INCORPORATING VR TECHNOLOGY IN AN INCLUSIVE EXPERIENCE BASED ON THE WELL-BEING AND COGNITIVE FUNCTIONS OF THE SENIOR RESIDENTS: REDESIGNING A RETIREMENT HOME IN TIRANA, ALBANIA

Abstract

Driven by the growing elderly population in Albania and the shifting family dynamics combined with youth emigration, which has increased the demand for better elderly care facilities. Many retirement homes in Albania were adapted and not designed for elderly residents, leading to poor physical environments that impact their quality of life and safety. This thesis focuses on improving the well-being of senior residents in retirement homes in Albania, on understanding the background problems related to cognitive function stimulation and practicalapplications for enhancing elderly care facilities. The main objective is to develop acomprehensive framework for enhancing the design and living conditions of retirement homes. By addressing the specific needs of elderly residents, the study aims to improve their mental, emotional, and physical well-being. The research specifically investigates the physical challenges faced by elderly people in a retirement home in Tirana, Albania, due to inadequate indoor environments, focusing on mitigating cognitive impairments and promoting their well-being. Additionally, the study emphasizes the importance of redesigning spaces to create inclusiveexperiences that cater to diverse needs. Involving the users in the design process is crucial to ensurethat the solutions developed are inclusive and beneficial to the residents. Qualitative methods, including a checklist and questionnaires, were the primary instruments used to evaluate the physical environment, participants' perceptions based on theirexperiences, the effectiveness of the interventions and their overall impact on cognitive function in the first phase of this research. Initially, a detailed checklist based on existing literature was created to evaluate current conditions related to the indoor environment and identify specific needs in the retirement home. Observations and questionnaires were conducted among 81 elderly residents to assess their challenges and needs regarding their living environment. Collected data assisted in creating a 3D model of the home, highlighting its current state and areas for improvement. Then, a focus group interview was conducted with the residents in the second phase,who interacted with the 3D model via virtual reality (VR) and provided feedback on the proposes changes and their potential impact on their daily lives. The findings revealed from the first phase highlighted several physical challenges. These included a lack of slip-free flooring, insufficient grab bars, poor wayfinding signage, inadequate biophilic features, uncomfortable furniture, insufficient natural lighting, and poor ventilation. Preferences identified by the residents included self -controlling lighting, contrasting colors, fewer beds per room, and larger indoor spaces. Among the target group, a number of 4 participants were chosen to take feedback on the repurposed design of the ‘Strehe dhe Shprese” retirement home based on the responds of the first phase. The residents particularly appreciated the new design of the non-slip flooring, the grab bars. Wayfinding tables and clear signage were also highlighted as significant improvements that facilitated easier movement within the facility. Biophilic features, the addition of comfortable furniture, sufficient natural lighting and good ventilation got really positive impact on the seniors as wel l. The addition of an elevator was highly appreciated, which would greatly improve navigational ease and accessibility, especially for those on higher floors. Overall, the VR experience provided a realistic representation that helped residents to see and experience the potential improvements in a practical and engaging manner. Together, these findings highlight the necessity of a comprehensive approach that includes both functional enhancements and personalized touches to significantly enhance the residents' wellbeing comfort, safety, and overall quality of life. Addressing these elderly physical challenges, such as lack of slip-free flooring, insufficient grab bars, poor wayfinding signage, and inadequate biophilic features, can lead to designing inclusive experiences in retirement homes. The study contributes to creating a checklist and the creation of a model of a retirement home in Albania for enhancing cognitive function and promoting the well-being of elderly residents in retirement homes in Albania and beyond. These guidelines offer a valuable reference for future studies and practical applications, providing a robust framework adaptable to similar contexts. Consequently, the integration of VR technologies in the final stages of the design process proved to be a supportive tool, enabling residents to visualize and contribute to the development of more personalized, safe, and engaging living environments.