A study by Motzek, Bueter, and Marquardt (2016) investigated what types of pictures were preferred and easily remembered by older patients with cognitive impairment in acute care environments. These pictures served as orientation cues for patients, helping them to find their rooms in a stressful and unfamiliar setting. The content of the pictures fell across three categories: nature, urban, and animals. Both unfamiliar and familiar content were included. Familiar content of common items or sights were used in the local study area. To increase biographical relevance for the study, subjects that would have been common in their youth and early adulthood were used.
The findings indicated that familiar pictures were recalled more frequently, and within the picture content category, pictures with urban content were recalled significantly more often than those with animal content; and recall for nature content was similar to that of urban. Though investigated in acute care, the findings of the study can be extended to older adult residential environments such as assisted living and nursing home residences where wayfinding challenges can cause anxiety, distress, and decreased social interaction for individuals with cognitive impairment like dementia.
Boston in Autumn by Colleen DiNicola
This month's curated collection of images are of Boston, Massachusetts and builds upon the recommendation that pictures with familiar regional content are best for individuals with cognitive impairment. Using the historic Boston Common as a starting point, it includes images of nature as well as scenes from some of the city’s neighborhoods.
White Mallow (Hibiscus Moscheutos) by Arkela
Developing an art program for memory care offers a wonderful opportunity to delve more deeply into the history and culture of a local area to find those places that are relevant and meaningful across generations – creating a setting that helps forge connections between those with cognitive challenges and their caregivers and visitors.
Boston Public Garden by Sean Pavone
Let’s discuss your project and how we can help you provide an engaging and supportive environment in any industry.
Thanks,
Jeelan
----------- Jeelan Bilal-Gore Director of Art Jeelan@greatamericanart.com
