Case Study on the Impact of Walking in the Outdoor Facilities of Geriatric Health Service Facilities on Residents with Dementia and Related Design Elements

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to clarify the effect of walking in outdoor facilities of geriatric health service facilities on residents with dementia and its relationship to design factors. To that end, we conducted a case study of walks conducted once a week from August to the following July by 20 residents with dementia in a specified geriatric health service facility. Specifically, we conducted field surveys of outdoor facilities, walking methods, walking observation surveys, and interview surveys with five nursing staff who oversaw the walks. The results identified three design factors that influenced smiles such as smiling expressions or smiles for residents with dementia and that influenced conversations between residents and nursing staff. Three walking implementation guidelines for utilizing these design factors were then identified.