G-EAT - German Environmental Audit Tool

Development of an instrument for the assessment of dementia-sensitive environmental design in nursing homes under inclusion of the perspective of people with dementia

Background

The importance of the built environment in the care and lives of people with dementia in long-term residential care has been recognised for several decades and is increasingly being addressed in dementia-related health care research. If the physical environment is well adapted to the needs of the residents, e.g. if the nursing home has a familiar design or if environmental elements support orientation, this can help to maintain everyday competence. This goes hand in hand with improving quality of life. Internationally, particularly in English-speaking countries, various principles for the implementation of dementia-sensitive design in health and care facilities have been developed in the past on the basis of the current state of research, which should guide the planning of new buildings, but are also used by providers as part of refurbishment projects. Building on this, there already exist a number of established tools for recording the characteristics of dementia-sensitive environmental features from the English-speaking world, which are also used for recording in studies. The relevance of recording the factor "built environment" for health research in Germany results, among other things, from the implications of the "DementiaMonitor" study at the DZNE Witten, AG Care Structures. A standardised, reliable and valid instrument for assessing the sensitivity of the built environment in residential long-term care to dementia is not yet available in Germany, although an instrument has already been adapted, although its psychometric quality proved to be inadequate (cf. Institute for Gerontology at the University of Heidelberg, 2006).

Project aims

From the research needs described above, the following overarching objectives have been identified and will be addressed in various sub-studies of the G-EAT project line. As a first step, the Australian "Environmental Audit Tool - High Care" was adapted to specific cultures and scientifically tested in order to assess the situation of the built environment and to make dementia-specific adaptations. As part of the G-EAT project, the tool will be further developed for specific cultures. The aim is to actively involve residents with dementia in German nursing homes. The project also aims to identify the needs of nursing homes and their staff in terms of environmental adaptations that can be included into day-to-day activities for the residents, taking into account existing staff resources.

Completed studies

G-EAT - Adaptation 

Ongoing studies

G-EAT - Case Study