The architectural metamorphosis of long-term care settings

The architecture of long-term care settings in the United States is in the midst of a transmutation. The character and appearance of buildings in which care for fi-ail elders is provided is noticeably changing. This essay begins with a review of the American nursing home origin, "that has served as the touchstone of long-term care" (Kane, 1996:146). It goes on to examine the evolution of new arrangements that link housing with services for frail elders. These settings, then, are compared and contrasted with the intention of demonstrating the architectural metamorphosis of long-term care settings.