1. Quality of Life and the Role of Communal Space in Sheltered Housing: A Qualitative Study
Aging and Society: Fourth Interdisciplinary Conference – Manchester University
7-8 November 2014
Paul Brownbill

2. Presentation overview
Rationale
Research questions
Methods
Findings
Reflection on findings

3. Presentation overview
Exploring experiences of the value of communal spaces in sheltered housing,
Exploring the contribution communal spaces make to residents quality of life.

4. Rationale
Previous studies define relationships between social interaction and quality of life.
Evans and Vallelly (2007) suggested one purpose of sheltered housing communal lounges was social interaction. Without this, some residents would be socially isolated.
Bowling and Gabriel (2004) discussed how higher quality of life ratings correlated with having more social contacts and less reported loneliness.
Also, discussed by Groger & Kinney (2006), Foord, Savory & Soghi (2004), and others.

5. Research questions
What meaning, purpose and value do older residents in sheltered housing settings attach to communal spaces?
How important is the use of communal spaces in contributing to quality of life?

6. Methods Four sheltered housing settings in one local authority area.
Purposive sampling
Semi-structured interviews
Focus groups

7. Findings-Meaning, purpose and value
“If this room wasn’t here, I wouldn’t be….you have a community where people can get together and if you haven’t got one all they do is sit in their flat”, (M, 83, House 1).
“I used to sit here and say, not here in my other house, what have I got. I had nothing else to do. It happens when you are lonely” (F, 62, House 2).
“free choice, (whether to join in or not)” (F, 82, House 1),
“I don’t say I am bored, I don’t go down there as there is nothing for me”, (M,57,House 3).
“cause erm, I mustn’t hark back but it is not used like it used to be. Now it’s very quiet and I don’t go”, (F, 85, House 4).

8. Findings-Contribution to quality of life?
“Well the quality of life to me it’s marvellous, I mean a few years ago (prior to moving into sheltered accommodation) I wouldn’t have said that”, (F,74,House 1).
“it is an opening up thing that you do and if people can talk about their problem…but if people are really down and they can talk to a group of people”, (F,67,House 1).
“Mine (quality of life) has improved. When I went home and shut my door I had nowhere to go. I can still come here if I want to, have a laugh and a talk”, (M,63,House 3).
“It’s (the communal room) a quality of life on its own, just the fact that we are all here and everybody is together. That adds to it”, (M, 81, House 3).

9. Reflections on Findings
Those who used communal rooms perceived its availability as important to quality of life,
Residents who did not use the space stated more instances of poorer quality of life,
Those who chose not to use communal lounges and rated their quality of life as good could perceive value for others,

10. Reflections on Findings
There should be provisions to assist residents with poor mobility to use the communal room, ensuring those not visiting are doing so through choice,
More activities that males would like to attend,
Must be activities which stimulate the mind and keep interest,
Feelings of belonging, and looking out for one another,

11. Reflections on Findings
Need for more activities during an evening when most felt lonely and isolated, or felt that others would be,
Sheltered houses should have space where residents meet for activities,
Activities must be chosen in conjunction with residents,
Sheltered housing communal rooms are essential, especially for those without external support.

12. Thank You for listening
Paul Brownbill

13. References & Further Reading
Bowling, A., & Gabriel, Z. (2004). An Integrational Model of Quality of Life in Older Age. Results from the ESRC/MRC HSRC Quality of Life Survey in Britain. Social Indicators Research, 69,
Evans, S., & Vallelly, S. (2007). Never a Dull Moment? Promoting Social Well-being in Extra Care Housing. Housing, Care and Support, 10(4),
Foord, M., Savory, J., & Sodhi, D. (2004). Not everything That Can be Counted Counts and Not Everything That Counts CanBe Counted-Towards a Critical Exploration of Modes of Satisfaction Measurement in Sheltered Housing. Health and Social Care in the Community, 12(2),
Gabriel, Z., & Bowling, A. (2004). Quality of Life from the perspectives of Older People. Ageing and Society, 24,

14. References & Further Reading
Gardner, I., Browning, C., & Kendig, H. (2005). Accommodation Options in Later Life: Retirement Village or Community Living. Australian Journal on Ageing, 24(4),
Groger, L., & Kinney, J. (2006). CCRC Here We Come! Reasons for moving to a Continuing Care Retirement Community. Journal of Housing for the Elderly, 20(4),
Grundy, E., & Bowling, A. (1999). Enhancing the Quality of Extendd Life Years. Identification of the Oldest Old with a Very Good and Very Poor Quality of Life. Aging and Mental Health, 3(3),
Horowitz, B., & Vanner, E. (2010). Relationships Among Active Engagement in Life Activities and Quality of Life for Assisted-Living residents. Journal of Housing for the Elderly, 24,
Percival, J. (2000). Gossip in Sheltered Housing: Its Cultural Importance and Social Implications. Ageing and Society, 20,