Room Type and Social Cohesion in Senior-living Facilities

Abstract

Abstract Private rooms are generally preferred by senior-living residents. However, having roommates may help residents to build and maintain social networks in the facility, leading to promoted social cohesion and mental health. The differences in social cohesion among senior-living residents who resided in private or shared rooms need investigation. This research collected empirical data from eight senior-living facilities in Beijing and Shanghai, China. Focusing on social cohesion, room type, and personal factors, on-site questionnaire surveys recruited 345 residents receiving independent living, assisted living, or nursing care services. Facility environments were measured and rated by researchers through on-site observation. Controlling for personal and facility factors, ANOVA tests were employed to investigate the differences in social cohesion among residents who resided in private, double, or triple rooms. Room type was found significant to the social cohesion in assisted-living and nursing care residents. At the assisted-living level, compared with private and double rooms, triple rooms were more likely to contribute to social cohesion (p<=0.01). At the nursing care level, residents with less numbers of roommates (private versus double and double versus triple) had stronger social cohesion (p<=0.05). At the independent-living level, no factors significant to social cohesion were found. These findings can be used to guide the new design, renovation, and modification of senior-living environments to promote social cohesion. Recommendations for future research and practice implications for senior-living professionals and facility designers are discussed. Senior-living facilities should be built to be social-friendly through design and planning and within the context of its cultural characteristics.