Hostname: page-component-586b7cd67f-g8jcs Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-11-22T21:32:10.111Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false
  • English
  • Français

Neighbourhoods and dementia in the health and social care context: a realist review of the literature and implications for UK policy development

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  16 January 2012

John Keady ,
Sarah Campbell ,
Helen Barnes ,
Richard Ward ,
Xia Li ,
Caroline Swarbrick ,
Simon Burrow  and
Ruth Elvish
John Keady*
Affiliation:
Dementia and Ageing Research Team, School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work, University of Manchester, UK
Sarah Campbell
Affiliation:
Dementia and Ageing Research Team, School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work, University of Manchester, UK
Helen Barnes
Affiliation:
Dementia and Ageing Research Team, School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work, University of Manchester, UK
Richard Ward
Affiliation:
Dementia and Ageing Research Team, School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work, University of Manchester, UK
Xia Li
Affiliation:
Public Health Department, NHS Northamptonshire, UK
Caroline Swarbrick
Affiliation:
Dementia and Ageing Research Team, School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work, University of Manchester, UK
Simon Burrow
Affiliation:
Dementia and Ageing Research Team, School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work, University of Manchester, UK
Ruth Elvish
Affiliation:
Dementia and Ageing Research Team, School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work, University of Manchester, UK
*
Address for correspondence: John Keady, Professor of Older People's Mental Health Nursing, Dementia and Ageing Research Team, School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work, University of Manchester, University Place (Room 6.321), Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, UK. Email: [email protected]
Get access Rights & Permissions [Opens in a new window]

Summary

The National Dementia Strategy in England has performed an essential role in transforming health and social care services and improving the commissioning architecture. However, to date, little attention has been paid to understanding the ways in which the outdoor and built environment impacts and intersects with the lives of people with dementia and their carers. One way of better understanding the outdoor and built environment is through a focus on the ‘neighbourhood’ as this is an area of public policy where attempts are being made across disciplines to unpack its meanings, significance and identity. This paper adopts a realist review method to detail the key findings and messages from the body of work that links the experience of living with dementia to the neighbourhood. Our findings from this review are assimilated and defined/presented under three headings, namely: outdoor spaces, built environment, and everyday technologies. These headings and our definitions are not discrete properties and there is some overlap in content. We found no research that sets out to enquire about how people with dementia might define their neighbourhood or that explores everyday neighbourhood practices for those living with the condition. Emerging concepts such as citizenship and, in the UK, the Coalition Government advancement of the ‘Big Society’, promote a vision of civic responsibilities and networked, dementia-capable communities, but evaluation of such initiatives are virtually absent from the literature. The review did uncover some interesting and innovative research methods that extend neighbourhood working, such as the ‘walking interview’. In order to develop a neighbourhood model for dementia, future research should examine the relationship and interaction between the neighbourhood as a social space and as a physical space alongside the active role of people with dementia as ‘place-makers’.

Keywords

dementianeighbourhoodsoutdoor spacesbuilt environmentpublic health
Type
Neuropsychiatry of old age
Information
Reviews in Clinical Gerontology , Volume 22 , Issue 2 , May 2012 , pp. 150 - 163
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2012

