HOME AWAY FROM HOME : A NEW MODEL OF CARE HOME FOR ELDERLY WITH DEMENTIA

Abstract

Studies revealed that managing the challenges presented by Dementia will be the overwhelming priority of healthcare in the 21st Century. Dementia affects mainly elderly & patients develop memory loss, decline in social skills, personality changes & gradual loss of the ability to even manage daily activities of living. With a rapidly aging population the number of people diagnosed with dementia is set to rise dramatically. The thesis proposes a new model of high-density Care Home for dementia. Studies revealed that design of the environment can qualitatively improve the lives of Demented elders. Through a study of the specific needs of demented elders, the proposed design of Care Home aims to provide a more home-like environment, which offer privacy, autonomy, support, enjoyment, and a place to call home. Located at a vacant field along Pioneer Road North (Jurong East), in the midst of a public housing estate, the new typology is a sharp contrast to traditional institutional model of nursing homes, which are usually isolated entities located at fringe of neighborhood. The new model of Care Home design seeks to achieve greater community integration & aims to increase awareness of Dementia among the community through expanded public functions such as Dementia Daycare centre, Childcare Centre, Senior’s Gym, Dementia Awareness & Training Centre, thrift shops, Café, & hair saloon. These community functions provide opportunity for residents & public to interact & socialize thereby reducing social stigma of dementia. Through the various community gardens proposed, volunteers & demented elders can part-take in a common activity of gardening together. This recreation activity is a form of horticultural therapy & aims to encourage volunteerism within the community as well. In all, the new typology of Care Home for Elders with Dementia seeks to provide a holistic solution towards providing a residential care environment for rehabilitation of elders while being a node of community well-being & recreation.