This study examined the role of the built environment in the quality of life of people with dementia during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The functionality, well-being and quality of life of people with dementia can be positively influenced by careful environmental designs. As a result of the COVID-19 outbreak, sudden adjustments were made to the social and physical environment of dementia care residents. This study aimed to explore the lessons learned regarding the built environment during the COVID-19 lockdown and identify how the built environment can positively contribute to the improved wellbeing of dementia care residents in the future.
A multi-method exploratory study explored the socio-physical aspects of the built environment that influence quality of life during the COVID-19 pandemic through an online survey and additional interviews with healthcare staff, and observations of dementia care residents.
The results showed that the built environment can facilitate (or limit) the flexible use of spaces, easy infection prevention and enjoyment for residents, while also shaping the atmosphere. In general, the buildings of many healthcare facilities are not designed to accommodate a serious outbreak of an infectious disease. In addition, nurses have learned how important it is to pay attention to the number of stimuli in the social and built environment and to tailor these to individual rather than group needs. Furthermore, a warm building with a spacious layout, flexible use of spaces and harmonious interior design contributes to a higher quality of life, better well-being, improved infection control and greater resilience.
It is therefore recommended to design long-term dementia care facilities on a large scale and implement them on a small scale.
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