IN-PERSON Lisbon Livable Cities. Section A

Abstract

The transition to a care home often brings significant emotional challenges for older adults, including loneliness and isolation. Leaving behind familiar environments and social networks can be difficult, with research showing that 61% of care home residents experience moderate loneliness (Sun, C. et al., 2021). Contributing factors include reduced participation in activities, diminished social support, and loss of autonomy. Addressing these issues requires thoughtful design to foster connection and engagement. This paper explores the impact of spatial arrangements in care homes on residents’ social interactions and well-being, drawing on a scoping study and ethnographic fieldwork in Wales. Preliminary findings reveal that spatial configurations often determine the quality and frequency of social engagement. Communal spaces, such as lounges and dining areas, are central to fostering interaction, but can unintentionally create barriers. While centralised lounges offer potential hubs for connection, varied distances and routes from bedrooms mean proximity is not equitable, affecting residents’ sense of inclusion. Poorly arranged seating and immovable furniture often isolate residents, while layouts promoting proximity and visibility encourage interaction. Sensory factors, such as lighting, noise, and temperature, also influence engagement. With approximately 278,946 care home residents across England and Wales and 21.3% of the Welsh population aged 65 and over (Roskams, 2022), these findings highlight the importance of inclusive design. By integrating principles of environmental psychology, care homes can create spaces that mitigate loneliness and provide opportunities for social encounters. This paper contributes to broader discussions on improving quality of life through thoughtful spatial strategies and micro-scale design details.