ASSISTED LIVING FACILITIES FOR THE OLD – ASPECTS OF USE AND USABILITY

Paper in proceeding, 2010

A growing number of old citizens and fewer working to support them is a reality in Sweden. More knowledge about assisted living facilities is crucial in creating appropriate care environments for the oldest. The study is part of a PhD project that explores use and usability in assisted living facilities for the old in Gothenburg, Sweden. This paper reports upon the observation study conducted November 2009-February 2010 in five facilities in Gothenburg, along with the other methods used in the PhD project. The aim of this study is to observe the daily use and thereby identify factors in the physical environment, affecting usability. Some preliminary findings are accounted for. Semi-structured interviews and a questionnaire survey are scheduled for 2011-2012. The city of Gothenburg and Chalmers finance the project and are the primary users of the results.