Publication Date
5-2014
Committee Members
Patricia McGirr, Chair - Robert Ryan, Member - Cynthia Jacelon, Member
Abstract
Gardens built specifically for those with Alzheimer's disease are designed with the intention to improve the quality of life for the patient, caregivers and family. The focus on human health is built into Alzheimer's garden design. This project summarizes recent literature and establishes ten elements necessary in the design of an Alzheimer's garden and seeks to relate those ten elements to sustainability by focusing on relatable sections from the Sustainable Sites Initiative: Guidelines and Performance Benchmarks 2009. The Alzheimer's garden design elements and principles on sustainability are then applied to a design for a Sustainable Alzheimer's Garden at a long-term care facility, specifically Western Massachusetts Hospital located in Westfield, MA.