Keywords

Alzheimer's, dementia, hospital, therapeutic environment

 

Authors

  1. Goodall, Debby BSN

Abstract

Hospitalization brings a change of environment that often leads to an increase in confusion, agitation, and behavioral problems in persons with dementia. Utilizing Lawton's Person-Environment Fit Theory, one may suppose that environmental changes can be made in the hospital setting to decrease such behavior. Providing an environment that better "fits" cognitively impaired patients can lead to patient safety and improved outcomes.