From Institutions to Care Homes - A Case Study of Residentialization in Danish Profile Nursing Homes -

Yi-Kyung Hong; Seo Ryeung Ju; Seong Wook Lee

doi:10.6107/JKHA.2026.37.1.037

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2026 Vol.37, Issue 1 Preview Page Next Page

Research Article

From Institutions to Care Homes - A Case Study of Residentialization in Danish Profile Nursing Homes - 시설에서 요양형 주택으로 - 요양시설의 주거화에 관한 덴마크 프로필 요양원 사례연구 -

25 February 2026. pp. 037-050

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Abstract

This study aims to analyze the spatial planning and operational strategies of three profile nursing homes in Copenhagen, Denmark—Hørgården, Peder Lykke Center, and Ørestad Plejecenter—and to derive design and operational implications for the development of Korean unit-based long-term care facilities for older adults. The research employed a combination of literature review, field visits, and interviews with facility managers to collect data on spatial planning, design, operation, and management, which were systematically categorized through content analysis to identify characteristics and differences among the cases. The main findings are as follows. First, the separation of housing provision and operation, along with professional management organizations, allowed each facility to implement its own care strategy, ensuring residents’ autonomy and choice. Second, the creation of a home-like environment was achieved through small-scale unit-based living structures, predominantly single-occupancy rooms, and domestic-style kitchens and living spaces, enabling residents to maintain autonomy and individuality while engaging in community life. Third, the active incorporation of natural elements, dementia-friendly design, and multi-sensory stimulation created a therapeutic environment supporting both physical recovery and psychological well-being. Fourth, promoting interaction with the local community emerged as a key feature of Danish nursing homes. These findings demonstrate that Danish long-term care facilities function not merely as institutions but as homes, reflecting a care paradigm that supports older adults’ independence and social integration and provides guidance for Korean long-term care facilities.

Keywords

Unit Care

Dementia-Friendly Design

Deinstitutionalization

Denmark Long Term Care Facilities

키워드

유니트케어

치매친화디자인

탈시설화

덴마크 노인요양시설

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Information

Publisher :The Korean Housing Association
Publisher(Ko) :한국주거학회
Journal Title :Journal of the Korean Housing Association
Journal Title(Ko) :한국주거학회논문집
Volume : 37
No :1
Pages :037-050
Received Date : 2025-11-27
Revised Date : 2025-12-31
Accepted Date : 2026-01-07
DOI :https://doi.org/10.6107/JKHA.2026.37.1.037

Journal of the Korean Housing Association ISSN:2234-3571(Print) 2234-2257(Online) 한국주거학회논문집

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