Environmental Stressors and Adaptive Mechanisms in Long-Term Care Resident Bedrooms: A Canadian Case Study

AimThe aim of this research was to identify the adaptive comfort mechanisms available in resident bedrooms of a newly built long-term care (LTC) home in Ontario, Canada, and examine how these were used to manage environmental stressors.BackgroundLTC facilities house vulnerable populations susceptible to various stressors. While psychosocial stressors are well-documented, physical stressors caused by the indoor environment also significantly impact resident behavior and satisfaction.MethodThis study was nested within a larger mixed-methods postoccupancy evaluation. Methods included building walkthroughs, spot measurements, structured observations, staff and resident interviews, and an analysis of network sensor data extracted from building system reports.ResultsFew adaptive mechanisms were available to residents. Those that were-window blinds and adjustable thermostats-were being actively used to mitigate perceived environmental stressors. While light levels in resident bedrooms met minimum requirements, frequent use of blinds and reliance on artificial lighting diminished the benefits of daylight on health and well-being. Temperature trends indicated frequent fluctuation within the acceptable thresholds and greater sensitivity to heat than cold.ConclusionsPersonal control mechanisms play a critical role in enhancing resident comfort in LTC facilities. Despite meeting regulatory standards for indoor environment quality, blind and thermostat use revealed additional layers of environmental stressors that need to be addressed along with critical opportunities for further research. Limitations in the accessibility and usability of personal control devices for residents with mobility or cognitive impairments highlight significant areas for improvement in LTC design.