Assessment of Indoor Air Quality Principles in the Anticipated Blueprint of a Nursing Home in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria.

Abstract:

Healthcare research has highlighted the crucial relationship between patient outcomes and the physical environment of hospitals, including specialized facilities such as Nursing homes. These institutions primarily cater to the rest, recovery, and overall health restoration of older adults through their amenities. Amidst challenging climatic conditions, this study focuses on a fundamental principle of Sustainable Architecture: Indoor air quality (IAQ), which recent research has associated with recovery rates and disease prevention. The primary objective of this research was to assess the impact of facility conditions on perceived IAQ and indoor air-related symptoms within senior living environments.

The research methodology hinges on an extensive literature review and qualitative examination of an elderly care facility in Minna. Design considerations for indoor air quality derived from existing literature served as a benchmark for evaluating the observed property. These design considerations, essentially variables, serve as a framework for fostering environments tailored to the requirements of elderly occupants. The perceived IAQ and associated symptoms were gathered through an indoor air questionnaire survey and observational assessments involving senior residents.

The findings revealed a significant deficiency in facility performance, with natural ventilation scoring at 30%, outdoor landscape at 5%, indoor landscape at 0%, and shading devices at 65%. This disparity increases residents’ susceptibility to illnesses stemming from subpar indoor air quality. Consequently, the integration of IAQ design considerations such as natural ventilation, natural lighting, landscape configurations, and shading devices is crucial in the design of residential spaces for the elderly. Such considerations serve to prevent, promote, and provide remedies for the well-being of senior inhabitants.