Abstract
The growing population of elderly globally gives rise to the importance to provide better home for elderly. The homes for elderly need special features to support the decrease in physical to mental capabilities of elderly and enable them to lead an active and well-being lifestyle. Maintenance of this special feature and basic elements in the building play an importance role to ensure the homes are safe to live and will not endanger the users. This research aims to investigate the relationship of maintenance practices (staff behaviours) towards the common defects and resident’s satisfaction of elderly homes. Questionnaire survey forms were distributed to the elderly to determine the types of defects and rank the behaviour of maintenance personnel. In addition, semi-structured interview was conducted with the maintenance personnel to validate the current maintenance practice in elderly homes. The findings proven that the behaviours of maintenance personnel were critical to convince the residents in executing the maintenance tasks and to reduce the occurrence of defect. In addition, the findings also proven the maintenance practice for active aging home is differ from usual building maintenance practices. The failure to differentiate the nature of operation could indirectly affect the maintenance performance of the buildings.
Highlights
With the ratio of the elderly population (60 years and above) 1 in 10 persons, estimated to reach 1 in 5 persons by 2050, the aging population has attained a significant position in the world’s population demographics and is considered a global phenomenon with far-reaching social and economic ramifications (Sidik et al, 2004)
The Government of Malaysia on January 5, 2011 approved a new National Policy for Older Persons and Plan of Action for Older Persons based on reviews made to the National Policy for Older Persons (1995) and Plan of Action for the Older Persons (1998)
Finding the right combination for homes of aging people requires a good understanding of the characteristics of the aging population and their home functional requirements
Summary
With the ratio of the elderly population (60 years and above) 1 in 10 persons, estimated to reach 1 in 5 persons by 2050, the aging population has attained a significant position in the world’s population demographics and is considered a global phenomenon with far-reaching social and economic ramifications (Sidik et al, 2004). It is projected that by 2020, people aged 60 years and above in Malaysia would reach 4 million (Arokiasamy, 1999) from 2.4 million in 2012 (Zawawi, 2013). The new policy aims to create a conducive environment for older persons who are independent, with dignity, high sense of self-worth and respected by optimising their self-potential through a healthy, positive, active, productive and supportive ageing to lead a well-being life. This is supported by Shahrom and Zainol (2015) that a conducive place to stay is crucial for elderly to promote rehabilitation and make them feel dependable. Six strategies have been outlined in the policy, namely promotion and advocacy, life-long learning, safety and security, governance and shared responsibility, intergenerational solidarity, as well as research and development (Zawawi, 2013)
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