Distance and the Use of Social Space by Nursing Home Residents

Abstract

OBJECTIVEThis study focuses on how far and under what circumstances nursing home residents walk to access social spaces within the home. Its findings provide information on nursing home design to be used by design researchers and practitioners. RESEARCH DESIGNA sample of 960 residents served as a pool for 30 days of behavior observations in five nursing homes. Data were collected on how many and in what context residents were observed in social spaces. Fifty residents were interviewed and kept diaries to provide data on (a) when they went out of their bedroom, (b) where they went, (c) what prompted their travel. ANALYSISA log-linear analysis and t-tests (N=378) served to assess whether the use of social spaces was correlated with the distance between bedrooms and social spaces and to uncover factors influencing this dynamic. Qualitative data were classified through a content analysis. Interjudge agreements, means, and percentages served to summarize results. K E Y FINDINGSThe study identified factors influencing the decisions of nursing home residents about their travel through nursing homes to access social spaces. Such factors included whether residents go to social spaces to take a walk and exercise, to see a new bronze sculpture, or to participcie in an activity. CONCLUSIONThe study highlights an array of positive behaviors among the residents, benefiting design theory and practice. By providing the right settings, features, and context, designers can encourage walking and the use of social spaces among residents.

Urban Small Homes: Rethinking Long-term Care Environments for Urban Living in Toronto

“…Having the option of leaving an interior space into a well-designed garden (safely) will reduce feelings of anxiety, and depression. This cements the concept of enfilade rooms, and the need for low travel distances from interior to exterior spaces to boost the probability that a resident would use the space (Pinet, 1999). In-between spaces can enhance the care environment, by offering opportunities to make them not only tolerable, but pleasant.…”

“…Allow for personalization at bedroom entrances, since residents respond to more personalized landmarks (Marquardt & Schmieg, 2009, Passini, 2000 Offering views of the outdoors can serve as landmarks (Wrublowsky, 2018) Immediate feedback such as personal photos within rooms aid in recognition (Wrublowsky, 2018) Study of 960 residents concluded there was a significant negative relationship between distance, and the probability that a resident would use a social space (Pinet, 1999) 38…”

“…The results indicated that straight corridors provided users with the best wayfinding (less than 30 meters long), as opposed to systems that had numerous shifts in direction. Corridors should not be too long as studies show there are significant negative relationships between distance, and the probability that a resident would use a social space (Pinet, 1999). In long-term care housing, the location, and use of communal rooms adjacent to circulation paths have direct relations to management structure, and daily routines of residents.…”

“…Rooms should be arranged enfilade, which means walking through rooms rather than hallways to get to a place (Day et al, 2000) TD between bedroom door to entry of social space must be 50' for 50% of residents (NS, 2007) Spaces 6m away would be used 5x as often as spaces 30m away (Pinet, 1999) CORRIDOR CIRCULATION…”

Cross-National Comparison of Environmental Factors Important to Facility-Based Senior Living

“…The incorporation of multiple types of common environments (e.g., open and semi-open areas) in a senior-living setting facilitates residents’ active behavior (Barnes, 2006). The inclusion of common areas in residents’ daily path of travel and the proximity of common areas to residential rooms promote their social interactions (Campbell, 2015; Pinet, 1999). Common areas for entertaining family members and friends are also recommended to promote family–resident interaction (Percival, 2002).…”