“LIVING MY HOME”: HOW INTERIOR DESIGN CAN ENHANCE A SENSE OF HOME FOR PEOPLE WITH DEMENTIA

This paper presents a scoping review exploring the intersection of interior design and homemaking for individuals with dementia, emphasizing the enhancement of belonging, dignity, autonomy, and identity. In dementia care settings, well-designed living environments can alleviate symptoms, promote wellbeing, and create conducive living spaces. While previous studies have addressed the sense of home for dementia patients, few have focused on the process of creating a home and its design possibilities. For individuals with dementia, whose world perception shifts constantly, the relationship between their environment and perception is crucial, especially after relocation to a care environment. The methodology involved a scoping review of five databases (PubMed, Mendeley, CINAHL, Research Rabbit, and Scopus) conducted in November 2024. Search terms included homemaking, dementia, sense of home, identity, dignity, and autonomy. From 984 articles, 18 relevant studies were scrutinized and analyzed. The results highlight the significance of interior design in reflecting personal tastes and life experiences, fostering connections with family memories, and reinforcing identity. Homemaking, linked to personal expression and autonomy, becomes vital when addressing cognitive changes; thoughtful interior modifications can support cognitive challenges, enhance comfort, and provide familiarity. Strategic placement of familiar objects can trigger memory recall, offering emotional solace and continuity. Thus, interior design transcends aesthetics, serving as a powerful tool in reinforcing identity, aiding self-discovery, and establishing a secure environment for individuals with dementia. Future research should explore innovative methodologies, such as design research methods and toolkits, to involve individuals with dementia actively in creating and adapting their living environments, fostering inclusive design practices.