that may increase multisensory experience of older adults with dementia. The present study also includes exemplary therapeutic garden designs that encourage the audience to explore spatial and ecological dimensions in the environments for older adults living with dementia as well as birds. The results of this study have implications for landscape architects and designers who practice in healthcare and long-term care settings. In particular, courtyards in long-term care facilities need to be carefully designed and constructed with a focus on the special needs of older adults with this progressive disease. Also, utilizing birds and natural habitats, it is expected to develop more sustainable and healthy therapeutic spaces.