ABSTRACT

Objective : This research shows where uncomfortable places and factors, dangerous places for elderly people at home, what accidents they are afraid of, and preference as to the way of contacting in emergency situationMethods : Forty-nine elderly people over age 65 who live in Gimhye city responded to this survey. The survey founded the actual condition of living space, uncomfortable places and factors, dangerous places, and the articles related to the accidents. The method of collecting data was a man-to-man interview through the structuralized questionaries.Results : Twenty people(47.6%) answered there's no uncomfortable place, but 11 people(26.2%) mentioned bathroom, 4(9.5%) kitchen, 4(9.5%) multipurpose room, 2(4.8%) bedroom and 1(2.4%) entryway. The most uncomfortable factors in each living space are the following; slipping on the floor of bathroom (2.67±1.43), using the remote control in the bedroom (1.90±1.43), the height of sinks in the kitchen (1.82±1.22), using the electric home appliances in the living room (1.65±1.25), putting clothes in and taking them from the washing machine in the multipurpose room (2.16±1.53), a small space in the entryway (1.63±1.07). The survey of the dangerous places are the following; bathroom 13 people(34.2%), kitchen 12(34.2%), nothing 6(15.8%), entryway 3(7.9%), living room 2(5.3%), multipurpose room 2(5.3%). Twenty-one people 21(42.9%) are afraid of the accidents involving gas explosions, 11(22.4%) the housebreaking, 9(18.3%) the death from the suffocation by fires, 4(8.2%) a hurt from a fall, 3(6.2%) other accidents, and 1(2.0%) a burn. When these accidents happen, they get in touch with like the following; 27 people(55.1%) call 119 rescue party, 10(20.4%) their children, 6(12.3%) others, 4(8.2%) the police station, 1(2%) their spouses, and 1(2%) the hospital.Conclusion : This research found that the most uncomfortable places was bathroom except of nothing, and the most dangerous places was bathroom to the elderly peoples in Kimhae city. And the results of this study suggest that the most uncomfortable factors in at home. The most their afraid of the accidents involving gas explosions, and when these accidents happen, they get in touch with like a lot of the call 119 rescue party. This research will be expected to provide useful information about the architectural design for the elderly people and the development of domestic appliances hereafter. It will contributes to promote the qualities of their lives by showing data for the security and functionality inside the houses. Furthermore the factors considered in terms of the occupational therapy approachment for the housing modification will be helpful for the improvement of dwelling environment.