Researchers in Australia are investigating the link between agitation in residents with dementia and elements of their indoor environment, such as temperature and humidity.
The aim of the study is to develop new aged care sector guidelines, which will be eagerly welcomed by care home and hospital operators around the world exploring ways to enhance environments for older people.
Professor Paul Cooper, director of the Sustainable Buildings Research Centre (SBRC) at the University of Wollongong, said the study sought to marry the well-established knowledge base on dementia-friendly design with sustainability.
The research, which is a collaboration between the Univeristy of Wollongong and NSW aged care provider, Warrigal, was being conducted by PhD student Federico Tartarini with the support of the SBRC and Professor Richard Fleming, an expert on dementia design.
“We are looking at whether there is a correlation between thermal discomfort and agitation in dementia facilities,” said Professor Cooper.
While it was known that temperature can affect behaviour, the impact of indoor environmental quality (IEQ) on resident and staff wellbeing is poorly understood.
Using unobtrusive sensors, the researchers will measure the IEQ of the facility, including acoustics, lighting, thermal comfort, air quality and velocity. The study will also examine how optimal IEQ be achieved in an efficient way, he said.
The project will then develop guidelines to plan future retrofitting projects and to improve the design of residential facilities.
In addition to this study, the Sustainable Buildings Research Centre was also involved in a $2.3m government-funded energy-efficiency project targeting low-income older households, including independent living units.
The programme, called Energy Efficiency in the 3rd Age, combines a social marketing and education campaign to change behaviour with retrofitting of older people’s homes to reduce energy bills and improve their quality of life.
Professor Cooper said the economic, functional and ecological value of energy efficiency was found to be important to older people.
The project is due to be completed in 2016.