A COMPARATIVE STUDY ON OPERATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL ARRANGEMENTS OF WORK-RELATED ACTIVITIES FOR THE ELDERLY NEEDING CARE ACROSS ACTIVITY LOCATIONS

– Case studies of day service facilities –

Abstract

This study investigated day service facilities that incorporate work-related activities for the elderly needing care. Activity locations were categorized into four types: “within facility,” “attached store,” “outdoor,” and “external store.” We analyzed how location characteristics influence operational methods and environmental arrangements. “Within facility” involves craft-based activities that are accessible even to the elderly with higher care needs. “Attached store” involves cooking and customer service, with retrofitted buildings facing barrier-free design issues, whereas newly built ones offer greater flexibility. “Outdoor” involves physical tasks, while “external store” involves activities such as cleaning that are conducted alongside staff in regular workplace environments.