Effect of physical environment on person‐centred dementia care in a long‐term care facility: Focus group interviews with staff

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AbstractBackgroundAccording to the spread of the person‐centred care approaches, the physical environment has been acknowledged as an important component of a dementia care facility. This study demonstrated that staff experiences and opinions of the physical environment in supporting their care practices for residents living with dementia in long‐term care facilities in Canada and Sweden. Focus group interviews were used with 24 staff members. Semi‐open questions were asked about the role of physical environment on care practice, job satisfaction, and interaction with residents. Data were analyzed by thematic analysis. This study yield three environmental themes: i) design atmosphere, ii) space arrangements, and iii) sensory stimuli. The findings demonstrate that well‐designed environment factors such as homelikeness, an open space plan and stimulating outdoor, positively encourage the emotion of staff as well as residents, which leads to build trust and relationship and to increase job satisfaction. This study highlights the complexities of how care was influenced by the physical environment of the care setting.