Building design for couple relationship maintenance in congregate dementia care

Abstract

Abstract Objectives: The main objectives of this article are to consider the relationships among couples, individuals, facility caregivers, and architectural design through 2 case studies that may influence maintaining couple relationships and the respective individuals’ quality of life. Methods: A phenomenological approach is taken through the case studies where the lived experiences of 2 couples—where each couple has one individual with and another without dementia—live in 2 different buildings. Multiple data collection methods included in-depth analysis of the building and grounds, interviews with residents and family members as well as facility caregivers and participant observations. Results: Both building designs featured suites with multiple rooms, independent living suites, and dementia care units to maintain couple-based routines as well as individuals’ needs. Having one suite located far away from the unit’s entrance hindered the spouse without dementia from maintaining connections outside the unit. Conclusions: The article highlights how building design can support as well as hinder the couple’s relationship maintenance and the individuals’ quality of life. We recommend considering building design opportunities for residents to maintain couple-based daily routines and for spousal residents to connect with the world outside the dementia care unit.