Lumea, Therapeutic Memoirs for Terminally Ill Patients by Carissa Lo

“It is not the length of life, but the depth of life.” Ralph Waldo Emerson

Carissa LoTerminally Ill Patients by Carissa LoParsons School for Design Professor Robert Rabinovitz

`Lumea`Therapeutic Memoirs

In three words I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life. It goes on. Robert Frost

Carissa LoLumea- Terminally Ill Patients by Carissa LoParsons School for Design Professor Robert Rabinovitz

Cont

ent - Introduction ..................................................

- History of Hospice- Research ...................................................... Phase 1 - Understanding the Problem - Problem - Vital Statistic - Understanding the Patients - Mental - Physical - Belief - Existing Products- Research ...................................................... Phase 2 - Understanding Patient Analysis - Senses - Daily Routine- Intent ............................................................ Phase 1 - Intial Criteria - Concepts - Models - In Field Research .........................................

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3

4

1

- Design Direction ........................................... Phase 2 - Revised Criteria - Inspiration - Concepts -Models

- Design Direction ........................................... Phase 3 -Concept 1: Snowflake - Model - Application - Concept 2: Finger Knitting - Model - Application - Concept 3: Butterfly - Model 1 - Application 1 - Model 2 - Application 2- Final Product ................................................ - Lumea - Meaning of Lumea and Concept - Materials - Views - Various Age Group Scenarios - Technical Rendering and Exploded Views - User Scenario - Resources - Bibilography

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“Hospice” a linguistic root for “hospitality”During the medieval times hospice was referred to a place of shelter and rest for the weary or ill travelers on a long journey. In 1967 a physician Madame Cicely Saunders founded the first modern hospice center called St. Christopher’s Hospice in a residential suburb of London. She introduced the idea of specialized care for the dying in the United States in 1963.

History of the Hospice

Intr

oduc

tion

Carissa LoLumea- Terminally Ill Patients by Carissa LoParsons School for Design Professor Robert Rabinovitz 1

Many of terminal patients are forced to live in nursing homes, residen-tial hospices, or hospitals due to the variety of help needed for their specific conditions including cancer, pulmonary, cardiac, and neurologi-cal diseases.

Due to a lack of proper diagnosis from physicians, the solution for a terminally ill patients maybe to either hasten death or improper treatment for the patients. Many physicians do not seem to understand that keeping patients in the hospital for a prolonged period of time will lead to a decline in the patient’s mental state.

Understanding the ProblemRe

sear

chProblem

There are at least over one million patients that are diagnosed as termi-nally ill in the US of 2006.

At least 80% of US patients die in institutions from medical treatment. Most of these deaths occur among adults from 65 to 85 years of age.

At least 15% of terminal patients die within 7 days, with an average hos-pital stay being 29 days.

Vital StatisticsPh

ase

1

Hanging out with friends, spending time with family, cultivating relationships through patience, love, compassion, and wisdom, creating a cause for a future of happiness, eliminate any final regrets, attain-ment of the world, and taking day trips can lead to a satisfying life.

Positive

To alleviate some of the mental stress, there are many enjoyable activities that can promote a better quality of life.

- Meditation- Music- Dance- Theater- Art- Events/ Festivals- Sports/ Games- Amusement Parks- Singing/Chants- Concerts- Eating/ Food

Negative

Psychologically these patients may face a variety of emotions due to their fatal conditions.

- Distress- Depression- Burden- Denial- Helplessness- Guilt- Shame- Feelings of unfulfillment- Abandonment/ leaving too soon- Anger - Sadness- Frustration- Attachment/ being separated- Sense of Danger- Anxieties- Regrets

Mental

Understanding the Patient


Minor Cases- Counseling- Support Groups- Foundations- Charities- Wheelchair

Severe Cases- Need constant attention- Facilities to be close by- Equipment if necessary- Therapy- Limited Range of movement- Possiblity of Bed ridden- Physically debilitating

Patients can have emotional con-flicts because of a strained relationship between them and their loved ones. Loved ones may also have to deal with the after effects of the patients passing away.

There is a concern for the patients level of consciousness, range of movement and the duration of time.

