Introducing the Outdoor Environment as an Arena for Person-Centered Care and Rehabilitation at Residential Care Facilities for Older Adults—A Care Worker’s Perspective

Despite research on positive health effects of outdoor stays, outdoor environments at residential care facilities for older adults seem to be rarely used for person-centered care and rehabilitation. The aim was to explore care workers’ reflections on the outdoor environment as an arena for care and rehabilitation. The method used was focus groups, such as walking interviews. The results are summarized in three themes: potential for health, potential for enriched everyday life, and challenges for operational development. The findings indicate that outdoor environments have the potential to support person-centered care and rehabilitation and could be included in the operating concepts.