Aged Facilities Research Articles

Research on Optimization Design of Corridor Entry Space of Elderly Facilities Based on Visual–Perceptual and Electroencephalogram Feedback Mechanisms

Research on Optimization Design of Corridor Entry Space of Elderly Facilities Based on Visual–Perceptual and Electroencephalogram Feedback Mechanisms

Proposal for a Human–Machine Collaborative Transfer System Considering Caregivers’ Lower Back Pain and Cognitive Factors in the Elderly during Transfer Movements

With the aging society in Japan, the number of elderly people residing in elderly facilities is increasing. In previous study, we developed a transfer assistive device designed to aid the elderly in transferring from the bedroom to the bathroom. Additionally, the device assists the elderly with standing and sitting to facilitate independent toileting activities. We verified that, throughout the entire transfer movement, the lumbar burden on caregivers remained below 3400 N. In this study, based on quantitative evaluation indices of transfer movements, the relationship between the lumbar burden on caregivers and factors such as psychological anxiety or cognitive impairment in the elderly during the use of a transfer assistive device was elucidated through motion analysis. We developed a control algorithm for the human–machine collaborative transfer system with the aim of alleviating the strain on the caregiver’s lower back while ensuring the elderly can use the device with peace of mind. The practicality of the control algorithm was verified.

Study on the Equity of Spatial Distribution of Elderly Facilities in Mianyang City

Study on the Equity of Spatial Distribution of Elderly Facilities in Mianyang City

Satisfaction with Elderly Facilities in Multigenerational Family Living in Kuala Lumpur

Malaysia is a blend of multiracial ethnic societies in addition to communities where there are families who have married across races and traditions. As such, within the family living in the city of Kuala Lumpur, the different races and religions necessitate multigenerational relationships. Also, the lifestyles in a city and the rural areas are different in Malaysia. Those who live in rural areas own a house with land where their relatives are within their surroundings, giving a sense of well-being. In contrast, those living in the city would rent or buy a family-size house that is designed for only one family generation. Correspondingly, the aim of this research is to focus on the well-being of multigenerational families living in the city of Kuala Lumpur and their lifestyles in landed property or high-rise housing. The research’s objective is to identify the level of satisfaction with the facilities housing multigenerational living in Kuala Lumpur. The findings that are discussed in this research focus on the level of people's satisfaction and well-being with multigenerational living in a city where the surrounding has fewer facilities for senior citizens. A new generation living in the city needs to develop a social family who are living together, comprising parents, adults, and children, whereby relationships are more intimate. This research has shown the impact of the situation of multigenerational living in Kuala Lumpur housing area where the house design is not suitable for multigenerational families living together because some people need privacy in their lives.

Construction of Evaluation Indicator System for Rural Elderly Facilities Configuration in Datong City

China has entered a deeply aging society, and the aging problem in rural areas is particularly serious compared with that in cities and towns. In order to actively respond to the challenges of aging in rural areas, the Rural Revitalization Bureau of Datong City has issued the “Rural Nursing Care Project” Implementation Plan, exploring the establishment of a well-functioning, moderately scaled, and orderly functioning rural pension model. In this paper, through the field research of rural pension facilities and questionnaire interviews with the elderly, and using the SPSS factor analysis method for data statistics and analysis, we finally constructed the evaluation index system of rural pension facilities configuration in Datong City, and established the index basis for the construction of the evaluation system of rural pension facilities configuration, so as to make the sense of acquisition of the elderly in the countryside more adequate, the sense of well-being more sustainable, and the sense of security more secure, which is the most important task for the construction and improvement of the rural pension service system at the moment. It is an urgent task to improve the construction of rural pension service system.

Impacts of corridor design: An investigation on occupant perception of corridor forms in elderly facilities

The study addresses the issue of monotonous and lengthy corridors with a single spatial form commonly found in Chinese elderly facilities. We aim to assess the influence of the built spatial environment on the emotions of the elderly quantitatively. To do this, Virtual Reality (VR) technology was employed to construct a digital twin model featuring three corridor forms: straight, arc, and folded, respectively. Forty participants experienced walking in each corridor form for 144 s, while electroencephalogram (EEG) data and subjective questionnaires were collected to explore the psychological and physiological effects caused by different corridors. The results of the questionnaire indicate that arc corridor yielded the highest satisfaction, followed by straight corridor, and the satisfaction for folded corridor is the lowest. EEG results show that folded corridor has 26.0% higher average power than arc corridor and 6.6% higher than straight corridor. The participants consume less energy and are more satisfied in arc corridor, compared to straight and folded corridors. The results establish a correlation between spatial form and occupant perception, suggesting that moderate spatial variations contribute to a better experience of the elderly. Moreover, this study provides quantitative cross-referencing information to optimize the design methods of public space in elderly facilities.