Mike is in his mid twenties and is single. He was diagnosed with Leukemia and his life expectancy is 2 weeks. He lives and works in the city on his own. His parents live in Europe and visit once in a while. Since his diagnoses he has been bed ridden and his energy is diminishing. From time to time he has a shortness of breathe and is limited in the range of movement. Due to the distance of where his parents live it is difficult to reach him to visit at the hospice.

Jane is thirty years of age and has a husband and two kids. She was diagnosed with cancer and has 3 months to live. Her and her family live in the suburbs close to the hospital facilites. She is a very energetic person but due to the treat-ment she is on, to deter the illness, she has become very woren at times. At times she experiences pain and uneasy due to the medication. Her family is very supportive of her and encourage her to stay strong throughout the process.

Frank is a senior citizen at his prime age of sixty-five. He has a loving wife, two kids and three grandchildren. A cou-ple weeks ago he was notified that he was diagnosed with a pulmonary heart condition. The doctors told him that he has a year to live. He resides now at a retirement home with a large loving family that visits him on occasions. He is very active even though his moblity is hindered a bit due to being handicap from a stroke a couple months ago.

1 Year

3 Month

2 Weeks

Physical


Christianity

Buddhism

Judism

There are many different belief systems that are across the world. Many people surround them-selves with spritual objects to comfort them. Some of these objects are the bible, a rosary, prayer cards and pictures of saints. By engaging in reading prayer cards or the bible their hopes and questions can be answered by a higher being, god.

Other religions that are mainly celebrated in Eastern Culture is buddhism. Some forms of activies that they perform help them to relax or set the mind at ease. These activies include worshipping deities bringing them offerings or sacrfices, meditation, or simply by celebrating in a festive way.

Another sect of relgion or belief people come together for is by chanting or reading hymns out loud. It releases any bad spirits one might have and bring in good energy.

Belief



Western Culture Eastern Culture

Existing Products

Letter Diaries and Journals Scrap Booking

Playing Instrument Collecting Stamps Bible and Rosary

Books Puzzles Music

Will Knitting Quilting

Monument Scrolls Temples/Shrines

Deities Rituals/Ceremonies Calendars

Mummification Chants/hymns Processions

Offerings Pottery Jewelry

Sacred Text

Symbolism

* Note: Two Color Scheme represent the setting of the tone in different cultures

Birth

- Touch- Discovery- Explore- Food- Parents

Children

- Sports- Growth- Family -Family Album- Storytime- Parents

Graduation

- Photos- Friends- Yearbook- Family- Movies

Marriage

- Planning- Relationships- Honeymoon - Vacation- Anniversary -Gifts

Birthday

- Photos- Presents- Friends

Vacation

- Hiking- Spa- Cruise- Photo -Camera- Books

Animals

- Spider - Web- Butterfly - Metamorphis - Bird - Songs

Traveling

- Books- Magazine- Music- Car Games- Newspaper

Maintenance

- Bathing - Spa- Eating- Sleeping - Massage

Nature

- Plants - Maze/ Labyrinth- Solar System -Planitarium- Trees - Growth Rings

Holiday

- Friends- Cards- Food- Music- Family

Rese

arch

Understanding Patient AnalysisPh

ase

2


4

Nose EyesEarHand Mouth

- Touch- Smell- Taste - Hear- See

Senses

Senses of the human body are to be applied when a person encounters different experiences. By focusing on each of the sense it will enhance their awarness of their surroundings.

Morning Afternoon Night

Exercsing Bedsheets

Laundry Mailbox

Food Towels/Linens

Reading Meditation

HikingTea/ Cafe

Food Bath/Massage

Pajamas

Cooking

Daily Routine

Music


Inte

nt

LaughterJoy LoveExcitement

To create a product that is memorable and a keepsake so that the patient will have something physical to hold

To perpetuate core value and life experiences with loved ones, friends, family, and even pets

To inspire reminiscing of treasured memories that creates a sense of nostalgia

Intial Criteria

Phas

e 1

Concepts

Photo KeychainHomeAroma WandElectronic Bracelet Picture RingToy Doll

Electronic Bracelet Picture Ring Photo KeychainToy doll HomeAroma Wand

Models


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What would patients like to leave behind before they pass away?A legacy.

At the end of the patients life what is lacking from from life?A constant need for movement or motion. Due to being bed ridden or restricted movement it is harder for the patients to keep working or set goals due to end of their life.

