A safe work environment and a successful aging-in-place. Observations and floorplan analyses in residential care provision

Purpose This paper aims to explore the physical environment as a safe working environment for home- and healthcare staff in ordinary housing, and the possibilities for a successful aging-in-place for elderly residents. Design/methodology/approach This paper is based on observations of home environments in 20 housing units in different areas in Gothenburg, Sweden. An analysis of the spatial configurations was made according to bedroom capacity, spatial proximity and functional autonomy. Findings The findings show how the staff, in different ways, develop strategies for caregiving in various spatial configurations to give the best care. This paper shows that the spatial configuration of the rooms, in combination with the fittings, determine both the prerequisites for a safe working environment and the possibilities for aging-in-place for the residents. Practical implications The combined perspectives from architecture, nursing, and occupational therapy describe that easy access to bedroom-bathroom-entrance-kitchen is equally important for the staff, regardless of the care situation, whereas with more care needs, the resident/patient will be more limited to bedroom and bathroom. This paper shows that the home environment of the caretakers has a significant impact on staff’s health and safety, prompting an adaptability from the staff to various spatial configurations. Originality/value The multidisciplinary approach, comprising architecture, nursing and occupational therapy, and the mixed-methods design, has allowed us to draw some conclusions and to formulate valid directions for further research.