LIGHTING OF OLD PEOPLE'S HOME, WHOSE INHABITANTS SUFFER FROM DEMENTIA: START OF A RESEARCH PROJECT IN VIENNA

摘要

This research project investigates thebehaviour of elderly people in improved lighting conditions. A good lighting situation should elicit the old people out of their rooms into more social areas such as dining or meeting rooms. For this reason, new lighting systems with advanced lighting management controls have been developed. Psychologists and physicians are following the reaction of the inhabitants. Their behaviour, in particular their movements, is also being monitored by special sensory equipment. This very interdisciplinary research project is being supported by national funds within the "Competence Network Lighting". Our focal interest is to obtain consolidated findings on the extend to which lighting influences the inhabitants of old people's homes. The refurbishment of an old people's home in Vienna has provided the opportunity to conduct this project. 13 inhabitants and the staff are taking part in the investigation.