What is the most essential or special when family members come to visit the patients?Most important part is the sense of touch. Holding hands with the patients can be very calming and soothing to a person and also having conversations.

What does Cabrini Hospice Center offer through their facilities?The hospice center has staff that offers patients and family members to talk to them. After the patients pass away the com-munity follows up after a couple weeks to a month to see if the family member is doing well. The facility offers a meditation room, music room, and a cozy living room.

What kind of atmosphere and environment is created for the patients and family members in the hospice center?When walking into the hospice center the atmosphere is very calming, soothing, and relaxing. The color of the walls are a lavender pastel tone and is decoratesd with wall unit water fountains and beautiful art pictures/paintings. The mood of the overall place is set with warm, soft, and dim lighting which is easier for the eyes and plants and placed throughout the facili-ties to create a livelier environment.

What types of therapies does Cabrini Hospice Center offer here?We offer Art therapy and Hand therapy mainly. With hand therapy a special high luxury end company has donated a few bottles to the hospice center for therapeutic reasons.

In F

ield

Res

earc

h

Cabrini Hospice Center, New York City

To create a product that overcomes the stages of Dying, Death, and Grief

To convey the present moment and the vibrancy of life

To engage a loved ones in events by focusing on physical activies

To form a depth of life and layered of meanings

Des

ign

Dire

ctio

nRevised Criteria

There is a need for a product or system to help these patients transition into their next stage of lives. Patients need to feel a sense of life long fulfillment and satisfaction in the small duration of time they have left.

Existing solutions for these patients include medical treatment,psychotherapy, and sup-port groups. Some of them seem quite help-ful, but many, including foundations and charities, leave these patients in the same or worse conditions and do not really grasp the core values and essence of life.

Inspiration

+ Books+ Letters/ Journal+ Daily Activities- Photos

+ Spending time with loved ones- Medicine- Charities

* Note: Symbols for Positive + and Negative -

Phas

e 2


Concepts

Hand Motion Plant

Hand Motion Plant Finger Cacoon Goal Inspired Flashcards

Goal Inspired FlashcardsFinger Cacoon

Models

Des

ign

Dire

ctio

nConcept 1: Snowflake

Inspiration: Snowflake Dimensioned Snowflake

Patterned Snowflake Flake Pendant Model

Phas

e 3

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Des

ign

Dire

ctio

nConcept 2: Finger Knitting

Inspiration: Fingers Fingers and Hands

Dimensioned Yarnball Book Model

Phas

e 3

Des

ign

Dire

ctio

nConcept 3: Butterfly

Inspiration: Butterfly Top View

Side View Option of handel

Option of handel

Butterfly Model

Phas

e 3

9


Fina

l Pro

duct

Lumea

Inspiration: Relaxation Pendant Color Features

Photo Magnet Tracking connection Ring Detail

Meaning of Lumea and Concept

Lumea is in reference to the Moon Goddess Luna. She symbolizes protection of the skys above. On a specific day there is a ritual in rememberance for the goddess. By incorporat-ing a sense of tradition in the product it will give more cultural meaning.

Moon Phases represents the cycle of change of time. The mechanism part of the product picture and the ring rotates on a track in a circular motion.

The Sky display the infinate and timelessness of the vast space. The objective of the product is to create a sense of value and sacredness in the product experience when in use.

The Stars represent a belief of wishes. Also star formation and cluster of stars connect to a bigger picture for instance constellations. Giving the consumer a chance to use the product it can create a sense of connection or link forming a relationship.

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Materials

Plastic Pellets Golden Chain Steel MagnetsCircular White Labels

Pendant is made out of plastic pellets that are melted into a liquid and then is poured into a mould to form the shape of the pendant. Located on top of the pendant is a hole for the golden chain to go through it so the user can wear it around their neck.

Ring is a ball bearing that is composed of steel.

Photo Disc top surface has a flat surface to hold the circular white label that have adhesive backing. On the back side of the photo disc situated in the middle of the circle is a mag-net. There is also one on the top surface of the pendant to keep the photo attached to the pendant.

