A literature-based dissertation exploring the factors influencing health and well-being in residents of residential care

Abstract

The health and well-being of older adults within residential homes are shaped by a complex array of interrelated factors, including internal and external environmental conditions, social interactions and availabilities. As the global ageing population continues to grow, understanding the environmental influences is paramount for developing effective strategies to improve quality of life in care settings such as residential homes. Previous research has focused on theories and models such as the ecological model or the environmental press-competence model which help us to understand the relationship between the physical environment and human behaviour in ageing. This literature-based dissertation undertakes a comprehensive analysis to explore the key determinants of health and well-being in residential homes, curating findings from existing literature to provide a holistic understanding of opportunities and outcomes provided within these environments. Drawing on sources from PubMed, ScienceDirect and JStor highlighted academic literature such as peer-reviewed journal articles, books, conference papers and official reports. This dissertation most significant factors affecting resident's health and well-being have been split into three key themes. These were Environmental and Community Factors, focusing on the external environment, Internal Environment which focuses on the internal factors within the residential home and Design, Safety and Comfort, which focuses on the ‘aesthetics’ of the residential home. A key finding was the coalescing between each theme. Although each area has an impact on health and well-being the effects when conjoined are far greater, showcasing that although the environmental factors influence health and well-being, it is the way in which they interact which causes health outcomes in residents.