Designing the Perfect Nursing Home
Below are some tips on how to design better nursing homes.
15/03/2022
Some 1.4 million Americans live in nursing homes. Unfortunately, they’re often drab and uninspiring buildings. We should be doing much better for all the residents spending their final years in a care facility. Yet, nursing homes can also be beautiful. Here are some tips on how to design better nursing homes.
In a nursing home, where many residents will have limited mobility, accessibility is key.
Build Around Accessibility
Homes designed with beauty in mind can often
risk failing on functionality. In a nursing
home, where many residents will have limited
mobility, accessibility is key. When making your
designs, make sure you’re planning a building
that is easy to navigate, with ramps and wide
doors where required. Other design aspects can
then be built around these accessibility
considerations.
Remember that your home will
be filled with people who have some
accessibility issues. For example, they could be
partially-sighted, sensitive to bright lights,
or easily confused. It’s important to note all
these differences and create a space that works
for everyone who lives there. Focus on designing
a functional, peaceful, and stress-free
environment.
Create a Beautiful Outdoor Space
Outdoor spaces are important for well-being. They should be designed to be as peaceful and tranquil as possible. We’re talking water features, greenery, and comfortable seating areas. The nicer garden, the more residents want to spend time outside. This gives them fresh air.
Even a slow walk can do wonders for physical and cognitive health. Being outdoors also gives them a chance to interact with other residents and enjoy some social time. This further slows cognitive decline and helps them have a fulfilling final few years on this Earth. If your nursing home is in poor weather conditions, remember to add some shelter and heating solutions.
Even the most functional, stylish, and exciting nursing home is nothing if it’s not filled with caring and attentive staff members.
Fill the Home with the Finest Workers
As important as interior design is to a nursing home, it’s important to remember what truly matters: people. The quality of the workers in the home will ultimately determine how happy the residents will be. Even the most functional, stylish, and exciting nursing home is nothing if it’s not filled with caring and attentive staff members.
Search for the best careworkers. Ensure they understand what the residents need and are highly trained in looking after the elderly. You should also hire a nursing home abuse lawyer to prepare staff members to act and ensure that residents are fully protected. This will create an environment in which residents and workers alike can thrive.
There are many ways to design a nursing home, and spending some time thinking about it can make a huge difference to older people. They’ve lived long lives, serving their communities, and deserve to spend their last few years in a pleasant environment. Factor in the design tips above and remember to fill nursing homes with loving, caring, and highly qualified workers who can make residents' experience as happy as possible.