Graduate Thesis Or Dissertation
 

Physical aspects of specialized units for Alzheimer patients in long term care facilities

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https://ir.library.oregonstate.edu/concern/graduate_thesis_or_dissertations/rj430759t

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  • This exploratory study described the protected living environments of segregated Alzheimer/Dementia Units (ADUs) and compared them to selected physical aspects of the larger institutions in which they were housed. A nonrandom, purposive sample used in this study included 99 nursing homes with ADUs in 34 states. Data were collected using a mail questionnaire developed to obtain data about ADUs and the long term care facilities in which they were located. A 78 percent response rate was achieved. The data were analyzed using frequency distributions, descriptive statistics, and the nonparametric McNemar test. Four null hypotheses with sub-parts were tested. Recommendations reached on the basis of the data analysis and literature reviewed were: 1) To provide a living environment that permits freedom of movement with complete safety and security for dementia patients (and their personal possessions), further research should investigate the provision of the following safety and security features in ADUs: a simple, uncluttered environment with all hazards removed or secured, and outdoor exits that are simultaneously secured (locked or alarmed) and "fire safe"; 2) Furnishings of ADU patients' rooms need not differ significantly from other nursing home residents' rooms in terms of personal furnishings and possessions and privacy arrangements--both should provide a homelike, personalized living environment; 3) To help Alzheimer patients to find their way in an ADU, a personal marker or resident's photo posted near the door of their room is recommended; 4) To provide a quiet, calm atmosphere in an ADU, soundabsorbent ceiling and wall surfaces, and modified public address systems are suggested; 5) Further research should test the effects of the following variables (for which frequencies were significantly different but relatively low in the ADUs) under controlled conditions: lockable storage features in residents' rooms; environmental cueing devices such as landmarks, color-coding, pictograph symbols, or wall hangings; and noise reduction via removal of television sets or radios; and 6) Safe and secure outdoor facilities may be an essential and unique physical feature of the ADU living environment.
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