Interior design preferences of residents, families, and staff in two nursing homes.
The small number of respondents and the absence of specific demographic data concerning the three categories of respondents represented definite limitations. Further investigation in other long-term care facilities clearly is indicated. However, as a preliminary survey of preferences in nursing home interior design, several interesting findings have emerged: Patients, staff and families all emphasized patient safety and function over aesthetics. Yet, more residents than staff and families were concerned with appearance. Although experts advocate creating a home-like atmosphere in the nursing home, 50% or more of each group applied different criteria for specific design elements for private homes and for long-term care institutions. Design preferences for the three groups were similar, with an emphasis on modern furniture, painted walls, resilient tile rather than carpet, blinds, pastel and warm colors, and the use of paintings as accessories. Contrary to study assumptions, design features that promote patient individuality (e.g., patient artwork) received much greater emphasis from staff than from patients and families. Environmental change was considered an important aspect of interior design. Of the three constituencies, staff was most aware of periodic changes in decor and considered change as "very important" more often than did families or patients. As the nature of the nursing home patient population has changed--with residents presenting more disability and less rehabilitation potential and less likelihood of returning home--the ambiance of facilities has assumed even more importance. Clearly, the design preferences of residents who live in the facility are of paramount importance. However, it is also helpful to have an environment that is pleasing to family members who often experience difficulty in ongoing visitations, particularly to intellectually impaired relatives. Maintaining staff morale at a high level is a constant challenge in a long-term care facility because inevitably, in spite of the active rehabilitation efforts of the entire treatment team, the condition of patients eventually will worsen. Thus, an attractive lively setting can prove beneficial to those who visit and work in the nursing home. Effective long-term care, which includes attention to the physical environment, should be concerned with the triad of residents, their families, and staff. Awareness that interior design does indeed impact on overall quality of life should lead the nursing home administrator to collaborate with residents, staff, and families and to share their input with professional design consultants.
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003116:Color; D003256:Community Participation; D005160:Facility Design and Construction / Q000592:standards*; D006268:Health Facilities; D006272:Health Facility Environment; D007374:Interior Design and Furnishings / Q000592:standards*; D009518:New York; D009735:Nursing Homes / Q000592:standards*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires