Review: what evidence is there about the specific environmental needs of older people who are near the end of life and are cared for in hospices or similar institutions? A literature review.
Relatively little is known about the type of physical environment which is needed and preferred by patients aged 65 and over, with a prognosis of 1 year or less, who are receiving care in hospitals, care homes and hospices, and their families and staff. A narrative literature review was conducted to identify and analyse evidence on this issue, with twenty-nine papers meeting the inclusion criteria. The patients were found to have a wide range of views on their environment, but there was some variation between the views of patients and those of their families and staff. Four main themes emerged: the physical environment should be 'homely'; it should support patients' need for social interaction and privacy; it should support the caring activities of staff, family members and patients; and it should allow opportunities for spiritual expression. It is evident that the physical environment contributes significantly to the quality of life of older people with a life-limiting illness, and there is a need for more research in this area. Regular assessment of patients' environmental needs should form part of care planning.
Rigby
J
J
East Cheshire Hospice, Macclesfield, Cheshire, UK.
Payne
S
S
Froggatt
K
K
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001290:Attitude; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology; D006272:Health Facility Environment / Q000592:standards*; D006738:Hospices; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D020380:Needs Assessment; D057240:Patient Preference; D018907:Privacy; D036301:Qualitative Research; D011788:Quality of Life; D012112:Residential Facilities; D029181:Spirituality; D013727:Terminal Care; D006113:United Kingdom; D014789:Visitors to Patients / Q000523:psychology