An exploration of the relationship between the designed environment and the quality of life of people in hospice

The research sets out to understand how terminally ill patients can retain their quality of life in an environment that provides specific design features that contribute to a home-like setting. The modem hospice provides a place where physical, social, and psychological needs are met. The design has the ability to affect the quality of life of dying people and their relatives. The research survey questions ask how important a home-like setting is, and if items such as artwork, or a view of nature in a hospice room, are important to quality of life. Further research on determinants of home-like settings in the hospice environment is essential to the care of older adults at the end of life.