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

1Blackman, T, Mitchell, L, Burton, E, Jenks, M, Parsons, M, Raman, S, Williams, K. The accessibility of public spaces for people with dementia: a new priority for the ‘open city’. Disability Society 2003; 18: 357–71.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
2Price, R, Keady, J. Systematic review: role of health promotion in vascular dementia. J Nursing Healthcare Chronic Illness 2010; 2: 88–101.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
3Ward, R, Campbell, S, Keady, J. Friends for Life: a local evaluation of the one year (2010–2011) peer support project for people with dementia in Salford. Manchester: The University of Manchester; 2011.Google Scholar
4Mayeux, R. The neighbourhood as the laboratory: Looking for answers by knocking on doors. Alzheimer Disease Assoc Disorders 2007; 21: 272–75.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
5Gibson, G, Chalfont, G, Clarke, P, Torrington, J, Sixsmith, A. Housing and connection to nature for people with dementia: findings from the INDEPENDENT Project. J Housing Elderly 2007; 21: 55–72.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
6Gomez, LF, Parra, DC, Buchner, D, Brownson, RC, Sarmiento, OL, Pinzon, JD, Ardila, M, Moreno, J, Serrato, M, Lobelo, F. Built environment attributes and walking patterns among the elderly population in Bogotá. Am J Preventive Med 2010; 38: 592–99.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
7Alzheimer's Society. Dementia UK: A report into the prevalence and cost of Dementia, prepared by the Personal Social Services Research Unit (PSSRU) at the London School of Economics and the Institute of Psychiatry at Kings College London for the Alzheimer's Society. London: Alzheimer's Society; 2007.Google Scholar
8National Audit Office. Improving Dementia Services in England – an Interim Report. London: The Stationery Office; 2010.Google Scholar
9Department of Health. Living Well with Dementia: A National Strategy. London: Department of Health; 2009.Google Scholar
10Luengo-Fernande, R, Leal, J, Gray, A. The economic burden of dementia and associated research funding in the United Kingdom. London: Alzheimer's Research Trust; 2010.Google Scholar
11Wimo, A, Prince, M. Alzheimer's Disease International World Alzheimer Report 2010: The Global Economic Impact of Dementia. Available at: http://www.alz.co.uk/research/files/WorldAlzheimerReport2010.pdf (accessed 27 October 2011).Google Scholar
12Prince, M, Bryce, R, Ferri, C. World Alzheimer Report 2011: The benefits of early diagnosis and intervention. Available at: http://www.alz.co.uk/research/WorldAlzheimerReport2011.pdf (accessed 27 October 2011).Google Scholar
13Banerjee, S.The use of antipsychotic medication for people with dementia: Time for action – A report for the Minister of State for Care Services. London: HMSO; 2009.Google Scholar
14Cabinet Office. Building the Big Society. Available at: http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/sites/default/files/resources/building-big-society_0.pdf (accessed 27 October 2011).Google Scholar
15Goodchild, C, Rippon, S. Dementia and the Big Society: Report from Think Tank 16th February 2011. London: Department of Health; 2011.Google Scholar
16Pawson, R, Greenhalgh, P, Harvey, G, Walshe, K. Realist review – a new method of systematic review designed for complex policy interventions. J Health Services Res Policy 2005; 10 (suppl 1): 21–34.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
17Clegg, S. Evidence-based practice in educational research: a critical realist critique of systematic review. Br J Sociol Education 2005; 26: 415–28.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
18O'Campo, P, Kirst, M, Schaefer-McDaniel, N, Firestone, M, Scott, A, McShane, K. Community-based services for homeless adults experiencing concurrent mental health and substance use disorders: a realist approach to synthesizing evidence. J Urban Health Bulletin NY Acad Med 2009; 86: 965–89.Google ScholarPubMed
19Blackman, T.Placing health: neighbourhood renewal, health improvement and complexity. Bristol: The Policy Press; 2006.Google Scholar
20Molyneux, P.This is somewhere I want to stay. The Voluntary Sector's contribution to place-shaping. York: Joseph Rowntree Foundation; 2007.Google Scholar
21Clark, A. From neighbourhood to network: a review of the significance of neighbourhood in studies of social relations. Geography Compass 2009; 3: 1559–78.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
22Cumberlege, J.Neighbourhood nursing – a focus for care. Report Community Nursing Rev. London: HMSO; 1986.Google Scholar
23Reinhard, SC, Christopher, MA, Mason, DJ, McConnell, K, Rusca, P, Toughill, E. Promoting healthy communities through neighborhood nursing. Nursing Outlook 1996; 44: 223–28.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
