Lumea, Therapeutic Memoirs for Terminally Ill Patients by Carissa Lo

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` Lumea

Therapeutic Memoirs

“It is not the length of life, but the depth of life.�

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Carissa Lo

Terminally Ill Patients by Carissa Lo Parsons School for Design Professor Robert Rabinovitz

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

Robert Frost

Content

- 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 .........................................

1 1

3

4

5

- Design Direction ...........................................

Phase 2

- Revised Criteria

- Inspiration

- Concepts

-Models

6

- 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

7

Carissa Lo Lumea- Terminally Ill Patients by Carissa Lo

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Parsons School for Design Professor Robert Rabinovitz

Introduction

History of the Hospice

“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.

Phase 1

Research

Understanding the Problem Problem

Vital Statistics

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

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

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.

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

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.

Carissa Lo Lumea- Terminally Ill Patients by Carissa Lo

Parsons School for Design Professor Robert Rabinovitz

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Understanding the Patient Mental Negative

Positive

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

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

- 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

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

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, attainment of the world, and taking day trips can lead to a satisfying life.

Understanding the Patient Physical 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.

2 Weeks

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 treatment 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.

3 Month

Frank is a senior citizen at his prime age of sixty-five. He

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 conflicts 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.

has a loving wife, two kids and three grandchildren. A couple 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 Carissa Lo Lumea- Terminally Ill Patients by Carissa Lo

Parsons School for Design Professor Robert Rabinovitz

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Understanding the Patient Belief There are many different belief systems that are across the world. Many people surround themselves 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.

Christianity 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.

Buddhism 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.

Judism

Existing Products Eastern Culture

Western Culture

Letter

Diaries and Journals

Scrap Booking

Monument

Scrolls

Temples/Shrines

Sacred Text

Playing Instrument

Collecting Stamps

Bible and Rosary

Deities

Rituals/Ceremonies

Calendars

Symbolism

Books

Puzzles

Music

Mummification

Chants/hymns

Processions

Will

Knitting

Quilting

Offerings

Pottery

Jewelry

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

Carissa Lo Lumea- Terminally Ill Patients by Carissa Lo

Parsons School for Design Professor Robert Rabinovitz

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Birth

Graduation

Maintenance

Traveling

- Touch - Discovery - Explore - Food - Parents

- Photos - Friends - Yearbook - Family - Movies

- Bathing - Spa - Eating - Sleeping - Massage

- Books - Magazine - Music - Car Games - Newspaper

Children

Marriage

Vacation

Animals

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

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

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

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

Holiday

Birthday

Nature

- Friends - Cards - Food - Music - Family

- Photos - Presents - Friends

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

Phase 2

Research

Understanding Patient Analysis

Senses - Touch - Smell - Taste - Hear - See

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.

Hand

Nose

Mouth

Ear

Eyes

Carissa Lo Lumea- Terminally Ill Patients by Carissa Lo

Parsons School for Design Professor Robert Rabinovitz

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Daily Routine Morning

Afternoon

Night

Exercsing

Bedsheets

Reading

Meditation

Cooking

Laundry

Mailbox

Tea/ Cafe

Hiking

Pajamas

Food

Towels/Linens

Food

Music

Bath/Massage

Phase 1

Intent

Intial Criteria 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

Joy

Excitement

Laughter

Love

Carissa Lo Lumea- Terminally Ill Patients by Carissa Lo

Parsons School for Design Professor Robert Rabinovitz

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Concepts

Electronic Bracelet

Toy Doll

Picture Ring

HomeAroma Wand

Photo Keychain

Toy doll

Picture Ring

HomeAroma Wand

Photo Keychain

Models

Electronic Bracelet

In Field Research

Cabrini Hospice Center, New York City

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 community 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 facilities 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.

Carissa Lo Lumea- Terminally Ill Patients by Carissa Lo

Parsons School for Design Professor Robert Rabinovitz

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Inspiration 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

Phase 2

Design Direction

Revised Criteria

To form a depth of life and layered of meanings

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.

