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The physical environment, activity and interaction in residential care facilities for older people: a comparative case study
Author(s) -
Nordin Susanna,
McKee Kevin,
Wallinder Maria,
Koch Lena,
Wijk Helle,
Elf Marie
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
scandinavian journal of caring sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.678
H-Index - 66
eISSN - 1471-6712
pISSN - 0283-9318
DOI - 10.1111/scs.12391
Subject(s) - scale (ratio) , quality (philosophy) , psychology , long term care , dementia , residential care , gerontology , built environment , aging in place , activities of daily living , rating scale , applied psychology , nursing , medicine , geography , engineering , disease , developmental psychology , philosophy , civil engineering , cartography , epistemology , pathology , psychiatry
The physical environment is of particular importance for supporting activities and interactions among older people living in residential care facilities ( RCF s) who spend most of their time inside the facility. More knowledge is needed regarding the complex relationships between older people and environmental aspects in long‐term care. The present study aimed to explore how the physical environment influences resident activities and interactions at two RCF s by using a mixed‐method approach. Environmental assessments were conducted via the Swedish version of the Sheffield Care Environment Assessment Matrix (S‐ SCEAM ), and resident activities, interactions and locations were assessed through an adapted version of the Dementia Care Mapping ( DCM ). The Observed Emotion Rating Scale ( OERS ) was used to assess residents’ affective states. Field notes and walk‐along interviews were also used. Findings indicate that the design of the physical environment influenced the residents’ activities and interactions. Private apartments and dining areas showed high environmental quality at both RCF s, whereas the overall layout had lower quality. Safety was highly supported. Despite high environmental quality in general, several factors restricted resident activities. To optimise care for older people, the design process must clearly focus on accessible environments that provide options for residents to use the facility independently.