The evaluation of an environmental remodeling program on a psychiatric geriatric ward.

Abstract

Summary In an effort to provide a more humane environment and improve adaptive behavior, the dayroom of a woman's psychiatric geriatric ward was refurbished and remodeled. Observations of patient behavior were conducted over a 10-week period in both the remodeled women's ward and a nonaltered comparison ward comprised of similarly dysfunctional male geriatric patients. Patient-staff interaction increased, as expected, immediately following the remodeling; but patients also displayed increased hostility and tension as well as decreased sociability and self-maintenance skills. Five weeks later, however, it was found that pathological behavior had decreased below the level found prior to remodeling. None of these changes was observed on the comparison ward. In addition, interviews indicated that environmental enhancement improved morale among both patients and staff. Findings are discussed in relation to the Lawton-Nahemow Adaptation Theory, future research needs in this area, and prior research on the therapeutic value of environmental interventions with institutionalized geriatric psychiatric populations.