CREATING DESIGN CONNECTIONS: ARTS-BASED METHODS AS A PATHWAY INTO TRAUMA-INFORMED DESIGN FOR OLDER HOMELESS ADULTS
2024

Arts-Based Methods for Trauma-Informed Design in Supportive Housing for Older Homeless Adults

Sample size: 35 publication

Author Information

Author(s): Alison Grittner, Christine Walsh

Primary Institution: Cape Breton University, Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada; University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Hypothesis

How can arts-based methods inform trauma-informed design for older adults who have experienced homelessness?

Conclusion

Arts-based methods can effectively inform the design of supportive housing that promotes wellness and healing for older adults with experiences of homelessness.

Supporting Evidence

  • Older adults who have experienced homelessness are more likely to live with trauma.
  • Trauma-informed design seeks to positively shape the connection between trauma and the built environment.
  • The study involved a secondary data analysis of arts-based interviews.

Takeaway

This study shows that using art can help us understand how to make homes better for older people who have been homeless and have experienced trauma.

Methodology

The study used photovoice and arts-based elicitation methods to analyze interviews with older adults.

Participant Demographics

Older adults aged 50-71 living in supportive housing in Calgary, Canada.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1093/geroni/igae098.0952

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