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Dementia-friendly heritage settings : a research review

Sharma, M; Lee, A

Dementia-friendly heritage settings : a research review Thumbnail


Authors

M Sharma

A Lee



Abstract

Purpose

Preserving our built heritage from the onslaught of weather, pollution, development and the effects of tourism is a complex endeavour. Appended to this is the need to ensure that heritage buildings are inclusive to all users. Thus, built heritage is plagued with contradictions and conflict between conservation goals and those to support inclusivity given the limited resources often available. Dementia has been purposely selected for this study as numbers of diagnosed sufferers are increasing at an alarming rate, and enagement with heritage has been proven to support well-being. The paper aims to discuss this issue.
Design/methodology/approach

This research review draws on systematic principles and presents an analysis of the available literature on well-being programmes designed for people living with dementia and their care supporters, with particular reference to programmes in heritage settings, and the resulting impact for users.


Findings

This review critically evaluates the available evidence from published literature on the role of the heritage setting, on how it impacts on the experience of dementia participants. In doing so, it draws on findings from the experiences and well-being of people living with dementia and their care supporters; assesses the current state of knowledge, identifies support implications and makes recommendations for future research. In doing so, it highlights a dearth in the literature on research related to the physical environment setting, particular addressing any cognitive impairments that may arise that can alter psychosocial processes, such as lighting, temperature, acoustics and materiality, so that they can be understood and suitably adapted to support the well-being of those living with dementia.
Originality/value

The scant lack of financial resources to support inclusivity in built heritage, and the argument that some heritage cannot be adapted, often leads to only limited opportune for people with dementia. Thus, there is an inherent need for an understanding of current research and well-being programmes so that it can be focalled in the future to support built heritage tourism in a way that it is inclusive to all.

Citation

Sharma, M., & Lee, A. (2020). Dementia-friendly heritage settings : a research review. International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation, 38(2), 279-310. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJBPA-01-2019-0005

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Jun 22, 2019
Online Publication Date Sep 2, 2019
Publication Date Mar 16, 2020
Deposit Date Sep 5, 2019
Publicly Available Date Sep 5, 2019
Journal International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation
Print ISSN 2398-4708
Publisher Emerald
Volume 38
Issue 2
Pages 279-310
DOI https://doi.org/10.1108/IJBPA-01-2019-0005
Publisher URL https://doi.org/10.1108/IJBPA-01-2019-0005
Related Public URLs https://www.emerald.com/insight/publication/issn/2398-4708

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