What is the impact of the environment on physical activity levels of people with dementia?
26 Sep 2007 | Bernie Goldie
A research project is being launched tomorrow (Thursday 27 September) at the University of Wollongong to investigate the impact of the environment on physical activity levels of residents of aged care facilities with a specific focus on people with dementia.
The Eastern Australian Dementia Training and Study Centre (EADTSC) and Warrigal Care are launching the joint project.
No current model identifies the key environmental features which promote activity in people living in aged care facilities, according to the Project Manager of EADTSC, Dr Nancy Humpel.
“In the absence of clear design principals that promote physical activity it is probable that many residential aged care settings may not be conducive for residents to be physically active,” she said.
Residents at local Warrigal Care facilities volunteering to take part in the study will be observed as they go about their daily routines and some will be asked to wear a device, known as an accelerometer, to measure their physical activity.
The environment will be evaluated using a Physical Environment Audit Tool and researchers will be identifying those environmental features which enhance physical activities among people living in residential aged care facilities.
The project will recommend ways to build or adapt residential aged care facilities that encourage activity with a particular focus on those residents with a diagnosis of dementia.
“A potential outcome for this partnership will be our ability to conduct an evaluation of facilities and provide reports on what environmental improvements could improve physical activity levels of the residents. These audits will provide improved care environments for care workers and enhance the quality of life for residents with a diagnosis of dementia,” Dr Humpel said.
MEDIA PLEASE NOTE
Date and location of launch: Thursday 27 September at 4.15pm in Building 22, Room 4, at the University of Wollongong. It is being launched when EADTSC conducts its next guest lecture which is to be delivered by Professor Mark Mathews who is a recognised expert in direct observation and treatment of social and behavioural problems commonly experienced by older adults and people with disabilities. He holds the Sesquicentenary Chair of Ageing, Health and Disability at the University of Sydney.
For more information about the launch and lecture contact Dr Nancy Humpel on 4221 5441 or 0412 762157 (m). General enquiries can also be made to 4221 5927.
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