title: The physical environment, activity and interaction in residential care facilities for older people: a comparative case study.
abstract: The physical environment is of particular importance for supporting activities and interactions among older people living in residential care facilities (RCFs) 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 RCFs 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 RCFs, 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.
authors.affiliation: School of Education, Health and Social Studies, Dalarna University, Falun, Sweden.|Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.
authors.forename: Susanna
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Nordin
authors.affiliation: School of Education, Health and Social Studies, Dalarna University, Falun, Sweden.
authors.forename: Kevin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: McKee
authors.affiliation: School of Education, Health and Social Studies, Dalarna University, Falun, Sweden.
authors.forename: Maria
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Wallinder
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.
authors.forename: Lena
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: von Koch
authors.affiliation: Sahlgrenska Academy, Institute of Health and Care Sciences, Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden.|Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden.
authors.forename: Helle
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Wijk
authors.affiliation: School of Education, Health and Social Studies, Dalarna University, Falun, Sweden.|Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.
authors.forename: Marie
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Elf
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012112:Residential Facilities / Q000458:organization & administration*
keywords: activities; case study; interactions; mixed-method; older people; physical environment; residential care facilities