Physical barriers and risks in basic activities of daily living performance evaluation in state housing for older people in Chile

Abstract

Autor no autoriza el acceso a texto completo de su documentoPurpose – This paper aims to describe an evaluation instrument designed to detect physical barriers and risks in basic activities of daily living (BADLs) performance by senior citizens and presents findings obtained in a representative sample of older persons living in housing programs provided by the State of Chile. Its aim is to develop an objective instrument which can serve as reference point for housing adaptations and improvement or for the use in new designs, appropriate to the changing functional capacities of this age group. Design/methodology/approach – The research is broadly framed in an ecological perspective. It draws on an empirical study, observing older people’s BADLs performance in selected State provided housing in the Santiago area. The approach includes some quantitative but mainly qualitative aspects from a descriptive, explanatory and cross sectional perspective. Objective observation of functional BADLs performance, as well as subjective users’ perspectives, is compared. Findings – State housing design is significant in BADLs performance, limiting functionality in one third of associated operations observed. These mainly concerned demanding reaching requirements associated with height, but also extended to other inadequacies in design or lack of elements in different situations, which act as barriers or bring potential risks. Research limitations/implications – Heterogeneity in the functional conditions of older people regardless of age and gender, as well as different housing types makes it difficult to develop standardized recommendations, requiring a tailored approach in the case of adaptations, thus limiting coverage. Further research should be carried out after performing corrective adaptations to evaluate the impact of these interventions. Practical implications – The paper prompts a reassessment, by State housing providers, of the architectural design of housing types for older people as well as the adaptation of existing units to extend independence in time rather than undermine it. Social implications – The study of the effects of architectural design of housing on older people’s independence when performing BADLs is underdeveloped and should be increased in order to promote a better quality of life for this age group through a more friendly and inclusive environment. Originality/value – This research attempts to generate an objective instrument, useful to provide evidence for architects, designers and policy makers and suitable to be applied in other housing contexts in order to improve the habitat and older people’s quality of life.Chile’s Scientific and Technological Development State Research Funding Program, (FONDECYT) grant No 1110063 and MAPFRE Foundation of Spain

Housing accessibility for senior citizens in Sweden: Estimation of the effects of targeted elimination of environmental barriers

“…Moreover, the present study provides evidence for more progressive political action regarding housing provision that meets 18 the needs of the ageing population. Efforts in the building industry and public agencies should target ways to enhance active and healthy ageing, as argued in previous research [4,30,51]. To meet the needs of accessible housing every effort to rebuild and upgrade the existing ordinary housing stock must be based on the best possible knowledge, calling for more research in this area [29].…”

“…Based on the scientific evidence available [21,23,51], also functioning in terms of ADL capacity would be positively affected [17]. Since older people often want to live at home as long as possible [52], this is of importance.…”

Deterioration of basic activities of daily living and their impact on quality of life across different cognitive stages of dementia: a European study

“…Given the impact of general cognitive functioning (S-MMSE) on everyday task performance, in addition to the contribution of physical and sensory impairment (Seidel et al, 2011) and the environment (Pizzi et al, 2013), one explanation for these variations could be that different cognitive areas are associated with performance on different basic ADLs, rather than all activities. Although many studies have explored the relationship between cognitive functions, such as different forms of memory or executive functioning (Earnst et al, 2001;Razani et al, 2007), and instrumental ADLs (IADLs; Lawton and Brody, 1969), including household tasks, laundry, meal preparation, finance and medication management, shopping, telephoning, and transport, little or no attention has been paid to the cognitive underpinnings of basic ADLs as evaluated here.…”

Housing With Care for Older People: A Scoping Review Using the CASP Assessment Tool to Inform Optimal Design

“…Maneuverability involves features that could affect ease of use, such as the weight and height of doors and windows (Figure 6). Pizzi et al (2013) identified that inadequate heights of essential elements such as cabinets and electrical outlets affected QOL. Walkability encouraged older people to go out independently and offered opportunities to exercise.…”

“…Removal of doorsills and nonslip treads on stairs are recommended (Currin et al, 2012). Stair unevenness has been found to be one of the main architectural barriers hindering the performance of basic daily activities in Chile’s senior state housings (Pizzi et al, 2013).…”