Quality level assessment model for senior housing

Abstract

Purpose

Senior buildings have been designed as purposeful space programs. Therefore the elderly need coherent information about different senior housing concepts. The study seeks to set out a method for measuring the quality level of senior housing.

Design/methodology/approach

The method includes measuring four different factors: local services, building and yard, apartment, and on‐site services. Measuring the quality level of two separate residential areas and senior housing facilities demonstrates the use of the quality level measurement system.

Findings

The overall quality level of Facility 1 was significantly lower than that of Facility 2. The lower quality level measurement for Facility 1 was primarily the result of the lack of premises for lease to commercial or other tenants and the lack of on‐site services. The quality level measurement system is a successful tool for assessing the functioning and quality standard of residential areas and housing facilities in the point of view of elderly people.

Originality/value

This study has developed a unique application for measuring the quality level of residential areas and senior housing facilities. The measurement system is useful for estimating the quality level of a facility and also for analyzing different quality level factors to identify possible problems. While the intention is to provide a method primarily for expert assessments, seniors and their relatives could also use the method as an aid in weighing up the suitability of different senior housing facilities.

Citation

Saari, A. and Tanskanen, H. (2011), "Quality level assessment model for senior housing", Property Management, Vol. 29 No. 1, pp. 34-49. https://doi.org/10.1108/02637471111102923