24Miller, D.The Comfort of Things. London: Polity Press; 2008.Google Scholar
25De Silva, MJ, McKenzie, K, Harpham, T, Huttly, SR. Social capital and mental illness: a systematic review. J Epidemiol Community Health 2005; 59: 619–27.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
26Forrest, R, Kearns, A. Social cohesion, social capital and neighbourhood. Urban Studies 2001; 38: 2125–43.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
27Gray, A. The social capital of older people. Ageing Society 2009; 29: 5–31.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
28Ross, CE. Neighborhood disadvantage and adult depression. J Health Social Behavior 2000; 41: 177–87.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
29Abbott, P, Sapsford, R. Living on the margins. Policy Studies 2005; 26: 29–46.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
30Kruger, DJ, Reischl, TM, Gee, GC. Neighborhood social conditions mediate the association between physical deterioration and mental health. Am J Community Psychol 2007; 40: 261–71.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
31Ziersch, AM, Baum, FE, MacDougall, C, Putland, C. Neighbourhood life and social capital: the implications for health. Social Sci Med 2005; 60: 71–86.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
32Warr, D, Feldman, P, Tacticos, T, Kelaher, M. Sources of stress in impoverished neighbourhoods: insights into links between neighbourhood environments and health. Australian New Zealand J Public Health 2009; 33: 25–33.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
33Diez Roux, AV, Mair, C. Neighborhoods and health. Annals NY Acad Sci 2009; 1186: 125–45.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
34Wen, M, Browning, CR, Cagney, KA. Poverty, affluence, and income inequality: neighborhood economic structure and its implications for health. Social Sci Med 2003; 57: 843–60.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
35Warr, DJ. Social networks in a ‘discredited’ neighbourhood. J Sociol 2005; 41: 285–308.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
36Kitwood, T.Dementia Reconsidered: The Person Comes First. Buckingham: Open University Press; 1997.Google Scholar
37Kitwood, T. The experience of dementia. Aging Mental Health 1997; 1: 13–22.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
38Bartlett, R, O'Connor, D. From personhood to citizenship: broadening the lens for dementia practice and research. J Aging Studies 2007; 21: 107–18.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
39Bartlett, R, O'Connor, D. Broadening the Dementia Debate: Towards social citizenship. Bristol: The Policy Press; 2010.Google Scholar
40Behuniak, SM. Toward a political model of dementia: power as compassionate care. J Aging Studies 2010; 24: 231–40.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
41Department of Health. Healthy Lives, Healthy People: our strategy for public health in England. London: Department of Health; 2010.Google Scholar
42Faculty of Public Health. Working to improve the public's health: White paper response – Key points. London: Faculty of Public Health of the Royal Colleges of Physicians of the United Kingdom; 2011.Google Scholar
43Crane, M, Warnes, AM. The outcomes of re-housing older homeless people: a longitudinal study. Ageing Society 2007; 27: 891–918.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
44Scharf, T, Phillipson, C, Smith, AE, Kingston, P. Growing older in socially deprived areas. Social exclusion later in life. London: Help the Aged; 2008.Google Scholar
45Tribe, R, Lane, P, Heasum, S. Working towards promoting positive mental health and well-being for older people from BME communities. Working with Older People 2009; 13: 35–40.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
46World Health Organisation. Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion: First International Conference on Health Promotion. Ottawa: World Health Organisation; 1986.Google Scholar
47World Health Organisation. The Bangkok Charter for Health Promotion in a Globalised World. Copenhagen: World Health Organisation; 2005.Google Scholar
48World Health Organisation. A discussion document on the concepts and principles of health promotion. Health Promotion International 1986; 1: 73–76.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
49Eriksson, M, Lindstrom, B. A salutogenic interpretation of the Ottawa Charter. Health Promotion International 2008; 23: 190–99.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
50Mitchell, L, Burton, E, Raman, S, Blackman, T, Jenks, M, Williams, K. Making the outside world dementia-friendly: design issues and considerations. Environment and Planning B: Planning and Design 2003; 30: 605–32.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
