Quality of Life

Quality of Life Global

Ensuring that design for quality of life informs all decisions around COVID-19 infection control is central to this project. As part of this research, we also examined how wellbeing and thriving should underpin design to create environments where residents have the support and freedom to live full and meaningful lives.

In this regard, we have selected 15 key issues that we believe should inform all long-term design.

Select each point below to learn which key issues are considered within each quality of life domain.

Domains
1
Physical, Sensory, Cognitive
  • Health & functional status
  • Safety & security
  • Physical and sensory comfort
2
Psychological
  • Autonomy/control & individuality
  • Privacy & dignity
  • Experiencing a high quality of care
  • Self-realization & personal growth
  • Spiritual wellbeing
  • Pleasure & enjoyment
  • Generativity/contribution to society
3
Social
  • Social engagement, relationships & active engagement with life
  • Integration & engagement within the community
  • Meaningful activities
4
Place-based or Ecological
  • Sense of home & sense of place
  • Contact with nature and being outside
“

The main aspects that improve the residents quality of life, would be the inner
and outer gardens. There are many beautiful pathways to follow…for example,
you can visit the station of the cross, or take a walk through the wood lands and
stop at the grotto.

- Staff
“

I like to walk outside…sit in the patio area and watch people go by. Also, I like
to sing my favourite songs.

- Resident
“

“The residents enjoy the views from their room, and also enjoy the animals that
are in the inner garden, which all have a positive effect on the residents’ quality of life.”

- Staff
“

"No visitors coming. Miss my family."

– Resident
“

“We had to go through a hard part of life and we are well past it. I am happy
we can actually see the family now.”

- Resident

Physical, Sensory, Cognitive

  1. Health & Functional Status (including sensory/cognitive issues such as orientation & navigation)
  2. Safety & Security (e.g., avoiding injuries, harm or ill-health, and real and perceived security)
  3. Physical and Sensory Comfort (environmental comfort including heating, air quality, lighting, and noise)

Psychological

  1.  Autonomy/Control & Individuality (e.g., freedom to make decisions, freedom to express yourself or personalise your space)
  2. Privacy & Dignity (e.g., having your own private space and time, feeling valued and respected)
  3. Experiencing a High Quality of Care (a strong sense of being taken care of as needed, or experiencing an atmosphere of care)
  4. Self-realisation & Personal Growth (learning new things, acquiring new skills, growing as a person)
  5. Spiritual Well-being (traditional spiritual activities such as going to mass or music, and less traditional activities being in nature)
  6. Pleasure & Enjoyment (having fun, entertainment, enjoying food, spending time with animals, or having aesthetic experiences)
  7. Generativity or Contribution to Society (volunteering, childminding, taking care of animals, growing vegetables for dinner)

Social

  1. Social Engagement, Relationships & Active Engagement with Life (being with family, friends, other residents and staff)
  2. Integration & Engagement within the Community (going out and about, shopping, to the library, pub, sporting occasions)
  3. Meaningful Activities (cleaning, washing clothes, doing chores, gardening, going for a walk)

Place-based or Ecological

  1. Sense of Home & Sense of Place (where a person feels at home and has a sense of belonging)
  2. Contact with Nature (experiencing nature both inside and outside. Also spending time being outside getting fresh air, sunlight, and generally being out and about.