Guiding Lights - Facilitation of Way-finding for People with Dementia via Spatial Light Cues

Abstract. The percentage of People with Dementia (PwD) in residential nursing homes is increasing. PwD are facing difficulties in their daily activities, including way-finding. In this paper, we propose light cues as a solution for supporting PwD in orientation and way-finding in the facilities. A study on a spatial searching task with four participants was conducted. Preliminary results indicate a strong effect of the spatial light cues on turning behavior and orientation. It can help PwD in turning towards the right direction without the requirement of operating assistive devices. In the long-term perspective, light cues which are dynamic and adaptable to the context will be embedded in the environment.

• Type: Journal
• Year: 2015
• Where: AMI
• Authors: Stefanie Ebert, Valeria Bopp, Nam Tung Ly, Robert Tscharn
• Keywords: AMI 2015, Artificial Intelligence