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AIMS: To investigate the associations between the quality of the physical environment and the psychological and social well-being of older people living in residential care facilities.

BACKGROUND: Many older people in care facilities have cognitive and physical frailties and are at risk of experiencing low levels of well-being. High quality physical environments can support older people as frailty increases and promote their well-being. Although the importance of the physical environment for residents' well-being is recognised, more research is needed.

DESIGN: A cross-sectional survey of 20 care facilities from each of which 10 residents were sampled. As the individual resident data was nested in the facilities, a multilevel analysis was conducted.

METHODS: Data were collected during 2013 and 2014. The care facilities were purposely sampled to ensure a high level of variation in their physical characteristics. Residents' demographic and health data were collected via medical records and interviews. Residents' well-being and perceived quality of care were assessed via questionnaires and interviews. Environmental quality was assessed with a structured observational instrument.

RESULTS: Multilevel analysis indicated that cognitive support in the physical environment was associated with residents' social well-being, after controlling for independence and perceived care quality. However, no significant association was found between the physical environment and residents' psychological well-being.

CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates the role of the physical environment for enhancing the social well-being of frail older people. Professionals and practitioners involved in the design of care facilities have a responsibility to ensure that such facilities meet high quality specifications.