Cross-National Comparison of Environmental Factors Important to Facility-Based Senior Living

Abstract

Objective: Focusing on environmental factors important to facility-based senior living, this research intends to identify cross-national similarities and differences in perspective on elderly care between senior-living professionals in the United States and China. Background: American models of senior-living facility design have been introduced in China. In social and cultural context, environmental factors important to facility-based senior living are expected to be different by nation and need to be clarified. Method: Questionnaire data were collected from 188 staff members working in senior-living facilities in the United States and China. Seven factors summarized through literature review were investigated. The frequencies of each factor selected by the participants as one of the three most important factors were ranked. The influence of personal and social factors on environmental perception was analyzed using analysis of variance tests. Results: Common area and cross-facility home-like decoration were similarly valued by both groups as two of the three most important factors. Residential room was valued more in the United States whereas natural lighting was valued more in China. Chinese participants with more work experience valued building layout more. Amenities were valued less than expected in both countries. Conclusion: Environmental factors important to facility-based senior living are different between countries. American models of senior-living facility design should be adjusted for use in China. There is much to be gained from investigating the similarities and differences in perspective on elderly care.