Physical barriers and risks in basic activities of daily living performance evaluation in state housing for older people in Chile
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Pizzi Kirschbaum, Marcela
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Physical barriers and risks in basic activities of daily living performance evaluation in state housing for older people in Chile
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Abstract
Purpose – This paper aims to describe an evaluation instrument designed to detect physical barriers
and risks in basic activities of daily living (BADLs) performance by senior citizens and presents findings
obtained in a representative sample of older persons living in housing programs provided by the State of
Chile. Its aim is to develop an objective instrument which can serve as reference point for housing
adaptations and improvement or for the use in new designs, appropriate to the changing functional
capacities of this age group.
Design/methodology/approach – The research is broadly framed in an ecological perspective. It
draws on an empirical study, observing older people’s BADLs performance in selected State provided
housing in the Santiago area. The approach includes some quantitative but mainly qualitative aspects
from a descriptive, explanatory and cross sectional perspective. Objective observation of functional
BADLs performance, as well as subjective users’ perspectives, is compared.
Findings – State housing design is significant in BADLs performance, limiting functionality in one third
of associated operations observed. These mainly concerned demanding reaching requirements
associated with height, but also extended to other inadequacies in design or lack of elements in different
situations, which act as barriers or bring potential risks.
Research limitations/implications – Heterogeneity in the functional conditions of older people
regardless of age and gender, as well as different housing types makes it difficult to develop
standardized recommendations, requiring a tailored approach in the case of adaptations, thus limiting
coverage. Further research should be carried out after performing corrective adaptations to evaluate the
impact of these interventions.
Practical implications – The paper prompts a reassessment, by State housing providers, of the
architectural design of housing types for older people as well as the adaptation of existing units to
extend independence in time rather than undermine it.
Social implications – The study of the effects of architectural design of housing on older people’s
independence when performing BADLs is underdeveloped and should be increased in order to
promote a better quality of life for this age group through a more friendly and inclusive environment.
Originality/value – This research attempts to generate an objective instrument, useful to provide
evidence for architects, designers and policy makers and suitable to be applied in other housing
contexts in order to improve the habitat and older people’s quality of life.
General note
Autor no autoriza el acceso a texto completo de su documento
Patrocinador
Chile’s Scientific and
Technological Development
State Research Funding
Program, (FONDECYT) grant
No 1110063 and MAPFRE
Foundation of Spain.
Identifier
URI: https://repositorio.uchile.cl/handle/2250/117859
DOI: DOI 10.1108/14608791311310519
ISSN: 1460-8790
Quote Item
HOUSING, CARE AND SUPPORT VOL. 16 NO. 1 2013, pp. 23-31
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