• J Adv Nurs · Dec 2017

    The association between the physical environment and the well-being of older people in residential care facilities: A multilevel analysis.

    • Susanna Nordin, Kevin McKee, Helle Wijk, and Marie Elf.
    • School of Education, Health and Social Studies, Dalarna University, Falun, Sweden.
    • J Adv Nurs. 2017 Dec 1; 73 (12): 2942-2952.

    AimsTo investigate the associations between the quality of the physical environment and the psychological and social well-being of older people living in residential care facilities.BackgroundMany older people in care facilities have cognitive and physical frailties and are at risk of experiencing low levels of well-being. High-quality physical environments can support older people as frailty increases and promote their well-being. Although the importance of the physical environment for residents' well-being is recognized, more research is needed.DesignA cross-sectional survey of 20 care facilities from each of which 10 residents were sampled. As the individual resident data were nested in the facilities, a multilevel analysis was conducted.MethodsData were collected during 2013 and 2014. The care facilities were purposely sampled to ensure a high level of variation in their physical characteristics. Residents' demographic and health data were collected via medical records and interviews. Residents' well-being and perceived quality of care were assessed via questionnaires and interviews. Environmental quality was assessed with a structured observational instrument.ResultsMultilevel analysis indicated that cognitive support in the physical environment was associated with residents' social well-being, after controlling for independence and perceived care quality. However, no significant association was found between the physical environment and residents' psychological well-being.ConclusionOur study demonstrates the role of the physical environment for enhancing the social well-being of frail older people. Professionals and practitioners involved in the design of care facilities have a responsibility to ensure that such facilities meet high-quality specifications.© 2017 The Authors. Journal of Advanced Nursing Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

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