Space, choice and control, and quality of life in care settings for older people
Publication Type: |
Journal Article |
Year of Publication: |
2006 |
Authors: |
S. Barnes |
Publication/Journal: |
Environment and Behavior |
Keywords: |
care homes, design, environment |
ISBN: |
0013-9165 |
Abstract:
This cross-sectional study aims to establish whether gradation of space and daytime location are associated with quality of life in care home residents, irrespective of dependency. Thirty-eight homes and 452 residents are recruited. Quality of life measures used are as follows: observation of the time residents spent in active behavior and observation of well-being, both derived from Dementia Care Mapping, and a measure of environmental control. Residents in homes providing more gradation of space have higher observed well-being and environmental control, and those spending the day located in their own rooms have higher observed active behavior and environmental control. Higher dependency residents are more likely to be located in lounges. Gradation of space is associated with resident quality of life, highlighting the necessity for design guidance to emphasize a variety of spaces. However, well-designed buildings with a variety of spaces can offer little choice to residents if access to different daytime locations is restricted.