Pub Date : 2016-04-02DOI: 10.1080/02763893.2016.1162256
G. Eilertsen, G. Horgen, Tor Martin Kvikstad, Helle K. Falkenberg
ABSTRACT Lighting has been identified as a significant environmental attribute for promoting vision and general health among older people, enabling successful aging at home, but it has received little attention in the literature. Indoor lighting levels, self-reported vision and general health, and activities of daily life were measured in 114 healthy 75-year-old Norwegians. Despite very low levels of indoor lighting, the subjects were happy and healthy. There is a large discrepancy between self-assessed health and recommended lighting levels, and low awareness of the effect of lighting on age-related vision loss or daily living in the future. Knowledge of how to utilize indoor lighting to ensure healthy and safe aging in the home is needed.
{"title":"Happy Living in Darkness! Indoor Lighting in Relation to Activities of Daily Living, Visual and General Health in 75-Year-Olds Living at Home","authors":"G. Eilertsen, G. Horgen, Tor Martin Kvikstad, Helle K. Falkenberg","doi":"10.1080/02763893.2016.1162256","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/02763893.2016.1162256","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT Lighting has been identified as a significant environmental attribute for promoting vision and general health among older people, enabling successful aging at home, but it has received little attention in the literature. Indoor lighting levels, self-reported vision and general health, and activities of daily life were measured in 114 healthy 75-year-old Norwegians. Despite very low levels of indoor lighting, the subjects were happy and healthy. There is a large discrepancy between self-assessed health and recommended lighting levels, and low awareness of the effect of lighting on age-related vision loss or daily living in the future. Knowledge of how to utilize indoor lighting to ensure healthy and safe aging in the home is needed.","PeriodicalId":46221,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Housing for the Elderly","volume":"30 1","pages":"199 - 213"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2016-04-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1080/02763893.2016.1162256","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"59425263","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2016-04-02DOI: 10.1080/02763893.2016.1162257
Janet Sutherland, Jonathan Tarbatt
ABSTRACT In the United Kingdom, the supply of new homes to the housing market tends to be focused either on “general-needs” housing on the one hand, or on special-needs housing for the elderly on the other, with relatively few people moving into homes that will support their independence as they age. Against the backdrop of the UK's chronic housing shortage and the UK government's recent Housing Standards Review, this case study of a mainstream housing development—which meets so-called “Lifetime Homes” in “Lifetime Neighborhoods” standards—identifies specific design and locational features that have attracted “downsizers” to buy into it, as well as those they subsequently found problematic.
{"title":"The Design of Mainstream Housing for Downsizers","authors":"Janet Sutherland, Jonathan Tarbatt","doi":"10.1080/02763893.2016.1162257","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/02763893.2016.1162257","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT In the United Kingdom, the supply of new homes to the housing market tends to be focused either on “general-needs” housing on the one hand, or on special-needs housing for the elderly on the other, with relatively few people moving into homes that will support their independence as they age. Against the backdrop of the UK's chronic housing shortage and the UK government's recent Housing Standards Review, this case study of a mainstream housing development—which meets so-called “Lifetime Homes” in “Lifetime Neighborhoods” standards—identifies specific design and locational features that have attracted “downsizers” to buy into it, as well as those they subsequently found problematic.","PeriodicalId":46221,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Housing for the Elderly","volume":"30 1","pages":"214 - 235"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2016-04-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1080/02763893.2016.1162257","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"59425363","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2016-04-02DOI: 10.1080/02763893.2016.1162254
A. Glicksman, L. Ring, M. Kleban
ABSTRACT Although there is no generally agreed upon definition of the term age friendly, almost all definitions share the same health related goals. Menec et. al. offered a conceptual framework defining age friendly as efforts to increase connectivity. Our analysis was designed to test the hypothesis that targets of many age friendly efforts (food, housing, transportation and social capital) are associated with these health outcomes. We discovered that the two areas associated with increasing connectivity, transportation and social capital, were associated with the age-friendly health related goals. We conclude that Menec's framework provides a useful way of defining age friendly interventions.
