Anke Jakob | Kingston University, London (original) (raw)

Papers by Anke Jakob

HERD, 2016

Multisensory environments (MSEs) for people with dementia have been available over 20 years but a... more Multisensory environments (MSEs) for people with dementia have been available over 20 years but are used in an ad hoc manner using an eclectic range of equipment. Care homes have endeavored to utilize this approach but have struggled to find a design and approach that works for this setting. Study aims were to appraise the evolving concept of MSEs from a user perspective, to study the aesthetic and functional qualities, to identify barriers to staff engagement with a sensory environment approach, and to identify design criteria to improve the potential of MSE for people with dementia. Data were collected from 16 care homes with experience of MSE using ethnographic methods, incorporating semi-structured interviews, and observations of MSE design. Analysis was undertaken using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. Observations revealed equipment that predominantly stimulated vision and touch. Thematic analysis of the semi-structured interviews revealed six themes: not knowing ...

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Design for Health, 2017

Recent research has investigated the impact of design on providing multisensory experience for pe... more Recent research has investigated the impact of design on providing multisensory experience for people with dementia living in care homes, particularly the quality of multisensory environments (MSEs). This interdisciplinary research evolved from a broad consideration of the role of design in dementia care enhancing the wellbeing of people living with dementia and their carers. Previous research suggests that using MSE in dementia care as a resource for meaningful engagement has beneficial effects and many MSEs have been installed in UK care homes. However, evidence indicates that these spaces often fail to benefit the residents causing staff becoming discouraged and subsequently the room becoming unused. A study investigating the current facilitation of MSE in sixteen UK care homes revealed two key issues: (1) set-up and design of existing MSEs in care environments is, in most cases, not suitable for older people; (2) there is a lack of knowledge and information for care practitioners for facilitating sensory activities and environments. Based on these findings, design criteria improving usability and accessibility for people with dementia were established and user-centred design recommendations developed. As a first step towards closing the knowledge gap amongst healthcare practitioners in providing multisensory experience, initial design guidelines were published as an online resource.

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Journal of Textile Design Research and Practice, 2018

The journal article discusses the role of textiles in facilitating sensory enriched environments ... more The journal article discusses the role of textiles in facilitating sensory enriched environments and meaningful occupation for people living with dementia. It is based on recent interdisciplinary research, a collaboration between design and healthcare, that investigated the provision of multi-sensory experience for people with dementia living in care-homes, particularly the quality and design of Multi-Sensory Environments (MSEs). Through an ethnographic study this investigation unveiled significant design deficiencies of existing facilities in UK care-homes and profound lack of information amongst care professionals and care givers. The absence of textiles and its appropriate use was noticeable. From this research essential design criteria emerged which informed the development of initial design recommendations for setting up MSEs tailored to the specific needs of people living with dementia and their carers. Further, the article discusses the benefits of employing textiles in dementia care – either for occupation or within the environment. Sensorial qualities and psychological benefits are highlighted as well as the potential of applying advanced textile technologies. Further work is suggested regarding three aspects: proof-of-concept and prototyping implementing the developed design recommendations for sensory enhanced spaces to establish more evidence from end-user feedback as requested by stakeholders; investigating ways of how to achieve sustainable impact through adapting participatory design methods and conveying design skills and knowledge to care practitioners; exploring the potential of textiles and advanced textile technology for design for dementia.

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An interdisciplinary research project has evolved from a broad consideration in respect to the ri... more An interdisciplinary research project has evolved from a broad consideration in respect to the rising number of people with dementia, rapid growth of an ageing population, over-prescribed use of antipsychotic medication and the need for cost-effective interventions supporting dementia care. Within this context, this research aims to explore the quality of multisensory stimulation offered in homes for residents living with dementia, focusing on Multisensory Environments (MSEs) in particular, and whether design can improve such experiences and maximise therapeutic benefits. MSEs are widely used in dementia care as a meaningful leisure activity and a therapeutic intervention. However, evidence suggests that they often fail to address the specific needs of people with dementia due to inadequate design and poor facilitation. Also, little research has considered the impact of MSE design on engagement and wellbeing. Hence, this research investigates the aesthetic and functional qualities o...

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This paper reports the results of a recent study funded by the AHRC into the current provision of... more This paper reports the results of a recent study funded by the AHRC into the current provision of multisensory stimulation for people with dementia living in care homes, in particular the design of multisensory spaces - often referred to as ‘Sensory Rooms’ or ‘Multisensory Environments’ (MSEs). The investigation aimed to establish new knowledge from which coherent, user-centred design solutions supporting improved dementia care could be developed.
Previous research has shown that the use of Sensory Rooms in dementia care has beneficial effects as a resource for meaningful engagement and they are established in many UK care homes. However, evidence suggests that they often fail to benefit the people with dementia resulting in staff becoming discouraged, perceiving the space of little value, and subsequently becoming unused. Sixteen care homes with some type of sensory space were recruited for a study. Data were collected using ethnographic methods including semi structured interviews with 32 care home staff and observations were made from the perspective of the person with dementia. Results suggested that existing Sensory Rooms had inadequate design, inappropriate set-up and poor facilitation by staff. A focus group workshop was conducted further exploring design and methods of multisensory stimulation with staff from 4 care homes.
Based on these results, design criteria and recommendations were identified that can potentially improve accessibility for people with dementia, and published in a Guide book “How to make a Sensory Room for people living with dementia” (accessible online kingston.ac.uk/sensoryroom). The Guide is a tool for health care practitioners, care home staff and carers enabling them to create a sensory environment that is appropriate for residents with dementia and their families.

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Proceedings of the 2nd European Conference on Design 4 Health 2013 Sheffield, 3 - 5 July 2013, Sep 1, 2014

An interdisciplinary research project has evolved from a broad consideration in respect to the ri... more An interdisciplinary research project has evolved from a broad consideration in respect to the rising number of people with dementia, rapid growth of an ageing population, over-prescribed use of antipsychotic medication and the need for cost-effective interventions supporting dementia care. Within this context, this research aims to explore the quality of multisensory stimulation offered in homes for residents living with dementia, focusing on Multisensory Environments (MSEs) in particular, and whether design can improve such experiences and maximise therapeutic benefits. MSEs are widely used in dementia care as a meaningful leisure activity and a therapeutic intervention. However, evidence suggests that they often fail to address the specific needs of people with dementia due to inadequate design and poor facilitation. Also, little research has considered the impact of MSE design on engagement and wellbeing. Hence, this research investigates the aesthetic and functional qualities of MSEs currently provided, such as material, colour, imagery, spatial set-up, usability, and accessibility, with the aim of establishing reasons for success and failure. The research includes learning about the approach and challenges care home staff face in their daily work and exploring how they can be supported in providing improved care. Care homes have been visited to examine and record how they facilitate MSEs, applying ethnographic methods that incorporate structured interviews with care staff and managers, observations of sensory sessions and a focus group workshop with care home staff. The results of this study will inform the development of design recommendations for MSEs for people with dementia, potentially maximising the benefits for residents through improved design providing a person-centred experience.
At the time of the conference the project was in its early stage and only preliminary results were available. The paper therefore focuses on the research context and discusses the process of identifying and setting the problem and research question. This research, a collaboration between researchers from design and occupational therapy, is funded by the Arts and Humanity Research Council (AHRC) and supported by Care UK.

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Textile: The Journal of Cloth and Culture, Nov 1, 2008

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HERD, 2016

Multisensory environments (MSEs) for people with dementia have been available over 20 years but a... more Multisensory environments (MSEs) for people with dementia have been available over 20 years but are used in an ad hoc manner using an eclectic range of equipment. Care homes have endeavored to utilize this approach but have struggled to find a design and approach that works for this setting. Study aims were to appraise the evolving concept of MSEs from a user perspective, to study the aesthetic and functional qualities, to identify barriers to staff engagement with a sensory environment approach, and to identify design criteria to improve the potential of MSE for people with dementia. Data were collected from 16 care homes with experience of MSE using ethnographic methods, incorporating semi-structured interviews, and observations of MSE design. Analysis was undertaken using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. Observations revealed equipment that predominantly stimulated vision and touch. Thematic analysis of the semi-structured interviews revealed six themes: not knowing ...

Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact

Design for Health, 2017

Recent research has investigated the impact of design on providing multisensory experience for pe... more Recent research has investigated the impact of design on providing multisensory experience for people with dementia living in care homes, particularly the quality of multisensory environments (MSEs). This interdisciplinary research evolved from a broad consideration of the role of design in dementia care enhancing the wellbeing of people living with dementia and their carers. Previous research suggests that using MSE in dementia care as a resource for meaningful engagement has beneficial effects and many MSEs have been installed in UK care homes. However, evidence indicates that these spaces often fail to benefit the residents causing staff becoming discouraged and subsequently the room becoming unused. A study investigating the current facilitation of MSE in sixteen UK care homes revealed two key issues: (1) set-up and design of existing MSEs in care environments is, in most cases, not suitable for older people; (2) there is a lack of knowledge and information for care practitioners for facilitating sensory activities and environments. Based on these findings, design criteria improving usability and accessibility for people with dementia were established and user-centred design recommendations developed. As a first step towards closing the knowledge gap amongst healthcare practitioners in providing multisensory experience, initial design guidelines were published as an online resource.

Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact

Journal of Textile Design Research and Practice, 2018

The journal article discusses the role of textiles in facilitating sensory enriched environments ... more The journal article discusses the role of textiles in facilitating sensory enriched environments and meaningful occupation for people living with dementia. It is based on recent interdisciplinary research, a collaboration between design and healthcare, that investigated the provision of multi-sensory experience for people with dementia living in care-homes, particularly the quality and design of Multi-Sensory Environments (MSEs). Through an ethnographic study this investigation unveiled significant design deficiencies of existing facilities in UK care-homes and profound lack of information amongst care professionals and care givers. The absence of textiles and its appropriate use was noticeable. From this research essential design criteria emerged which informed the development of initial design recommendations for setting up MSEs tailored to the specific needs of people living with dementia and their carers. Further, the article discusses the benefits of employing textiles in dementia care – either for occupation or within the environment. Sensorial qualities and psychological benefits are highlighted as well as the potential of applying advanced textile technologies. Further work is suggested regarding three aspects: proof-of-concept and prototyping implementing the developed design recommendations for sensory enhanced spaces to establish more evidence from end-user feedback as requested by stakeholders; investigating ways of how to achieve sustainable impact through adapting participatory design methods and conveying design skills and knowledge to care practitioners; exploring the potential of textiles and advanced textile technology for design for dementia.

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Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact

Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact

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An interdisciplinary research project has evolved from a broad consideration in respect to the ri... more An interdisciplinary research project has evolved from a broad consideration in respect to the rising number of people with dementia, rapid growth of an ageing population, over-prescribed use of antipsychotic medication and the need for cost-effective interventions supporting dementia care. Within this context, this research aims to explore the quality of multisensory stimulation offered in homes for residents living with dementia, focusing on Multisensory Environments (MSEs) in particular, and whether design can improve such experiences and maximise therapeutic benefits. MSEs are widely used in dementia care as a meaningful leisure activity and a therapeutic intervention. However, evidence suggests that they often fail to address the specific needs of people with dementia due to inadequate design and poor facilitation. Also, little research has considered the impact of MSE design on engagement and wellbeing. Hence, this research investigates the aesthetic and functional qualities o...

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Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact

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This paper reports the results of a recent study funded by the AHRC into the current provision of... more This paper reports the results of a recent study funded by the AHRC into the current provision of multisensory stimulation for people with dementia living in care homes, in particular the design of multisensory spaces - often referred to as ‘Sensory Rooms’ or ‘Multisensory Environments’ (MSEs). The investigation aimed to establish new knowledge from which coherent, user-centred design solutions supporting improved dementia care could be developed.
Previous research has shown that the use of Sensory Rooms in dementia care has beneficial effects as a resource for meaningful engagement and they are established in many UK care homes. However, evidence suggests that they often fail to benefit the people with dementia resulting in staff becoming discouraged, perceiving the space of little value, and subsequently becoming unused. Sixteen care homes with some type of sensory space were recruited for a study. Data were collected using ethnographic methods including semi structured interviews with 32 care home staff and observations were made from the perspective of the person with dementia. Results suggested that existing Sensory Rooms had inadequate design, inappropriate set-up and poor facilitation by staff. A focus group workshop was conducted further exploring design and methods of multisensory stimulation with staff from 4 care homes.
Based on these results, design criteria and recommendations were identified that can potentially improve accessibility for people with dementia, and published in a Guide book “How to make a Sensory Room for people living with dementia” (accessible online kingston.ac.uk/sensoryroom). The Guide is a tool for health care practitioners, care home staff and carers enabling them to create a sensory environment that is appropriate for residents with dementia and their families.

Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact

Proceedings of the 2nd European Conference on Design 4 Health 2013 Sheffield, 3 - 5 July 2013, Sep 1, 2014

An interdisciplinary research project has evolved from a broad consideration in respect to the ri... more An interdisciplinary research project has evolved from a broad consideration in respect to the rising number of people with dementia, rapid growth of an ageing population, over-prescribed use of antipsychotic medication and the need for cost-effective interventions supporting dementia care. Within this context, this research aims to explore the quality of multisensory stimulation offered in homes for residents living with dementia, focusing on Multisensory Environments (MSEs) in particular, and whether design can improve such experiences and maximise therapeutic benefits. MSEs are widely used in dementia care as a meaningful leisure activity and a therapeutic intervention. However, evidence suggests that they often fail to address the specific needs of people with dementia due to inadequate design and poor facilitation. Also, little research has considered the impact of MSE design on engagement and wellbeing. Hence, this research investigates the aesthetic and functional qualities of MSEs currently provided, such as material, colour, imagery, spatial set-up, usability, and accessibility, with the aim of establishing reasons for success and failure. The research includes learning about the approach and challenges care home staff face in their daily work and exploring how they can be supported in providing improved care. Care homes have been visited to examine and record how they facilitate MSEs, applying ethnographic methods that incorporate structured interviews with care staff and managers, observations of sensory sessions and a focus group workshop with care home staff. The results of this study will inform the development of design recommendations for MSEs for people with dementia, potentially maximising the benefits for residents through improved design providing a person-centred experience.
At the time of the conference the project was in its early stage and only preliminary results were available. The paper therefore focuses on the research context and discusses the process of identifying and setting the problem and research question. This research, a collaboration between researchers from design and occupational therapy, is funded by the Arts and Humanity Research Council (AHRC) and supported by Care UK.

Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact

Bookmarks Related papers MentionsView impact

Textile: The Journal of Cloth and Culture, Nov 1, 2008

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