The therapeutic opportunity for the elderly due to building control automation use in a retirement
home was investigated. Previous research suggests that a basic understanding of elderly
functional needs and building control automation capabilities is required Ifn order to secure the
opportunity for maintaining existing elderly functional abilities. This study explores the extent to
which building control automation can be applied in retirement homes. The research questions
generated for this study were: To what extent is the success of building control automation
dependent on the level of demand by residents, staff, and administration? How can elderly of
varying disabilities interact with and around what building control automation features? How can
building control automation support elderly independence and minimize the need for relocation
to a higher level of care? What type(s) of building control automation will either promote
independence or threaten it?
A nurse aide questionnaire was used to identify the nurse aide's perception of the retirement
home environment, residents' activities, and issues of elderly well-being. A resident questionnaire
addressed residents needs and desires to maintain independent living with assistance of building
control automation. And lastly, participant observation was used to reveal unique aspects of the
physical environment and activities in questionnaire responses.
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