TRANFORMED PYSICAL ENVIRONNMENTS IN NURSING HOMES: NECESSARY BUT INSUFFICENT TO ENANCE QUALITY OF LIFE AND AUTONOMY. (11th November 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kane, R; Cutler, L
• Is Part Of: Innovation in aging. Volume 2(2018)Supplement 1
• Page Start: 766
• Page End: 766
• Publication Date: 2018-11-11
• Subjects: Aging -- Periodicals; Gerontology -- Periodicals; 612.67
• DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igy023.2834
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2399-5300

Abstract

Abstract: We studied physical environments in small-house nursing homes (SHNH) (including trademarked Green House Nursng Homes through telephone interviews with 46 Hs, and case studies of 10 SHNHs, each with a site visit, iterviews with key staff, and observations of the phyical environments. The SH-NHs varied from 2 houses to 16 husesin the setting. At each site we developed a photo essay, taking the same shot of indoor and outdoors spaces for each essay and additional photos to particularize aspects of the site. The paper describes design features characteristics of SH-NHs and discusses the practices at each site that allow residents to utilize the spaces. to the site. spaces and fixtures with allSH nursing Homes in the United States). We found enormous advantages from the extra size of most SH-NH bedrooms, permitting a great deal of personal adaptation of the space. We also found under=utilization of many spaces, includes dens and spas and eve re-purposing of those spaces to staff or storage uses. We concluded that the more pleasing and function enhancing housing of the SH-NH cannot be fully utilized by residents unless facility policies and staff practices encourage such use. Suggestions are provided to maximize the likelihood that the promise of the new environments will be realized and institution-creep avoided.