{"title":"Defining a Framework for Age-Friendly Interventions","authors":"A. Glicksman, L. Ring, M. Kleban","doi":"10.1080/02763893.2016.1162254","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/02763893.2016.1162254","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT Although there is no generally agreed upon definition of the term age friendly, almost all definitions share the same health related goals. Menec et. al. offered a conceptual framework defining age friendly as efforts to increase connectivity. Our analysis was designed to test the hypothesis that targets of many age friendly efforts (food, housing, transportation and social capital) are associated with these health outcomes. We discovered that the two areas associated with increasing connectivity, transportation and social capital, were associated with the age-friendly health related goals. We conclude that Menec's framework provides a useful way of defining age friendly interventions.","PeriodicalId":46221,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Housing for the Elderly","volume":"30 1","pages":"175 - 184"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2016-04-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1080/02763893.2016.1162254","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"59425151","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2016-04-02DOI: 10.1080/02763893.2016.1162252
M. T. Gonzalez, M. Kirkevold
ABSTRACT Sensory gardens are increasingly popular in Norwegian nursing homes. This study examined the design characteristics of Norwegian sensory gardens using a cross-sectional web survey design addressing nursing home leaders (n = 121). The findings revealed that Norwegian sensory gardens were generally compliant with recommended design guidelines involving sensory experiences, stable walkways, landmarks, accessibility, visibility from indoors, seating features, and prosthetic supports. There is, however, a potential for further improvements concerning walkways with rails, access to alarm systems, clear signposts to toilets from the outdoors, lighting in the evenings, greenhouses, increased awareness of edible and nontoxic plants, and maintenance of the gardens.
{"title":"Design Characteristics of Sensory Gardens in Norwegian Nursing Homes: A Cross-Sectional E-Mail Survey","authors":"M. T. Gonzalez, M. Kirkevold","doi":"10.1080/02763893.2016.1162252","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/02763893.2016.1162252","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT Sensory gardens are increasingly popular in Norwegian nursing homes. This study examined the design characteristics of Norwegian sensory gardens using a cross-sectional web survey design addressing nursing home leaders (n = 121). The findings revealed that Norwegian sensory gardens were generally compliant with recommended design guidelines involving sensory experiences, stable walkways, landmarks, accessibility, visibility from indoors, seating features, and prosthetic supports. There is, however, a potential for further improvements concerning walkways with rails, access to alarm systems, clear signposts to toilets from the outdoors, lighting in the evenings, greenhouses, increased awareness of edible and nontoxic plants, and maintenance of the gardens.","PeriodicalId":46221,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Housing for the Elderly","volume":"30 1","pages":"141 - 155"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2016-04-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1080/02763893.2016.1162252","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"59424727","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2016-04-02DOI: 10.1080/02763893.2016.1162251
Clíona Rooney, K. Hadjri, Máirín Rooney, Verity Faith, Keith McAllister, C. Craig
ABSTRACT This article explores perceptions on the suitability and effectiveness of Lifetime Homes standards (LTHS) for those with visual impairment in Northern Ireland. LTHS are a series of mandatory United Kingdom public-sector housing design interventions, providing a model for ensuring accessible and adaptable homes throughout an occupant's life span. An aging demographic with increasing incidence of diabetes has led to rising numbers of elderly, visually impaired people wanting to remain in their homes for longer. Qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with 13 key stakeholders and thematically analyzed. Although findings show that employing LTHS offers benefits to visually impaired residents, shortcomings were also identified. Evidence indicates a need for policy makers, health-care professionals, and housing associations to modify practices to better meet the housing needs of visually impaired people. Findings may also be applicable to those with other impairments and disabilities in relation to housing for elderly residents.
{"title":"Meeting the Needs of Visually Impaired People Living in Lifetime Homes","authors":"Clíona Rooney, K. Hadjri, Máirín Rooney, Verity Faith, Keith McAllister, C. Craig","doi":"10.1080/02763893.2016.1162251","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/02763893.2016.1162251","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT This article explores perceptions on the suitability and effectiveness of Lifetime Homes standards (LTHS) for those with visual impairment in Northern Ireland. LTHS are a series of mandatory United Kingdom public-sector housing design interventions, providing a model for ensuring accessible and adaptable homes throughout an occupant's life span. An aging demographic with increasing incidence of diabetes has led to rising numbers of elderly, visually impaired people wanting to remain in their homes for longer. Qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with 13 key stakeholders and thematically analyzed. Although findings show that employing LTHS offers benefits to visually impaired residents, shortcomings were also identified. Evidence indicates a need for policy makers, health-care professionals, and housing associations to modify practices to better meet the housing needs of visually impaired people. Findings may also be applicable to those with other impairments and disabilities in relation to housing for elderly residents.","PeriodicalId":46221,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Housing for the Elderly","volume":"30 1","pages":"123 - 140"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2016-04-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1080/02763893.2016.1162251","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"59424594","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2016-04-02DOI: 10.1080/02763893.2016.1162255
L. Morgan, Rosa Pérez, Ann Christine Frankowski, Mary Nemec, C. Bennett
ABSTRACT An unknown number of mentally ill elders in the United States receive care in assisted living, along with persons facing physical or cognitive challenges. While dementia is familiar in assisted living, our data indicate that neither staff nor residents are prepared to work or live with the mentally ill. Challenges are created for professionals, since these residents bring diverse needs. Daily interresident interactions are also disrupted or stressful. Qualitative data describe the impacts on quality of resident life as well as care and management dilemmas identified within five assisted-living settings having varying presence of mental illness among residents.
