Annmarie: Design for Living - Mental Health- Dementia

Design for Living

Mental Health focuses on “mental well being, good mental functioning or having any particular problems in thinking, feelings or behavior”. http://ispsuk.org/

The mental health area I am interested in researching and exploring is Dementia. Dementia is not a specific disease but made up of a wide range of symptoms. However the two most common types are Alzheimer’s disease and Vascular Dementia. Alzheimer’s often manifests itself through memory lost where has Vascular Dementia is triggered by a stroke cause by a rupture in the brain.

The overall symptoms of both types of Dementia are the following:

· Memory loss

· Communication and language

· Ability to focus and pay attention

· Reasoning and judgment

· Visual perception

Engaging in balance of activities related to self-care, work and play is of extreme importance to our mental and physical well-being. Dementia sufferers are similar to non-sufferers but their ability to undertake these activities is more limited.

Based on studies conducted in care homes for the elderly inactivity of the residents can be detrimental to their emotional and cognitive well-being. As three quarters of the residents of a care home are diagnosed with memory impairment it is important that they engage in activities that improve and stimulate their memory. These activities are influenced by abilities, interests, the physical environment, staff level and skills and organisational culture.

In selecting an activity it is important to know various aspects of the person which include gathering information about the person’s life background, family and social networks, past interests and hobbies. In addition it is important to understand and determine the degree to which dementia affects that person’s ability to engage in that activity before selecting it.

A number of ways can be used to produce to a Life History Profile such as a scrapbook, loose leaf folder, or a shoe box that can store personal objects and memorabilia. Producing such a resource can be a satisfying activity in its own right, often shared with relatives. The information obtained can then inform care staff about the person, thus enabling individualized care to be provided and personally meaningful activities can be offered. It is very important to remember and ensure confidentiality of information.

Sketch Book
Boxes in different shapes