Integrated Living for People with Memory Decline.

Abstract

Global population ageing will impact our communities. Increasing number of older adults live at home with physical, sensory, and cognitive challenges. Enhancing living solutions that support physical and social wellbeing of people with memory decline is important for their wellbeing. Various living solutions to integrate and support them in meaningful and active daily life are needed. The objective of this research was to develop diverse housing models to integrate older adults with memory decline and their families in their communities. The research question was: what kind of living environments and housing design solutions can support the wellbeing and daily life of people with memory decline? How to implement the research findings in design? The project used multiple case study and research by design methods to promote discussion and knowledge sharing with various stakeholders working with housing for older adults. The results of the project indicated that there is a need to increase the knowledge base of designers and architects about the needs of people with memory decline. Design solutions should focus on familiarity of the living environment, human scale, visual and sensory perception. Accessible solutions in the built environment that support social activity, sense of community but ensure the right to privacy will increase peoples' feeling of security and wellbeing. Through cross-sector collaboration and increasing participation of people with memory decline in the planning of housing we can provide better indoor and outdoor environments with current resources.