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There is an increasing demand for housing that enables older people to live independently with a greater quality of life (QoL) even when impairments and care needs increase. This article reviews the QoL for this cohort and housing design considerations that facilitate it through a two-step process. First, a review of literature is undertaken to identify key aspects of QoL that are important for older people with care needs and relevant to architecture. Second, established design frameworks are critically reviewed to identify features and gaps in knowledge to address them. The research finds that while existing knowledge focuses heavily on improving the independence and control of older people, there is not sufficient established knowledge for improving other aspects of QoL. The gaps in design knowledge include: the micro-spatial requirements for greater control, accommodating personal guests, undertaking preferred activities, and accommodating important possessions, as well as opportunities for housing complex design to provide greater connections to communal facilities and the wider community. There is a need to clarify the effects of housing design on enhancing the wider range of aspects of QoL specifically for older people with care needs. Addressing these aspects can aid in the establishment of a holistic framework for housing design that supports a fulfilled life in their own home in later life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the population ages, the demand for suitable rental housing will increase. Suitable housing means housing that can accommodate those impairments that typically correspond with ageing. This paper explores the quality of life (QoL) requirements of those elderly with high-care needs who live in rental housing. Using a qualitative case study approach, it examines the living experiences of six elderly people who need assistance and are living in local-authority rental housing in New Zealand. The themes of QoL were identified from the literature and related to the larger themes of; 1. Activities and independence, 2. Sense of control, 3. Privacy, 4. Relationships, 5. Quality of care, and 6. Comfort. The survey consisted of a detailed documentation of the physical environment, followed by interviews with and full-day observations of the residents and their caregivers. The study finds that the design of housing that improves their QoL requires solutions to accommodate the various conflicting needs for their QoL that include those derived from the diversity in the user’s preferences and impairments. In the design of rental housing, there is greater need for additional or reorganized space to accommodate caregivers and visitors, maintain residents’ independence, privacy, and other aspects important for their QoL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]