Creating a Supportive Environment Using Cues for Wayfinding in Dementia

Abstract

The ability to find one's way in the world, known as wayfinding, is impaired in individuals with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Older adult residential environments (e.g., independent living, assisted living, nursing home residences) are often especially difficult for wayfinding, with long, non-distinctive hallways and poorly differentiated routes. Wayfinding problems can cause anxiety, distress, and decreased interaction in individuals with dementia. Visual cues are one promising intervention to help this population find their way more easily. The current article reviews research studies that examine the influence of visual cues on wayfinding. The literature shows evidence that individuals with AD have difficulty wayfinding, yet can still learn their way if the environment is supportive of wayfinding. There is beginning evidence that colorful, familiar (easily identified), and personally meaningful cues placed at key decision points and residents' rooms can help individuals with AD find their way.

Figure 1

The Problem of Complex Environments Note: These are pictures of hallways from two different senior residences. Note the long hallways and lack of information about what is in the hallway. There are few cues to assist with wayfinding. People who have memory and/or mobility problems can find navigating through environments like this very difficult.

Figure 2

Non-Salient versus Salient Environments Note: These two virtual environments show the difference between a standard environment without cues, and one with colorful and familiar salient cues added at key decision points. The flag and rainbow are bright, colorful and memorable and help persons to remember their way.