The meaning of physical environmental factors on patient, family, carers (PFC) and staff outcomes

The architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) sector can make an essential contribution to needed breakthroughs and provide new solutions for the improvement of independent and active living in the built environment, including for older adults. This is related to (i) reducing impediments of immobility and maintaining autonomy at home, (ii) reducing the number of accidents and increasing health, (iii) developing integrated care and cure of disabled and aging people, (iv) providing a setting that enables physical, environmental, and social integration, and (v) meeting personal needs, e.g. by realizing new forms of living arrangements that reduce loneliness and improve communication and social expectations in the built environment.