scholarly journals Adaptive Reuse of Distressed Malls for Dementia-Friendly City Centers: Outcomes From Community Focus Groups

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 61-61
Author(s):  
Emily Roberts

Abstract It is estimated that 5.4 million Americans have some form of dementia and these numbers are expected to rise in the coming decades, leading to an unprecedented demand for memory care housing and services. In searching for innovative options to create more autonomy and better quality of life in dementia care settings, repurposing existing structures, in particular vacant urban malls, may be one option for the large sites needed for the European model of dementia villages. These settings may become sustainable Dementia Friendly City Centers (DFCC), because in the case of enclosed mall construction, the internal infrastructure is in place for lighting, HVAC, with varied spatial configuration of public spaces. This presentation describes the community engagement research being conducted by a research team at a Midwestern university, laying groundwork for the DFCC model for centralized dementia programs, services and attached housing. Focus group outcomes from four disciplines (caregiver, physician, designer, community development) detailed four principle themes including : community revitalization, building sustainability, urban regreening and the nurturing of innovation to further a culture of dementia care which is inclusive, progressive and convergent with the needs of an aging. The DFCC model can be seen as one opportunity to make life better not only for those with needs associated with dementia now, but also for ourselves in the future, therefore educating and updating future stakeholders about the value of this model of care will be critical in transforming current hurdles into future opportunities.

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
pp. 215013272110427
Author(s):  
Emily Roberts ◽  
Anas Shehadeh

It is estimated that 5.4 million Americans have some form of dementia and these numbers are expected to rise in the coming decades, leading to an unprecedented demand for memory care housing and services. In searching for innovative options to create more autonomy and better quality of life in dementia care settings, repurposing existing structures, in particular vacant urban malls, may be 1 option for the large sites needed for the European model of dementia villages. These settings may become sustainable Dementia Friendly City Centers (DFCC), because in the case of enclosed mall construction, the internal infrastructure is in place for lighting, HVAC, with varied spatial configuration of public spaces. This paper describes the community engagement research being conducted by a research team at a Midwestern university, laying groundwork for the DFCC model for centralized dementia programs, services, and attached housing. Using graphics and plans for the DFCC model using an 800 000 ft2 closed mall site, focus groups were conducted with family caregivers of individuals with dementia and long-term care residents to gather their input and response to the model. The participants identified both opportunities and barriers in using an adaptive reuse of a large site for an innovative integrated dementia care model and through the cross-case analysis of the focus group findings, 5 themes were identified which include: community education and acceptance; amenities and activities; maintaining family connections; resident adaptation and staffing.


Author(s):  
Emily Roberts ◽  
Heather Carlile Carter

It is estimated that 5.4 million Americans have some form of dementia and these numbers are expected to rise in the coming decades, leading to an unprecedented demand for memory care housing and services. At the same time, infectious disease outbreaks like the COVID-19 pandemic have raised great concerns for the future of care settings for people living with dementia. In searching for innovative options to create more autonomy and better quality of life in dementia care settings, while at the same time improving infectious disease control, repurposing existing structures, in particular vacant urban malls, may be one option for the large sites needed for the European model of dementia villages. This editorial paper makes the case for the Dementia Friendly City Center model for centralized dementia programs, medical services and housing. By working across multiple disciplines, this research team has simultaneously addressed numerous issues, including community revitalization, building sustainability, and the strengthening of infectious disease control in care sites which are inclusive, progressive and convergent with the needs of an aging population.


2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (14) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nurul Shakila Khalid ◽  
Raja Norashekin Raja Othman ◽  
Marlyana Azzyati Marzukhi

The purpose of this paper is to examine the spatial dominance in public spaces from a gendered and women perspectives and to analyse the relationship with the spatial configuration of street networks. In analysing the street networks in Space Syntax, the question arises; to what extent the movement and activity may explain street integration among gender-based pedestrians. The result found that there is a correlation between spatial configurative analyses and women present in the streets. In essence, the less integrated streets attract more women pedestrians and improve better quality of space. The research is relevant to spatial design interventions and policymaking to enhance gender equal access to public space.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 567-567
Author(s):  
Angel Duncan

Abstract This session identifies common misconceptions about identity for persons living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD). Going beyond diagnostic brain imaging and neurocognitive testing, case studies and research in creativity from around the United States highlights consciousness of persons living with ADRD. Reviewing and discussing artworks is aimed to set dialogue in the question of where memory deposits emerge when engaged in creativity. Through art therapy techniques, this type of self-expression may provide new avenues in treatment for dementia care. Exploring the arts from those with Mild Cognitive Impairment to late stage Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, such as frontotemporal dementia, consciousness seems to remain intact despite neural death. This session aims to discourage poor spending allocations and establishing meaningful care. From clinical research trials to creativity of self-expression, the importance of why the arts and sciences matter are demonstrated as effective modalities that enhance quality of life.


2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (9) ◽  
pp. 5071
Author(s):  
Beata Makowska

Intensive urban development has created a shortage of urban green areas. The need to economically plan and use urban green spaces has fueled the redefinition of public spaces and parks so as to provide the residents with both recreation and relaxation facilities, as well as a forum for contact with culture. This paper discusses the case of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC) in the Kallithea district on the outskirts of Athens, near the Mediterranean Sea. It fills a gap in the research on the aspects of the practical functioning of such facilities. The methodology used in the research included an analysis of the literature, the SNFCC’s reports, and an in situ survey. The cultural center hosts a number of events aimed at promoting Greece’s natural and cultural heritage. The paper includes a detailed analysis of the events organized by the SNFCC in the period 2017–2020 and their immense impact on residents. The aim of the study is to show that the creation of the SNFCC with the park areas has functioned as a factor contributing to the improvement of the quality of urban space and the quality of life of the city’s inhabitants. The paper’s conclusions indicate that the sustainable SNFCC project, which fulfils the urban ecology criteria, has been very well received by the visitors—citizens and tourists alike. A program-centered innovation introduced by the SN Park has added great value to their lives. The project contributes to economic and cultural growth, as well as the protection and promotion of heritage.


2008 ◽  
Vol 192 (4) ◽  
pp. 300-305 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claire A. G. Wolfs ◽  
Alfons Kessels ◽  
Carmen D. Dirksen ◽  
Johan L. Severens ◽  
F. R. J. Verhey

BackgroundAn integrated multidisciplinary approach to dementia is often recommended but has rarely been evaluated.AimsTo evaluate the clinical effects of an integrated multidisciplinary diagnostic facility for psychogeriatric patients.MethodPatients suspected of having complex psychogeriatric problems were randomly allocated to the intervention (n=137) or to treatment as usual (n=93). They were assessed at baseline, and at 6 months and 12 months follow-up by means of personal interviews with the patient's proxy. The primary outcome was health-related quality of life, assessed using the visual analogue scale (VAS) of the EuroQd measure, EQ-5D.ResultsHealth-related quality of life had improved at 6 months in the intervention group, whereas that of the control group had decreased. Furthermore, more patients in the intervention group experienced a clinically relevant improvement of 10 points or more on the VAS at both follow-up measurements.ConclusionsAn integrated multidisciplinary approach improves dementia care.


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