{"title":"Mental Illness in Assisted Living: Challenges for Quality of Life and Care","authors":"L. Morgan, Rosa Pérez, Ann Christine Frankowski, Mary Nemec, C. Bennett","doi":"10.1080/02763893.2016.1162255","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/02763893.2016.1162255","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT An unknown number of mentally ill elders in the United States receive care in assisted living, along with persons facing physical or cognitive challenges. While dementia is familiar in assisted living, our data indicate that neither staff nor residents are prepared to work or live with the mentally ill. Challenges are created for professionals, since these residents bring diverse needs. Daily interresident interactions are also disrupted or stressful. Qualitative data describe the impacts on quality of resident life as well as care and management dilemmas identified within five assisted-living settings having varying presence of mental illness among residents.","PeriodicalId":46221,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Housing for the Elderly","volume":"30 1","pages":"185 - 198"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2016-04-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1080/02763893.2016.1162255","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"59425220","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2016-01-02DOI: 10.1080/02763893.2015.1129384
M. Damme, Susan Ray-Degges
ABSTRACT This study asserts that in order to enhance functionality of home modification, caregivers need specific training by professionals before environmental changes create confusion. The purpose of this study was to investigate the beliefs and attitudes of caregivers regarding the effects of environments on the independence of a family member with dementia living in the home. Using a phenomenological approach to gather narrative information about caregiving and the home environment, semi-structured interview questions were conducted with six caregivers in a rural Midwestern county. Two main themes emerged from the caregiver perceptions regarding attitudes about the physical environment: (a) change within the home creates confusion in the care recipient; and (b) there are few changes in the home that will increase the independence of a person with dementia. The findings of the study resulted in a deeper understanding of caregivers’ attitudes about the physical environment and their resistance to environmental changes.
{"title":"A Qualitative Study on Home Modification of Rural Caregivers for People with Dementia","authors":"M. Damme, Susan Ray-Degges","doi":"10.1080/02763893.2015.1129384","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/02763893.2015.1129384","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT This study asserts that in order to enhance functionality of home modification, caregivers need specific training by professionals before environmental changes create confusion. The purpose of this study was to investigate the beliefs and attitudes of caregivers regarding the effects of environments on the independence of a family member with dementia living in the home. Using a phenomenological approach to gather narrative information about caregiving and the home environment, semi-structured interview questions were conducted with six caregivers in a rural Midwestern county. Two main themes emerged from the caregiver perceptions regarding attitudes about the physical environment: (a) change within the home creates confusion in the care recipient; and (b) there are few changes in the home that will increase the independence of a person with dementia. The findings of the study resulted in a deeper understanding of caregivers’ attitudes about the physical environment and their resistance to environmental changes.","PeriodicalId":46221,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Housing for the Elderly","volume":"30 1","pages":"106 - 89"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2016-01-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1080/02763893.2015.1129384","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"59424006","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2016-01-02DOI: 10.1080/02763893.2015.1129385
B. Elias, Suzanne L. Cook
ABSTRACT An innovative housing model that provides integrated support services to a mixed community of adults with physical, developmental, and mental health needs demonstrates how the use of social and personal space intersects with social participation levels. Case study findings from the first two years of this five-year research project at Reena Community Residence will report on the lived experience of a diverse, multigenerational population as they transition from various residential settings and connect to a new “intentional community with supports.” It is important when considering housing for older adults who are aging in place to recognize that these tenants with special needs age much earlier than the rest of the population. Tenant responses define their personal space and environmental fit. Emerging levels of social participation are being recognized by the tenants as life-changing events.
