The importance of personal possessions in the construction of institutional ambiance for elderly with Alzheimer's disease

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundThe process of institutionalization could lead to the loss of autonomy, individuality and familiarity for the elderly. (MACHADO, 2018). The possibility of decreasing functional capacity in the elderly requires new projects and constant adaptations in the built environment, furniture and objects. (PAIVA, SOBRAL & VILLAROUCO, 2016) Such as customized environments become more important as some areas of the brain stop working as they should, like in residents with Alzheimer's, who might feel lost and without a sense of self. (ZEISEL, 2006) Continuous environmental mementos contribute to the sense of belonging to a place, in more active processes of reminiscence and reimmersion. Each artifact might serve as a trigger to remembrance, contributing to the continuous sense of identity. (ROWLES, OSWALD & HUNTER, 2003).MethodA literature search was conducted in Ageline, Researchgate, Alzheimer's Association, SciVerse ScienceDirect and Google Scholar databases. A total of 30 items were reviewed, in the english or portuguese language, from 1983 to 2019.ResultIt urges the acknowledgment of personal objects for promotion and improvement of the relationship between the elderly diagnosed with Alzheimer's and the environment, although it lacks literature review focusing on recent empirical research in this area.ConclusionGiven that personal possessions could reinforce identity aspects, life achievements, attachments and important places, understanding this relationship could influence in improving social relations, higher environment‐related autonomy, and the maintenance of a more welcoming ambience.