Assessing the physical and architectural features of sheltered care settings

The Physical and Architectural Features Checklist (PaF) measures the physical resources of sheltered care settings in terms of nine conceptually unified and empirically derived dimensions. The development of the PAF is described, and psychometric characteristics, based on data from 93 representative facilities, are presented. These data show that facilities which have more physical resources are seen as attractive by outside observers and pleasant by residents. Larger facilities are more likely to provide barrier-free environments, more flexible physical settings, and more staff facilities. Cost is not related to any PAF dimension; however, nonprofit facilities score higher on several dimensions than do proprietary facilities. Richer physical settings tend to offer residents more policy resources. They are more selective, provide more privacy, allow residents a higher degree of influence and choice, and have clearer policies. Sample profiles illustrate the usefulness of this instrument for describing and comparing facilities; additional uses are discussed.