The inspiration of reminiscence and the nursing home

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Authors
Call, Randall A.
Advisor
Mendelsohn, Stanley B.
Issue Date
1988
Keyword
Degree
Thesis (B. Arch.)
Department
College of Architecture and Planning
Other Identifiers
Abstract

The nursing home is an institution that fulfills a need in our culture. There may be alternatives to the nursing home in some situations, but not all. Steps can be taken, however, to deinstitutionalize and improve the environment of the nursing home. The problem with institutionalization is that it cuts one off from his roots, places one in a foreign setting, and in essence ends one’s life. Therefore, the goal is to allow and encourage one to continue one’s life and grow even if one is by necessity placed in a nursing home.One of the issues I am focusing on is memory or the inspiration of reminiscence. Reminiscence is valuable to the elderly, because it reduces stress and helps them cope with the decline of physical attributes and mental abilities. It can also make the transition to a new environment much smoother. Reminiscence can be inspired through sensory perceptions of the environment. It may also be achieved by promoting interaction of the residents with a greater community.For my test of my hypothoses and my continued explorations I have chosen a site in Yorktown, In. The site offers advantages of proximity to an established community, to an elementary, middle, and high school, and Buck Creek, the White River, and many trees.