In recent years the role of nature and access to outdoor spaces in RLTC settings has received greater attention (Bengsston & Carlsson, 2006), elsewhere, the role of biophilic design, which supports the innate connection between humans and nature (Kellert & Wilson, 1995) is being promoted as a critical part of aged care design (Miller & Burton, 2020).
Outdoor Space
”Access to outdoor space and garden is crucial to the health and wellbeing of people with dementia in terms of socialising.
(Rappe & Topo, 2007)
It is also crucial as therapy (Gibson et al., 2007), as a restorative space (Moore, 2007) and as a break from the “dominant ambience” of the internal setting (Cohen & Weisman, 1991).
Additionally, outdoor spaces provide significantly safer environments in terms of COVID-19 transmission and are therefore vital for contact with nature, outdoor amenities and visiting. Wang (2021) advocates for outdoor spaces for physical activities (e.g., walking routes) to promote resident wellbeing. He argues that with good natural ventilation, the outdoor environments may be developed into safe common areas with lower risk of infection.
Ickert et al. (2020) highlight the role of outdoor visits but that these visits require a safe, comfortable physical location where a resident can be brought to meet with family, while maintaining physical distance from others outdoors.
Key Findings
Outdoor
space
Many of the sites have good access to outdoor space, and this has contributed positively to both resident and staff well-being and quality of life during the COVID-19 pandemic.