Research Based Nursing Home Design: An Approach for Planning Environments for the Aging

Experts agree that there is limited empirical information available dealing with the impact of the physical and social environment on the behavior of institutionalized aged people. A procedure for pursuing this issue called environmental analysis is developing. Environmental analysis draws on a variety of social science research techniques to form an environmental assessment battery for understanding the relationship of environment and behavior. User-sensitive environmental design requires environmental analysis as a starting point. In contrast to inspection or evaluation, environmental analysis has a problem solving orientation rather than a judgmental one. The generalizations produced through environmental analysis can provide guidance for boards and administrators when planning a new facility, prior to major rennovation and as a basis for reviewing current operations.