Well-being, the Decision making process in residential care facilities and accommodation in Denmark.

This paper discusses the results from one of the sub-research projects, called “The Decision making process – Process, Architecture, Well-being” a project within the main project “Well-being and Housing” and is based on a case study which consist of four cases, realized and planned projects for assisted living residential care facilities and accommodation for senior citizens selected from different parts of Denmark. The case study will provide important knowledge on municipal activities in the area of residential care facilities, as well as discuss the different actors’ roles in the decision making process. The research is commissioned and financed by the Danish National Board of Social Services conducted by CAST University of Southern Denmark in collaboration with the Institute for Architecture & Design at Aalborg University in Denmark. Granted with 1.07 million €.

Results:
1. More research-based knowledge is needed: There is a need for research-based knowledge manuals among the actors involved in the planning and project design process which describe systematically the importance of working with the different aspects on well-being in residential care facilities and accommodation in Denmark.
2. More time should be devoted to discuss the aspects connected to well-being During the planning and project design process more time should be given to more qualified discussions about what Well-being means to the residents and the employees and these discussions should be embedded in the decision making process.
3. Alternatives to "the living environments”. In general a discussion about “the living environments” as the only and right solution for organising the residential care facilities and accommodation in Denmark is recommended. Maybe there should be a possibility given to create more private residential space and less space for public life in the residential care facilities and accommodation.