| Title |
Nursing Home Environment with Positive Distraction for Reduction of Chronic Pain and Healing |
| DOI |
http://dx.doi.org/10.14774/JKIID.2015.24.2.206 |
| Keywords |
Distraction ; Chronic Pain ; Healing Environment ; Nursing Home |
| Abstract |
Majority of the seniors living in nursing homes suffer from persistent chronic pain, which may cause depression and compromised quality of life if untreated. The environment should support them to lift their focus from current pain and worries to the positive feelings and the delight of life. The purpose of this research is to classify the healing environment elements for positive distraction, and analyze 6 international cases to see the current situation. The elements were categorized as follows, based on literature review from both healing spaces and elderly care field: spatial elements(view, natural elements, artificial elements, exercise space, garden), psychological elements(grooming area, space for privacy, meal/drink area, elements for recollection, religious space), social elements(common living area, activity/hoppy room, family/visitor area, information area, local community program space). Analysis on 6 facilities showed that each elements were reflected to designed relatively well. New inventions from workers who think distraction is important were also introduced. Healing environment for positive distraction requires delicate touch, derived from understanding characteristics and situation of the residing elderly individuals. Technology update is also significant, from audio books to virtual reality devices, since cultural life of nursing home is far behind from what the others enjoy now. |