Therapeutic Kitchens in Dementia Care Settings

Abstract

"Therapeutic kitchens," also referred to as "country kitchen," "domestic kitchens," or "activity-based kitchens," have been cited as supportive spaces for residents with dementia. The purpose of this research is to identify physical features that are typically included in therapeutic kitchen design and to explore how these features support activities. Interviews and observation were conducted in the facilities with a therapeutic kitchen. A two-page questionnaire regarding therapeutic kitchens was distributed to 631 nursing homes and assisted living facilities throughout the United States. Results suggest that universal design principles, certain appliances and safety features, as well as homelike imagery, should be incorporated in therapeutic kitchen design.