Investigating the desirability criteria of nursing homes and their application in the design of a nursing home in Shahrood City, Iran

The population of people aged over ۶۰ years has grown more than other age groups in recent decades and many of them need care and support. The elderly population is also increasing in Iran significantly. Thus, it is necessary to build places to meet the needs of this group of people. The present study was conducted to identify the design criteria and indicators of nursing homes in different dimensions and apply them in the design of a nursing home in Shahrood City. The present study is descriptive and applied. In the first stage, the dimensions, criteria, and indicators of desirable designs of nursing homes were obtained using the qualitative content analysis method using the related scientific articles. In the second stage, the application of the achieved criteria and indicators was explained in the architectural design of a nursing home in Shahrood City. Criteria for the desirability of nursing homes in the functional dimension included safety and security, accessibility and comfort, and the variety and adequacy of facilities. Criteria for the desirability of nursing homes in the aesthetic dimension included readability, color and lighting, sensory richness, and sense of time. Criteria for the desirability of nursing homes in the environmental dimension included noise and air pollution, and climatic comfort. Criteria for the desirability of nursing homes in the physical-social-psychological dimension included social interactions and participation, and home similarity. The results of this study can be used in the design of nursing homes and practical studies.