| Title |
A Study on the Space Planning and Design of Bathroom/Toilet in Korean Nursing Homes through Nationwide Survey and Case Study |
| Authors |
Kim Dae-Nyun ; Chung Mi-Ryum ; Yoon Young-Sun ; Byun Hea-Ryung |
| Keywords |
Nursing Homes ; Bathroom/Toilet ; Actual Condition Analysis ; Space Planning and Design |
| Abstract |
The importance of the nursing home for the elderly is drawing a greater attention these days as the elderly population and the social recognition of the elderly issue have increased. Above all, the bathroom/toilet in nursing home is a space that could measure the health condition of the elderly and their ability to carry on the daily life. However, not many antecedent papers provide an in-depth study on the space planning of bathroom/toilet facilities and they are limited to specific regions. The purpose of this study is to provide the current condition of the bathroom/toilet facilities in nursing home for the elderly and to suggest the space planning through nationwide survey and case study. The analysis is based on the results of the survey from 180 nursing homes and the case studies of 14 nursing homes for the elderly in Seoul and 6 metropolitan cities. Bathrooms/toilets in the bedroom have toilet and wash bowls. However, many lack the shower, shower-chair and safety handle that would help the elderly and the assisting staff. Most of the layouts of the bathroom/toilet are connected to the bedroom for private use and yet, more than 50% do not have a space for turning the wheelchair. Public toilets meet the standards relative to the private bathrooms/toilets in the bedroom. But, they do not have covers to protect users from burns on water supply tubes or temperature control mechanism and would need to be improved. The height of the toilet bowls meets the standard, and the flushing device is in satisfactory condition in that it is either in lever or button form. However, the distance from the center of the toilet bowl to the side wall needs to be adjusted. In summary, although some of the bathroom/toilet facilities in Korean nursing homes are appropriate for the elderly, most are not. Considering the worsening health condition of the elderly, it is essential to improve the environment and facilities of the bathroom/toilet in Korean nursing homes for the elderly. |