Artist Biography
Lauren Sicard is set to graduate from Endicott College with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Architecture. She plans to continue her education by pursuing an MBA in Project Management through Endicott’s fifth-year program starting this fall. With a lifelong passion for art and design, Lauren discovered her calling during high school, particularly after taking an architectural course. Throughout her time at Endicott, she has been recognized for her attention to detail and has had the opportunity to explore her creativity across various projects. A highlight was her semester abroad in Florence, Italy, where she immersed herself in Italian culture and gained valuable insights into European design practices. These experiences have reinforced her understanding that design extends far beyond aesthetics, encompassing space planning, functionality, and the psychology of space. Lauren is driven by a desire to positively impact lives through her future design projects.
Thesis Abstract
As dementia diagnoses continue to rise, the demand for assisted living facilities is increasing. Unfortunately, the growing economy has made it difficult for many families to afford these facilities for their loved ones. Consequently, there is a pressing need for caregivers to support individuals with dementia who cannot access assisted living facilities and for those who simply choose not to send their loved ones to such facilities. Dementia encompasses various diseases, some of which are hereditary while others are not. Unfortunately, many patients facing dementia lack the financial means to reside in assisted living or aging in place facilities. Additionally, caregivers, particularly family members already living with the patient, often endure being overlooked and forgotten amidst the challenges of caregiving. If Generation Z is the rising demographic that are beginning to play a role in the caregiving position towards aging dementia patients, is there a specific environment to reduce isolation, upon the carers, and increase peer support towards them to live a healthier and less anguished life? Care Connections is a community center dedicated towards caregivers of dementia patients. Through the use of educational classrooms, holistic therapies, and support group sessions, an innovative approach for caregivers can promote a more long term career within a productive timeline.