Ball Bearing

Top View Oblique View

Bottom View Side View

Views

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Various Age Group Scenarios

Technical Rendering Exploded ViewTechnical Rendering Cross Section and Exploded View

12Carissa LoLumea- Terminally Ill Patients by Carissa LoParsons School for Design Professor Robert Rabinovitz

Technical Rendering Exploded ViewTechnical Rendering Cross Section and Exploded View

User Scenario

Step 1: Taking the picture.

Step 2: Downloading the picture.

Step 3: Printing the picture.

Step 4: Peeling the picture off.

Step 5: Sticking the picture on the pendant.

Step 6: Giving the pendant to the patient.

User Scenario

Step 7: Patient wearing the pen-dant.

Step 8: Taking the ring out.

Step 9: Talking to the ring.

Step 10: Giving the ring to a loved one.

Step 11: Listening to the ring.

Step 12: Rotating the picture.


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User Scenario

Step 1: Taking the picture.

Step 2: Downloading the picture.

Step 3: Printing the picture.

Step 4: Peeling the picture off.

Step 5: Sticking the picture on the pendant.

Step 6: Giving the pendant to the patient.

User Scenario

Step 7: Patient wearing the pen-dant.

Step 8: Taking the ring out.

Step 9: Talking to the ring.

Step 10: Giving the ring to a loved one.

Step 11: Listening to the ring.

Step 12: Rotating the picture.

Cabrini Medical Center Hospice227E. 19th St. Stuyvesant(212) 995-6480

Cabrini Medical Centers- Bereavement Support Ser-vices(212)- 995- 6869

Jacob Perlow Hospice Continuum Hospice1st Ave at 16th StMs. Carolyn J. CassinMs. Annette FarrellT. (212) 420- 3370F. (212) 420- 2420

ResourcesBhattacharya, Anupama. “The Pleasure Principle” 2/5/06http://www.lifepositive.com/Mind/happiness/pleasure.asp

“Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy for the Terminally Ill 2/1/06http://www.maps.org/research/sewick.html

“Older Persons’ Preferences for Site of Terminal Care” 2/3/06July 20, 1999. Volume. 131 Issue 2. Pgs 109-112http://www.annals.org/cgi/content/full/131/2/109

“Timing of referral of terminally ill patients to an outpa-tient hospice” 2/3/06 June 9, 1994 pages 314-320http://www.ncbi.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list uids=8077995&query hl=2&itool=pub med docsum

Emanuel, Ezekiel J., “Assistance from Family Members, Friends, Paid Care Givers, and Volunteers in the Care of Terminally Ill Patients.” The New England Journal of Medicine 2/3/06 September 23,1999. Volume 34, Pages 956-963, Number 13http://content.nejm.org/content/abstract/341/13/956? ck=nck

Bibiliography

Cabrini Medical Center Hospice227E. 19th St. Stuyvesant(212) 995-6480

Cabrini Medical Centers- Bereavement Support Ser-vices(212)- 995- 6869

Jacob Perlow Hospice Continuum Hospice1st Ave at 16th StMs. Carolyn J. CassinMs. Annette FarrellT. (212) 420- 3370F. (212) 420- 2420

ResourcesBhattacharya, Anupama. “The Pleasure Principle” 2/5/06http://www.lifepositive.com/Mind/happiness/pleasure.asp

“Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy for the Terminally Ill 2/1/06http://www.maps.org/research/sewick.html

“Older Persons’ Preferences for Site of Terminal Care” 2/3/06July 20, 1999. Volume. 131 Issue 2. Pgs 109-112http://www.annals.org/cgi/content/full/131/2/109

“Timing of referral of terminally ill patients to an outpa-tient hospice” 2/3/06 June 9, 1994 pages 314-320http://www.ncbi.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list uids=8077995&query hl=2&itool=pub med docsum

Emanuel, Ezekiel J., “Assistance from Family Members, Friends, Paid Care Givers, and Volunteers in the Care of Terminally Ill Patients.” The New England Journal of Medicine 2/3/06 September 23,1999. Volume 34, Pages 956-963, Number 13http://content.nejm.org/content/abstract/341/13/956? ck=nck

Bibiliography

14Carissa LoLumea- Terminally Ill Patients by Carissa LoParsons School for Design Professor Robert Rabinovitz

Documents

Lumea, Therapeutic Memoirs for Terminally Ill Patients by Carissa Lo