Research has shown that an attachment to place can create a sense of belonging and promote positive psychological benefits. However, limited research has explored the meanings residents attribute to places in shaping their experiences within aged care environments, or how such connections to place contributes to their quality of life.
In this study, we explored the lived experiences of residents in an innovative care environment designed as a dementia-friendly neighbourhood, which includes a town centre and multiple outdoor communal spaces. The aim was to identify spaces within the facility’s design that facilitate place attachment while investigating the link between the environment and residents’ psychological well-being.
Through a participatory approach, participants guided researchers on a community tour, engaging in a walking interview with photovoice and a subsequent photo elicitation discussion. During the tour participants photographed meaningful places while discussing what they liked about each place, activities they engaged in, and what made the place special to them.
Audio recordings of the tour interviews and photo elicitation discussions were transcribed and analysed alongside the photographs using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Findings revealed an emotional attachment to places participants chose to take the researchers. Participants described places that were meaningful to them in ways that spoke to their individuality, indicating place attachment may be a potential avenue for promoting quality of life.
This research contributes to understanding the importance of opportunities for place attachment for aged care residents, highlighting the connection needed within care models between the designed environment and resident preferences and freedom.