Assessment of the Physical and Architectural Features of Nursing Homes in Türkiye.

Abstract

Aim: This study aims to evaluate the physical and architectural features of nursing homes in Türkiye to establish a foundational understanding of their current conditions and recommend improvements that can enhance residents' quality of life. Background: This study represents the first comprehensive assessment of nursing home environments in Türkiye, focusing on facilities in Ankara, Izmir, and Istanbul. The research addresses a gap in understanding the physical environments of these facilities by examining how well their design and amenities are represented or overlooked within the scope of the assessment tool. Method: The study uses the Physical and Architectural Features (PAF) checklist from the Multiphasic Environmental Assessment Procedure (MEAP) to conduct a detailed evaluation of seven nursing home facilities. This checklist allows for a structured analysis of various environmental factors critical to the design and function of care settings for older adults. Result: Findings indicate that while Community Accessibility and Safety Features were within the acceptable norms, Staff Facilities and Social-Recreational Aids scored moderately low. Moreover, Physical Amenities, Prosthetic Aids, and Orientation Aids scored significantly below the average, showing significant deficiencies across the evaluated facilities. Conclusion: The assessment provides foundational knowledge for understanding the physical conditions in Turkish nursing homes and offers insights for policymakers and designers. The study's recommendations aim to inform future interventions that can enhance the physical environment of care settings, thereby supporting older adults' well-being and quality of life.