In Japan, an alternative form to the traditional institutional from in care philosophy for people with dementia has been applied since the beginning of the 90's. In 1997, the government introduced subsidies for running group-homes for people with dementia. This is a case study in spatial meaning conducted at a newly designed group-living home (the latest model case in Japan) for people with dementia. Previous research has already pointed out that the utilization of common space greatly affects the life-style and made clear the changes over time of the spatial use patterns of people with dementia. Here the focus is on the role of the care philosophy in the daily life of group-living. And the purpose of is to make clear the role of the care philosophy in the daily life of group-living. Some results show as follows : 1) It is considered that during the first stage of adaptation, connection and contact with the staff affected positively the residents' interpersonal communication. However, after a half-year's occupation, when daily-life autonomy of the residents is established, too much connection with the staff may interrupt communication among residents and sometimes has a detrimental effect on rhythms of daily life. 2) It is important to provide a suitable care for residents so as not to disturb their rhythms of daily life and the care philosophy must consider the level and the state of adaption.
