The Reality of Wellbeing-Focused Design in Dementia Care – A Case Study of Acute Dementia Wards in the UK

Objective. The study explored design for wellbeing within dementia-care by investigating the adoption of wellbeing-focused design in real-world practice, through observing NHS wards.

Background. Design for wellbeing is an approach that considers the psychological and physiological effects of architecture to improve health and wellbeing. The high psychological care requirement for dementia patients makes them a significant group to study in the evaluation of current hospital facilities.

Methods. A literature review was conducted, to frame the current theoretical perception of the key characteristics of a good environment for dementia care. A framework was generated to summarise, and used as an assessment tool in a series of observational visits to NHS wards. Interviews with clinical staff focused on care outcomes and practicalities of implementing wellbeing-focused design, considering the historical and economical context. Key findings from the observations and interviews were analysed for recurring themes.

Results. The ward observations and interviews provided insight to the current progression of wellbeing-led design in NHS hospitals in England. The research highlights key areas of success, and factors that inhibit further progression.

Conclusions. The case studies showed a good degree of ambition to utilise wellbeing-focused design, with belief among staff that the physical environment has a substantial role in the health and wellbeing of patients. Staff also felt that this approach is most effective for those in the less advanced stages of dementia. Despite the high level of support, the current degree of implementation appears to be varied.