Air quality home adaptations for people living with Dementia.
Lead Research Organisation:
Loughborough University
Department Name: Architecture, Building and Civil Eng
Abstract
An ageing population is placing greater demands on care services/providers and presenting new challenges to people wishing to remain in their homes safely and independently for as long as possible. Our Dementia House at the Building Research Establishment showcased how people with the condition can live independently for longer and received attention from councils, healthcare services, housing agencies and the general public. This research intends to further consider the home adaptation needs of an ageing population and explore the benefits of healthcare technology.
There is limited recognition of what 'good' home design entails and despite a plethora of healthy ageing technologies, few have been thoroughly tested for effectiveness and implementation by end-users. Purchasing advice can be overwhelming. Building on our previous research, we propose a focused, multidisciplinary mini CDT that takes an inclusive approach to improving ageing at home. We will explore building adaptation guidelines, technologies for improving physical and mental health and design for safety in the home. With the percentage of people aged 65 or over expected to reach 17% by 2050 (nearly double today's figure), it is crucial that we prepare for longer, healthier independent living now.
Ahmad Aladawi's project is one of three in this mini CDT. Aladawi's project will develop low energy design strategies for homes suitable for those with dementia or frailty. These will consider thermal comfort, indoor air quality, user versus automatic controls and safety mechanisms such as leaving electrical appliances on or leaving windows and doors open. The elderly are particularly at risk in a world suffering increased air temperatures and poor air quality due to climate change. The project will use a combination of concept design tools and dynamic thermal simulation programmes to test and refine an atlas of designs. The work will result in a design guide for low energy and safe homes for ageing occupants. It will also use existing data from a survey of over 1,000 people aged 60 and over to assess their receptivity to technology and structural changes to their homes.
There is limited recognition of what 'good' home design entails and despite a plethora of healthy ageing technologies, few have been thoroughly tested for effectiveness and implementation by end-users. Purchasing advice can be overwhelming. Building on our previous research, we propose a focused, multidisciplinary mini CDT that takes an inclusive approach to improving ageing at home. We will explore building adaptation guidelines, technologies for improving physical and mental health and design for safety in the home. With the percentage of people aged 65 or over expected to reach 17% by 2050 (nearly double today's figure), it is crucial that we prepare for longer, healthier independent living now.
Ahmad Aladawi's project is one of three in this mini CDT. Aladawi's project will develop low energy design strategies for homes suitable for those with dementia or frailty. These will consider thermal comfort, indoor air quality, user versus automatic controls and safety mechanisms such as leaving electrical appliances on or leaving windows and doors open. The elderly are particularly at risk in a world suffering increased air temperatures and poor air quality due to climate change. The project will use a combination of concept design tools and dynamic thermal simulation programmes to test and refine an atlas of designs. The work will result in a design guide for low energy and safe homes for ageing occupants. It will also use existing data from a survey of over 1,000 people aged 60 and over to assess their receptivity to technology and structural changes to their homes.
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP/R513088/1 | 01/10/2018 | 30/09/2023 | |||
| 2514536 | Studentship | EP/R513088/1 | 01/01/2021 | 30/06/2024 | Ahmad Aladawi |
| EP/T518098/1 | 01/10/2020 | 30/09/2025 | |||
| 2514536 | Studentship | EP/T518098/1 | 01/01/2021 | 30/06/2024 | Ahmad Aladawi |