China has the largest number of people with dementia in the world, with the prevalence rate in rural populations being higher than that in urban populations. Rural people with dementia, as a potential group for moving to care homes, their need for space should be considered. Creating a sense of home in a group living environment is vital to the physical and mental health of older residents. This study explores rural people with dementia’s definition of 'home' and considers how this insight can be utilised in a care home setting. The study used qualitative research methods to obtain the views of 8 people with dementia on the sense of home in rural eastern China. Two focus group discussions and semi-structured interviews were conducted with three of them along with observations of their homes. Four themes were reviewed: “familiar space,” “recreational activities,” “family,” and “freedom.” For the participants, the home was a place they had built and lived in with their families, so they had a deep attachment to the physical environment of their home. Staying at home gives them a sense of freedom and comfort, however, some family members are far from home, so recreational activities become an integral part of daily life. This study helps to explore the development of a sense of home in rural areas, provides insight for designers to create a home-like atmosphere for people with dementia in care homes, and helps improve the well-being of future care home residents in rural China.

Authors:
Ziyue Tao, University of Dundee, United Kingdom

About the Presenter(s)
Ziyue Tao is currently a PhD student study at University of Dundee, UK. Her research interests are in the area of Interior Design and Design for Healthcare and Wellbeing.

Connect on Linkedin
http://linkedin.com/in/ziyue-tao-a6b50a2a2

See this presentation on the full schedule – Sunday Schedule

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