Artefacts in Action: Facilitating Positive Person Work in Dementia Group Living Environment

This study investigates how artefacts facilitate Positive Person Work (PPW) in dementia care, with a focus on facilitation and collaboration within group living environments. Using short-term design ethnography in a care home in Belgium, we explored how artefacts act as mediators of non-verbal communication, enable collaboration, and foster inclusivity. We used Actor-Network Theory (ANT) to map the interactions between residents, staff, and artefacts to understand how these interactions create a supportive environment for PPW. Additionally, by integrating Material Engagement Theory (MET), we identified the material agency of artefacts in these processes. These insights informed the development of a design toolkit based on the 5E Experience Design Model, offering caregivers a practical guide for creating activity experiences that enhance facilitation and collaboration. This research provides practical design-related considerations for improving care practices and enriching the daily experiences of people with dementia.