[Environmental factors as supportive components in communication and care for hospitalized elderly]

This exploratory work with a qualitative approach was performed with 117 health professionals and undergraduate students in São Paulo State countryside. The goal was to identify environmental factors that could play a role in health professionals' communication with elderly patients. The findings were organized and grouped in seven categories: sound and vibration factors, decorative and spatial factors, light factors, colors and textures, heat and ventilation factors, hygiene and personal safety factors, and visual signs. It was found that making use of environmental factors while providing care services to the elderly may lead to effective health care. These factors not only interfere with patients' welfare and recovery, but also play a role in the relationship between health professionals and elderly patients.