Study
Human FactorsHigh ImpactModerate effect

Universal Design scores in senior housing correlate with fall incidence

Homes designed with universal design principles in mind, particularly in kitchens and bedrooms, are associated with fewer falls among older adults.

Journal of Housing and the Built Environment · 2018

01

Key Findings

  • 01The living room had the highest universal design score.
  • 02Seniors spend most of their time in the living room and kitchen.
  • 03A low universal design score in the kitchen and bedroom was associated with a higher number of falls.
  • 04Low universal design scores were not associated with low safety perception or reduced space utilization.
02

Application

Design takeaway

Designers should implement universal design features more rigorously in kitchens and bedrooms within senior housing to reduce the incidence of falls.

How to apply

When designing or retrofitting spaces for older adults, use a comprehensive checklist to evaluate universal design compliance, paying close attention to features in kitchens and bedrooms that impact mobility and stability.

Project actions

  • 01When assessing existing spaces, use a detailed checklist to score universal design features.
  • 02Consider surveying residents about their experiences with falls and safety to gather qualitative data.
03

Method & Evidence

AimTo assess the quality of the indoor living environment in senior housing in relation to residents' mobility and to propose improvements.
MethodMixed-methods research combining fieldwork inspections and resident surveys.
ProcedureA fieldwork checklist based on universal design principles was used to assess apartments. A survey was administered to residents to gather subjective data on space usage, falls, and safety perceptions. The study then analyzed the correlation between universal design scores and resident experiences.
Sample27 questionnaires collected, 10 apartments visited.
ContextSenior housing (rental apartments for older adults aged 65+).

Variables

IVUniversal Design score of the indoor environment (specifically kitchen and bedroom).
DVNumber of falls experienced by residents.
CVAge of residents (all 65+), type of housing (rental apartments), location (Stockholm Municipality).
04

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

  • +Combines objective fieldwork with subjective resident experiences.
  • +Focuses on a specific, often overlooked demographic and their living environment.

Limitations

The study's findings might not apply to all cultural contexts or types of senior housing.

Reliability & validity

Reliability could be improved by having multiple researchers use the checklist to ensure consistency. Validity is supported by correlating objective environmental measures with subjective user experiences and objective fall data.

Think critically

To what extent do cultural norms regarding home design influence the effectiveness of universal design principles in preventing falls among seniors?

05

Design Principles

"Environments designed with universal principles are safer and more functional for older adults."

This research highlights the direct impact of environmental design on the physical well-being and safety of elderly residents. By understanding which design elements contribute to a safer living space, designers can proactively create environments that reduce risks and enhance the quality of life for this demographic.

06

What This Means for Your Design

Homes for older people are safer if they are designed to be easy to use for everyone, especially in the kitchen and bedroom, as this can help prevent falls.

How to use in your project

  • 1.Use the findings to justify the importance of universal design in your design project.
  • 2.Reference the correlation between specific design features and user outcomes to support your design decisions.
07

Add to My Project

08

Quick Cite

(2018). Assessing the quality of the indoor environment of senior housing for a better mobility: a Swedish case study. Journal of Housing and the Built Environment. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10901-018-9623-4 Retrieved from https://designdex.org/study/daebb93e-3e48-40c3-86fe-bc76e3e95961/universal-design-scores-in-senior-housing-correlate-with-fall-incidence

Paragraph starter

This research indicates that a lower adherence to universal design principles in senior housing, particularly within kitchens and bedrooms, is associated with an increased risk of falls among residents. This underscores the importance of integrating universal design strategies into the design process to enhance occupant safety and well-being.

09

Source

Journal of Housing and the Built Environment

Assessing the quality of the indoor environment of senior housing for a better mobility: a Swedish case study

journal · 2018

View source

Questions about this research

What does the research say about universal design scores in senior housing correlate with fall incidence?
Designers should implement universal design features more rigorously in kitchens and bedrooms within senior housing to reduce the incidence of falls. Evidence: Journal of Housing and the Built Environment (2018).
Why does "Universal Design scores in senior housing correlate with fall incidence" matter for design?
This research highlights the direct impact of environmental design on the physical well-being and safety of elderly residents. By understanding which design elements contribute to a safer living space, designers can proactively create environments that reduce risks and enhance the quality of life for this demographic.
How can designers apply this research?
Designers should implement universal design features more rigorously in kitchens and bedrooms within senior housing to reduce the incidence of falls.
What were the main findings?
The living room had the highest universal design score.. Seniors spend most of their time in the living room and kitchen.. A low universal design score in the kitchen and bedroom was associated with a higher number of falls.. Low universal design scores were not associated with low safety perception or reduced space utilization.
What research method was used?
Mixed-methods research combining fieldwork inspections and resident surveys. with 27 questionnaires collected, 10 apartments visited..
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence strength is rated Moderate effect, based on a 2018 journal from Journal of Housing and the Built Environment.
What should I do differently in my next project?
When designing or retrofitting spaces for older adults, use a comprehensive checklist to evaluate universal design compliance, paying close attention to features in kitchens and bedrooms that impact mobility and stability.
What are the limitations?
The study was conducted in a specific location in Sweden, and the sample size was relatively small, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.
Is there evidence that universal design affects design outcomes?
Apartments with lower adherence to universal design principles, especially in kitchens and bedrooms, reported more falls among residents, though this did not affect their overall sense of safety or how they used their space. This research highlights the direct impact of environmental design on the physical well-being a Source: Journal of Housing and the Built Environment (2018).
Where does this senior housing research apply?
Senior housing (rental apartments for older adults aged 65+). It sits within human factors research on designdex.org.

Related research topics

universal design design research · evidence on universal design · does universal design improve design outcomes · senior housing studies for designers · universal design and senior housing findings · human factors research evidence