{"title":"Exploring the Connection Between Personal Space and Social Participation","authors":"B. Elias, Suzanne L. Cook","doi":"10.1080/02763893.2015.1129385","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/02763893.2015.1129385","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT An innovative housing model that provides integrated support services to a mixed community of adults with physical, developmental, and mental health needs demonstrates how the use of social and personal space intersects with social participation levels. Case study findings from the first two years of this five-year research project at Reena Community Residence will report on the lived experience of a diverse, multigenerational population as they transition from various residential settings and connect to a new “intentional community with supports.” It is important when considering housing for older adults who are aging in place to recognize that these tenants with special needs age much earlier than the rest of the population. Tenant responses define their personal space and environmental fit. Emerging levels of social participation are being recognized by the tenants as life-changing events.","PeriodicalId":46221,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Housing for the Elderly","volume":"30 1","pages":"107 - 122"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2016-01-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1080/02763893.2015.1129385","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"59424123","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2016-01-02DOI: 10.1080/02763893.2015.1129381
J. van Hoof, M. L. Janssen, C. M. C. Heesakkers, W. van Kersbergen, L. E. J. Severijns, L. A. G. Willems, H. Marston, B. Janssen, M. Nieboer
ABSTRACT Personal possessions of nursing home residents can contribute to their sense of home. This study investigated which of the personal belongings were considered most important, and if these items indeed contributed to a sense of home. A qualitative research was conducted with 27 nursing home residents. Photographs, paintings, and pieces of furniture are objects with sentimental value. The television set is valued for its practical function. Residents of larger rooms have more flexibility in bringing along personal items, including pieces of furniture. The results of this study can be used for the design of nursing homes or for making informed choices during the process of institutionalization.
{"title":"The Importance of Personal Possessions for the Development of a Sense of Home of Nursing Home Residents","authors":"J. van Hoof, M. L. Janssen, C. M. C. Heesakkers, W. van Kersbergen, L. E. J. Severijns, L. A. G. Willems, H. Marston, B. Janssen, M. Nieboer","doi":"10.1080/02763893.2015.1129381","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/02763893.2015.1129381","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT Personal possessions of nursing home residents can contribute to their sense of home. This study investigated which of the personal belongings were considered most important, and if these items indeed contributed to a sense of home. A qualitative research was conducted with 27 nursing home residents. Photographs, paintings, and pieces of furniture are objects with sentimental value. The television set is valued for its practical function. Residents of larger rooms have more flexibility in bringing along personal items, including pieces of furniture. The results of this study can be used for the design of nursing homes or for making informed choices during the process of institutionalization.","PeriodicalId":46221,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Housing for the Elderly","volume":"30 1","pages":"35 - 51"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2016-01-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1080/02763893.2015.1129381","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"59423752","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2016-01-02DOI: 10.1080/02763893.2015.1087925
A. Curl, C. Thompson, S. Alves, P. Aspinall
ABSTRACT We present an approach to exploring the role of environmental supportiveness in contributing to older people's quality of life (QoL), based on Little's ecological model (2010) in which individual and situational factors influence the personal projects of salience to individuals. Personal projects are self-generated and purpose-oriented activities or goals in which an individual is engaged (Little, 1983). The efficacy with which the pursuit of these activities is achieved depends on the nature of the project and the degree to which it is supported by external factors such as the environment. We explore the relationship between the outdoor environment and QoL, drawing on the concept of “environmental support” as presented by Sugiyama and Ward Thompson (2007a). There is a positive relationship between the number of outdoor personal projects older people participated in and measures indicative of their QoL. The relationship between perceived environmental support and QoL measures was significant in projects involving nature but not for other project types.
{"title":"Outdoor Environmental Supportiveness and Older People's Quality of Life: A Personal Projects Approach","authors":"A. Curl, C. Thompson, S. Alves, P. Aspinall","doi":"10.1080/02763893.2015.1087925","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1080/02763893.2015.1087925","url":null,"abstract":"ABSTRACT We present an approach to exploring the role of environmental supportiveness in contributing to older people's quality of life (QoL), based on Little's ecological model (2010) in which individual and situational factors influence the personal projects of salience to individuals. Personal projects are self-generated and purpose-oriented activities or goals in which an individual is engaged (Little, 1983). The efficacy with which the pursuit of these activities is achieved depends on the nature of the project and the degree to which it is supported by external factors such as the environment. We explore the relationship between the outdoor environment and QoL, drawing on the concept of “environmental support” as presented by Sugiyama and Ward Thompson (2007a). There is a positive relationship between the number of outdoor personal projects older people participated in and measures indicative of their QoL. The relationship between perceived environmental support and QoL measures was significant in projects involving nature but not for other project types.","PeriodicalId":46221,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Housing for the Elderly","volume":"30 1","pages":"1 - 17"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2016-01-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1080/02763893.2015.1087925","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"59422645","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}