Abstract
In Korea, there is a need for safe and convenient elderly housing so that older people can enjoy a good quality of life and perform various daily activities while they maintain their health and well-being. Thus, this study is to suggest community -based housing settings for the elderly. We analyzed living space characteristics of the Continuing Care Retirement Communty(CCRC) in the U.S. In particular, we focused on CCRCs in the Oregon area and examined two types of settings: 1) a tower setting and 2) a town setting. The CCRC living arrangements include independent living, assisted living, nursing care, and memory care. We visited six CCRCs in Oregon during January through May in 2015. The field observations and floor plan surveys were conducted for data collection. The data analysis revealed that there are two types of arrangements: the suburban type and the urban type. Element analysis of the living unit designs for each CCRC type demonstrated typical space configurations. It was found that home care services were provided from local communities. It is suggested that community-based housing for the elderly should include mixed housing types so that community facilities can be shared. Medical services in the community were offered through healthcare institutions, disease prevention centers, welfare centers, and sports facilities. In order to apply these community-based care systems to elderly Korean housing, it is important to develop a community based on independent homes that share services and welfare facilities.