Welfare Reform on the Web (September 2005): Care of the Elderly - Overseas

Humanistic design of assisted living

J. P. Marsden Baltimore, Md.

The Johns Hopkins University Press, 2005

Assisted living, a relatively new industry, provides an alternative to traditional long-term care. Assisted living residences serve the increasing numbers of elders who need help with daily activities but wish to maintain independence. Although the facilities are promoted as resident centred and non-institutional, research indicates that many older adults and their families do not find the buildings to be particularly friendly, warm, or supportive. In this volume the author has translated research-based information into innovative and practicable design strategies that directly address those unfavourable perceptions.