Analysis of Concentrated COVID-19 Outbreaks in Elderly Facilities in Suita City, Osaka Prefecture, Japan.

There are several types of facilities for elderly individuals in Japan. Infection control efforts, such as care provision and medical care access, differ according to the type of facility. Elderly individuals at these facilities who were infected with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) experienced severe illness and mortality. This study aimed to determine the characteristics of concentrated COVID-19 outbreaks that occurred in nursing homes and care facilities in Suita City. During this study, twenty-five elderly facilities in Suita City with a capacity of 40 or more individuals where an outbreak occurred during the sixth or seventh wave of infection were included. We investigated whether there was a difference in the COVID-19 incidence and the percentage of positive cases according to the type of facility. We also investigated the relationship between the facility capacity and positive case rate and that between the number of positive cases and outbreak duration. The incidence rate of COVID-19 was significantly different according to the facility type (p < 0.001). No association was found between the facility capacity and positive case rate. The outbreak duration increased as the number of positive cases increased (p = 0.004).

Influence of functional boundary for corridor spaces in elderly facilities in China

ABSTRACT It is crucial to explore whether optimized design spaces can have a positive impact on the emotions of elderly people. Based on the problems in the space of elderly facilities, this study proposes a ‘Functional Boundary’ optimization design method. The effect of this method on the emotions of elderly people is measured through subjective evaluation and physiological measurements. First, two models were established: Model A was based on the most typical corridor, and Model B was an optimized design of Model A by using the ‘Functional Boundary’; a walking-through video was created for each model. Second, while the subjects were watching the walking-through video, their Heart Rate Variability (HRV) and Electroencephalogram (EEG) were collected, which was followed by State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and satisfaction surveys. The analysis of STAI, HRV, EEG showed statistically significant differences between Model A and Model B, indicating that ‘Functional Boundary’ is effective in improving the performance of corridor space. Additionally, the Principal Component Analysis (PCA) revealed the high correlation between satisfaction and comprehensive. Therefore, this study is expected to make an important contribution to the development of elderly facilities by exploring how to improve the emotional and psychological state of the elderly through environmental optimization.

Research on the Design Points of Elderly Living Space in Foreign Conservation-type elderly Facilities

Research on the Design Points of Elderly Living Space in Foreign Conservation-type elderly Facilities

Exploring the Configuration of Nursing Stations and Surrounding Support Spaces in Foreign Conservation-type Elderly Facilities

Exploring the Configuration of Nursing Stations and Surrounding Support Spaces in Foreign Conservation-type Elderly Facilities

Intervention Effect of Chewing Gum Mastication in Residents and Users of Elderly Facility

A decrease in oral function is a risk factor for aspiration pneumonia and suffocation, leading to a reduction in physical function and malnutrition at elderly people.. Therefore, there is a need to develop a simple method to improve oral function in older adults, including those requiring long-term care. This study aimed to elucidate the effects of chewing gum mastication training and habitation on the oral environment, eating habits of residents and users of the elderly facility. Subjects were randomly assigned to two groups, the intervention and control groups. The intervention group consisted of 28 subjects（80.0［74.0-87.0］years）who chewed gum for 2 minutes three times daily for 2 months and the control group consisted of 26 subjects（88.0［82.5-94.0］years. Oral examination, oral function, physical condition, dietary habits questionnaire, and caregiver’s Vitality Index（VI）were evaluated. As a result, intra-group comparisons before, during, and after the intervention showed significant differences in gum mastication ability（p = 0.004）, appetite related to diet（p = 0.026）, looking forward to eating（p = 0.011）, and VI（p = 0.047）in the gum mastication group. In addition, gum mastication ability（p = 0.018）and appetite（p = 0.003）marked significant differences in changes before and after the intervention for the two groups. Furthermore, logistic regression analysis also revealed the impact of the intervention by gum mastication. It was shown that the simple intervention of chewing gum mastication used here might lead to improved oral function, increased interest of the elderly in diet and food, and increased motivation.

