Abstract:

Because elderly people are living longer in nursing homes, their quality of life in these facilities is becoming increasingly important. To deal with this challenge, architects are concentrating on de-institutionalizing nursing homes. This has major ramifications for safety and security. The best way to insure residents' safety and security is to minimize 2 particulars: the opportunity to wander and their exposure to the risk of injury. To accommodate residents' innate desire to wander - while keeping it under strict control - the use of alcoves and seating areas off corridors is recommended. Other methods to ensure residents' safety and security are presented.