51Burton, E, Mitchell, L. Inclusive Urban Design: streets for life. London: Elsevier; 2006. (E-book available at: http://issuu.com/filipesilva/docs/ililbykhz2; accessed 27 October 2011).CrossRefGoogle Scholar
52Sheehan, B, Burton, E, Mitchell, E. Outdoor wayfinding in dementia. Dementia: Int J Social Res Practice 2006; 5: 271–81.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
53Brittain, KR, Corner, L, Robinson, L, Bond, J. Ageing in place and technologies of place: The lived experience of people with dementia in changing social, physical and technological environments. Sociology Health Illness 2010; 32: 272–87.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
54Joseph Rowntree Foundation. The Older People's Inquiry: ‘That little bit of help’. York: Joseph Rowntree Foundation; 2005.Google Scholar
55Sugiyama, T, Ward Thompson, C. Outdoor environments, activity and the well-being of older people: conceptualising environmental support. Environment Planning 2007; 39: 1943–60.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
56Duggan, S, Blackman, T, Martyr, A, Van Schaik, P. The impact of early dementia on outdoor life: A ‘shrinking world’? Dementia: Int J Social Res Practice 2008; 7: 191–204.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
57Blackman, T, Van Schaik, P, Martyr, A. Outdoor environments for people with dementia: an exploratory study using virtual reality. Ageing Society 2007; 27: 811–25.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
58Brorsson, A, Öhman, A, Lundberg, S, Nygård, L. Accessibility in public space as perceived by people with Alzheimer's disease. Dementia: Int J Social Res Practice 2011; 10: 587–602.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
59Mitchell, L, Burton, E. Neighbourhoods for life: designing dementia-friendly outdoor environments. Quality Ageing: Policy, Practice Res 2006; 7: 26–33.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
60Mitchell, L. Neighbourhoods for life: the outdoor environment. J Dementia Care 2007; 15: 36–37.Google Scholar
61Mitchell, L, Burton, E. Designing dementia-friendly neighbourhoods: helping people with dementia to get out and about. J Integrated Care 2010; 18: 12–19.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
62Yevchak, AM, Loeb, SJ, Fick, DM. Promoting cognitive health and vitality: a review of clinical implications. Geriatric Nursing 2008; 29: 302–10.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
63Clare, L. Awareness in people with severe dementia: review and integration. Aging & Mental Health 2010; 14: 20–32.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
64Day, R. Theorizing growing and being older: connecting physical health, well-being and public health. Local environments and older people's health: dimensions from a comparative qualitative study in Scotland. Health Place 2008; 14: 299–312.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
65Blackstock, KL, Innes, A, Cox, B, Smith, A, Mason, A. Living with dementia in rural and remote Scotland: diverse experiences of people with dementia and their carers. J Rural Studies 2006; 22: 161–76.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
66Berke, EM, Gottlieb, LM, Moudon, AV, Larson, EB. Protective association between neighborhood walkability and depression in older men. J Am Geriatrics Soc 2007; 55: 526–33.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
67Cheston, R, Bender, M. Understanding Dementia: The Man with the Worried Eyes. London: Jessica Kingsley; 2009.Google Scholar
68Van Schaik, P, Martyr, A, Blackman, T, Robinson, J. Involving persons with dementia in the evaluation of outdoor environments. CyberPsychology Behaviour 2008; 11: 415–24.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
69Mitchell, L, Burton, E, Raman, S. Dementia-friendly cities: designing intelligible neighbourhoods for life. J Urban Design 2004; 9: 89–101.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
70Sheller, M, Urry, J. The new mobilities paradigm. Environ Planning A 2006; 38: 207–26.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
71Hall, T. Footwork: moving and knowing in local space(s). Qualitative Res 2009; 9: 571–85.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
72Emmel, N, Lark, A. The methods used in Connected Lives: investigating networks, neighbourhoods and communities. London: ESRC National Centre for Research Method; 2009.Google Scholar
73Carpiano, R. Come take a walk with me: The ‘Go-Along’ interview as a novel method for studying the implications of place for health and well-being. Health Place 2009; 15: 263–72.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
74Chalfont, G.Design for Nature in Dementia Care. London: Jessica Kingsley; 2007.Google Scholar