Panels as a Means of Separation in an Elderly Residence

Abstract

Functionally impaired people aged 65 and older are often institutionalized because of a nationwide lack of appropriate shelter and services to accommodate their needs (Taeuber, 1992). This study focused on a type of room separation—open office systems—that could be used as an alternative to typical interior partitions in institutions for the elderly. Quantitative data were collected to determine whether females aged 65 and older who were randomly selected from 143 original survey respondents who fit within three activity-of-daily living skill levels—high, medium, and low—as defined in Enders’ Checklist (1983), would accept open office panels as a means of separation within a residence. The 60 participants were interviewed using a 1″ = 1′-0″ scale model and Room Setting Sensitivity (RSS) Scale, developed by the researchers. Participants in the study moved a 1″ = 1′-0″ scaled female figure through the scale model, responding to the RSS items for each setting. Participants reviewed three panel heights (80″, 72″, and 62″) and three room setting relationships (bed-to-bed; bedroom-to-sitting area; and sitting area-to-kitchenette) presented in random order. All 60 participants indicated they would accept panels as a means of enclosure for an interior partitioning system in an institutional setting. Based on the findings in this study, the researchers believe further study in a full-scale scenario is warranted.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Lennie Scott-Webber

Lennie Scott-Webber is an Associate Professor in the Department of Housing, Interior Design, and Resource Management at Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA.

Nancy C. Canestaro

Nancy Canestaro, D. Arch, resides in Knoxville, TN.