Socio-Economic Analysis and Ownership of Health Insurance in the Utilization of Health Facilities for Elderly with Hypertension

Hypertension is the most common occurrence for the elderly in Jambi City with an increasing trend in the last three years. However, the utilization of health facilities, especially for outpatient hypertension, has had its ups and downs. This study aims to analyze the effect of socioeconomic, and insurance ownership on the utilization of health facilities for outpatient hypertension in the work area of Simpang IV Sipin Health Center Jambi City in 2022. This study is a quantitative study using a cross-sectional design. The sample amounted to 110 respondents who were selected using accidental sampling technique. The instrument used is a questionnaire. Data processing using statistical software with univariate analysis stage, bivariate analysis with chi-square test, and multivariate analysis with multiple logistic regression test. The results of the study show that there is an effect of employment status, income, costs and ownership of health insurance on the utilization of health facilities for the elderly with hypertension in Jambi City in 2022. The conclusion of the study is that income and ownership of health insurance are the main triggers that affect the use of health facilities for outpatient treatment elderly with hypertension in Jambi City.

Multi-Source Data-Based Evaluation of Suitability of Land for Elderly Care and Layout Optimization: A Case Study of Changsha, China

This paper constructs an evaluation index system for the suitability of community home and institutional elderly care land development, respectively, from different elderly care modes with the data of urban POI, OSM road network, and expert questionnaires in Changsha urban area in 2021, in order to alleviate the pressure of insufficient land for elderly care brought on by the increasingly serious aging problem. The suitability evaluation index system is based on the intersection of Thiessen polygons with the current elderly care facilities as the center point as the supplementary land for the elderly and explores the optimization path of the land for the elderly in combination with the existing residential land in Changsha. The results show the following: ① The spatial variation of land suitability for both community home and institutional elderly facilities is significant, exhibiting a pattern of “high in the middle and low in the surroundings, with high-value areas clustered in the center of the city, decreasing in suitability toward the periphery, and occasional scattered clusters in the suburbs.” Among them, Furong District has the highest proportion of suitable areas for the elderly; ② Utilizing Changsha’s Tianxin and Yuhua districts as case studies, the optimal path of land use for the elderly are investigated to provide a foundation for land use planning for the elderly in Changsha.

Oral Functional Rehabilitation Conceptual Recognition and Oral Functional Rehabilitation Program Needs among Elderly Facility Workers

Oral Functional Rehabilitation Conceptual Recognition and Oral Functional Rehabilitation Program Needs among Elderly Facility Workers

Study on the spatial design of transportation linkage of elderly facilities in developed countries

Although the legal system of senior care facilities in China has been improved and new policies have been introduced, there are still problems such as single design form and unreasonable functional arrangement in the transportation space of senior care facilities. In this paper, we find the laws and regulations and typical cases of senior care facilities in Japan, Germany, France, Spain and other developed countries, and conduct an in-depth research and analysis from the perspective of the design of transportation space of senior care facilities, and come up with the design ideas of transportation space of senior care buildings in each country for the reference and understanding of colleagues.

The Evolution, Hotspots, and Trends in Research on Facilities of Combined Medical and Nursing Care for the Elderly

With the significant increase in global ageing and its derivative risks, governments and academic communities have been widely concerned with research on facilities of combined medical and nursing care for the elderly (FCMNCE). Using Citespace and VOSviewer bibliometric software, in this paper, we explore the evolutionary phases, hotspots, and trends in research on FCMNCE. First, the concept and connotation of FCMNCE are clarified. Secondly, based on a bibliometric analysis of the number of annual publications, disciplinary distribution, publication sources, and country distribution, we classify research on FCMNCE into four phases: the exploratory phase of influencing factors, the constructive phase of combined medical and nursing care patterns, the improvement phase of life quality, and the synergistic development phase of science and technology. Thirdly, based on a bibliometric analysis of keyword clustering, annual overlap, and burst keywords, the research hotspots of FCMNCE are identified. Finally, we predicts that future research on FCMNCE will be characterized by the trends of smart elderly facilities, smart medical services, and public health risks. Our conclusion can help researchers to understand the research status and development trends of FCMNCE and select future research directions based on their disciplinary background.

