Design for Nature in Dementia Care

Garuth Chalfont, PhD ASLA, is a Researcher at the School of Architecture, University of Sheffield. He also runs Chalfont Design, a research and consultancy service in dementia design and therapeutic nature design. He is a member of the American Society of Landscape Architects, the British Society of Gerontology, the International Psychogeriatric Association, and THRIVE UK (Social and Therapeutic Horticulture).

• Acknowledgements. Introduction. Part 1: Nature Indoors. 1. Living with Nature. 2. Nature-based Activities. 3. Ethical Issues Concerning Nature Indoors. Part 2: Nature Outdoors. 4. The Natural World. 5. Activities Outdoors. 6. Ethical Issues Concerning Nature Outdoors. 7. Summary. Glossary. Appendices. References. Further Resources. Subject index. Author index.

Design for Nature in Dementia Care by Garuth Chalfront is the best book I have seen on how contact with the natural world can help people affected by dementia. It offers ideas for activity planning, landscaping, and environmental design in dementia care. Well-designed in format, it is easy to read and includes many helpful illustrations. Family carefivers will find lots of ideas for things that can be done at home. Institutional planners will benefit from design and landscaping tips for nursing homes and long-term care facilities. The book draws on interdisciplinary research evidence from environmental psychology, neurology, architecture, nursing and dementia care practice.