Establishing Continuity of Self-Memory Boxes in Dementia Facilities for Older Adults: Their Use and Usefulness

Abstract

Spatial and detailed design aspects of dementia care centers deserve attention because they contribute to the overall experience of vulnerable individuals who need more support from the designed environment. This study examined the use and usefulness of memory boxes (wall-mounted display cases) at the entrances to resident rooms in dementia care facilities. Environmental walk-throughs, photodocumentation, memory box inventory, and staff interviews in three residential care facilities confirmed that memory boxes were beneficial in creating identity, assisting in orientation and wayfinding, and encouraging reminiscence. An additional use that emerged from this study was their usefulness as a tool for staff.

KEYWORDS:

• dementia
• memory boxes
• identity
• orientation
• reminiscence

Acknowledgments

The author wishes to thank Beth Ann Keller and Kathy Martin for their assistance with this study. The study was funded through the Adele Whitenack Davis Gerontology Award from the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Northern Iowa.