“In-Between Area” Design Method: An Optimization Design Method for Indoor Public Spaces for Elderly Facilities Evaluated by STAI, HRV and EEG

The indoor public spaces of most elderly facilities in China have a monotonous space form, which, thus, causes low comprehensive performance and is less likely to satisfy participants’ various requirements. This study proposes an optimization design method of “In-Between Area” for a space form operation to improve the performance of indoor public spaces. First, two models were established: Model A to reflect current indoor public spaces and Model B to represent the indoor public spaces designed by using the “In-Between Area” method. Second, a walk-through video was created from each model, with a duration of 196 s. Subjective assessment (STAI) data and objective physiological data (HRV and EEG), were collected from 40 participants while they were watching walk-through videos. The comparison analysis showed statistically significant differences between Model A and Model B. The results of STAI, HRV and EEG proved that the “In-Between Area” method, as an optimization design method, created a more pleasant and comfortable environment for the elderly and improved the overall efficiency of the indoor space.

지자체 내 적정 노인의료복지시설과 요양병원의 규모산정에 관한 연구

In Korea, a growing number of the elderly need long-term recuperation due to rapid transition to aged society amid the shift in nation's population structure. The number of elderly medical welfare facilities has soared since the launch of elderly recuperation insurance in 2008, reaching 60.4 per 1,000 persons (OECD Health Statistics 2021) which outnumbers OECD average of 45.6 per 1,000 persons. Users of long-term recuperation service are rarely receiving recuperation services in the area of residence, resulting in regional imbalance. The average number of nursing hospitals per capita is 460 days, and Nursing homes have the task of calculating and distributing the appropriate regional beds and nursing beds for local coexistence according to the situation exceeding 904 days (data submitted to the National Assembly, 2019. 8.). If optimal number of sickbeds and recuperative beds in the area of residence is secured, it would increase comfort of the elderly from environmental aspect as the care available from the place of residence can be felt more reliable. From financial aspect of local governments, various positive aspects can be expected, such as an increase in job creation within region and prevention of outflux of supporting expenses due to the pricing for elderly recuperation, when medical insurance and recuperative reimbursements, allocated within region, can be used within the region. Thus, this study was intended to determine current number of sickbeds of existing recuperative hospitals and recuperative beds of medical welfare facilities in Gangbuk-gu in order to estimate the ratio of facility distribution among recuperative hospitals and medical welfare facilities in Gangbuk-gu, and based on that, and if the national target of facility admission rate is 3.35% and the OECD average of 5.5%, 732 and 1,985 sickbeds and beds, respectively, must be met, the number of nursing hospitals is 5~10 based on the number of 186 beds(admission rate is 3.25 ~ 5.5%), and elderly medical welfare facilities are smaller than nursing hospitals, so the number of facilities is estimated to be higher. This is significant in that it presents related characteristics and basic course for ensuring optimal sickbeds and appropriate facility formation by region in each local government, as well as Gangbuk-gu, thereby formulating basic methodology for regional balance.

EMPIRICAL ANALYSIS OF VEHICLE EVACUATION OF VULNERABLE PEOPLE BETWEEN ELDERLY FACILITIES DURING HEAVY RAINFALL

This study aims to collect useful knowledge about vehicle evacuation such as evacuation time distribution and evacuation traveling velocity. The empirical surveys were conducted on three evacuation cases in Mabi, Okayama during the 2018 Japan Floods. The authors analyzed the data from each evacuation travel of each elderly facility and classified evacuation types based on the time relationship between the evacuation preparation and the evacuation travel. The study provides abundant information including the time used for getting in and off per resident under three ways of transportation in evacuation and calculated the traveling velocity of evacuation vehicles.

The Moderation of Perceived Comfort and Relations with Patients in the Relationship between Secure Workplace Attachment and Organizational Citizenship Behaviors in Elderly Facilities Staff.

This study focuses on caregivers who work in residential facilities (RFs) for the elderly, and specifically on their organizational citizenship behaviors (OCBs) in relation to their interaction respectively with the overall context (workplace attachment dimension), the spatial-physical environment (perceived environmental comfort), and the social environment (relationship with patients). A sample of health care workers (medical or health care specialists, nurses, and office employees, n = 129) compiled a self-report paper-pencil questionnaire, which included scales measuring the study variables. The research hypotheses included secure workplace attachment style as independent variable, OCBs as the dependent variable, and perceived comfort and relations with patients as moderators. Results showed that both secure workplace attachment and perceived comfort promote OCBs, but the latter counts especially as a compensation of an insecure workplace attachment. As expected, difficult relationships with patients hinder the relationship between secure workplace attachment style and OCBs. In sum, our study highlights the importance of the joint consideration of the psychological, social, and environmental dimensions for fostering positive behaviors in caregivers employed in elderly care settings.