A study on architectural space of group homes for people with dementia focusing on the oversight of care staff while in motion and not in motion

Abstract

  【Objectives】The purpose of this study is to propose the necessary conditions for the architectural space of group home focusing on the oversight of care staff while in motion and not in motion.

  【Methodological Approach】Two group homes which have different layouts of common spaces were selected for this research, one with a common area and one that is separated by corridors. Qualitative surveys were carried out by one observer in both group homes regarding the following points : ①movements per one minute and activity of two or three care staffs in one unit, ②movements per ten minutes of seven or nine residents in one unit, ③Interviews with two or three care staffs in one unit.

  【Conclusions】The point of architectural space for the oversight while not in motion is to raise the visibility of the kitchen, dining area, and the base for activities. On the other hand, the point of architectural space for the oversight while in motion is to raise the visibility of the flow line of staff among the four areas: dining, kitchen, laundry area and the base for activities.