+ Books + Letters/ Journal + Daily Activities - Photos

Existing solutions for these patients include medical treatment,psychotherapy, and support groups. Some of them seem quite helpful, 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. + Spending time with loved ones - Medicine - Charities * Note: Symbols for Positive + and Negative -

Concepts

Hand Motion Plant

Finger Cacoon

Goal Inspired Flashcards

Finger Cacoon

Goal Inspired Flashcards

Models

Hand Motion Plant

Carissa Lo Lumea- Terminally Ill Patients by Carissa Lo

Parsons School for Design Professor Robert Rabinovitz

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Phase 3

Design Direction

Concept 1: Snowflake

Inspiration: Snowflake

Dimensioned Snowflake

Patterned Snowflake

Flake Pendant Model

Phase 3

Design Direction

Concept 2: Finger Knitting

Inspiration: Fingers

Fingers and Hands

Dimensioned Yarnball

Book Model

Carissa Lo Lumea- Terminally Ill Patients by Carissa Lo

Parsons School for Design Professor Robert Rabinovitz

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Phase 3

Design Direction

Concept 3: Butterfly

Inspiration: Butterfly

Top View

Option of handel

Side View

Option of handel

Butterfly Model

Final Product

Lumea

Inspiration: Relaxation

Pendant Color Features

Photo Magnet

Tracking connection

Ring Detail

Carissa Lo Lumea- Terminally Ill Patients by Carissa Lo

Parsons School for Design Professor Robert Rabinovitz

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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 incorporating 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.

Materials

Plastic Pellets

Golden Chain

Ball Bearing

Steel

Circular White Labels

Magnets

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 magnet. There is also one on the top surface of the pendant to keep the photo attached to the pendant.

Carissa Lo Lumea- Terminally Ill Patients by Carissa Lo

Parsons School for Design Professor Robert Rabinovitz

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Views

Top View

Oblique View

Bottom View

Side View

Various Age Group Scenarios

Carissa Lo Lumea- Terminally Ill Patients by Carissa Lo

Parsons School for Design Professor Robert Rabinovitz

11

Technical Rendering

Cross Section and Exploded View

Technical Rendering

Exploded View

Carissa Lo Lumea- Terminally Ill Patients by Carissa Lo

Parsons School for Design Professor Robert Rabinovitz

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User Scenario

Step 1:

Step 2:

Step 3:

Taking the picture.

Downloading the picture.

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 pendant.

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.

Carissa Lo Lumea- Terminally Ill Patients by Carissa Lo

Parsons School for Design Professor Robert Rabinovitz

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Resources Cabrini Medical Center Hospice 227E. 19th St. Stuyvesant (212) 995-6480 Cabrini Medical Centers- Bereavement Support Services (212)- 995- 6869 Jacob Perlow Hospice Continuum Hospice 1st Ave at 16th St Ms. Carolyn J. Cassin Ms. Annette Farrell T. (212) 420- 3370 F. (212) 420- 2420

Bibiliography Bhattacharya, Anupama. “The Pleasure Principle” 2/5/06 http://www.lifepositive.com/Mind/happiness/pleasure. asp “Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy for the Terminally Ill 2/1/06 http://www.maps.org/research/sewick.html “Older Persons’ Preferences for Site of Terminal Care” 2/3/06 July 20, 1999. Volume. 131 Issue 2. Pgs 109-112 http://www.annals.org/cgi/content/full/131/2/109 “Timing of referral of terminally ill patients to an outpatient hospice” 2/3/06 June 9, 1994 pages 314-320 http://www.ncbi.nih.gov/entrez/query. fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pub med&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 13 http://content.nejm.org/content/abstract/341/13/956? ck=nck

Carissa Lo Lumea- Terminally Ill Patients by Carissa Lo

Parsons School for Design Professor Robert Rabinovitz

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