The Design of Shared Social Spaces in Assisted Living Residences for Older Adults

Abstract

Objective

This study addressed older adults’ psycho–social needs in relation to assisted living shared spaces. It examined part of a Social Space Attachment Model that hypothesized that assisted living designs that match residents’ previous homes lead to greater life satisfaction.

Research Design

Residents at 11 assisted living facilities were interviewed. Information about demographics, psychological and physical status, ratings and use of social spaces, and previous homes was gathered. Lobbies, lounges, and dining rooms at each site were assessed.

Analysis

Means and percentages were used to compare furnishing styles, colors, and accessories at previous homes and assisted living facilities. Regression and correlation analyses were used to determine relationships for private, personal and homelike ratings, formality match, use of spaces, and psycho–social variables with residents’ life satisfaction scores.

Key Findings

Assisted living interiors were more formal and used different colors and less personal accessories than previous homes. Residents rated social spaces as not private, not personal, and not homelike. Residents with higher life satisfaction scores were more likely to live in facilities where formality was similar to their previous homes, spend time in the lobbies, and rate them as personal.

Conclusions

For older adults to become attached to and use assisted living social spaces, interior designs must relate to past experiences. Designs should usually include semi–formal or informal traditional styles, more familiar colors, personal accessories, and opportunities for privacy.