NEXT-GENERATION DEMENTIA CARE HOMES
Next-generation dementia care homes cater for people with dementia. Who mainly benefit from a dementia-friendly environment specially designed to suit them. The publication of National Minimum Standards following the Care Standards Act 2000 sets requirements for designers and providers.
The next generation of dementia-friendly care homes incorporates community settings. Such as each site housing the addition of some of the following facilities a doctor, pharmacy, library, a small shop and extended day-care facilities. Many also adding a community hub, such as a Cafe and assisted living facilities.
In addition to this, other interventions and strategies are being reviewed, such as dental, caregiver sleep health, dementia care mapping, emotional functioning and mindfulness.
Interior design for Care homes
ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF COVID-19
A key factor to consider, due to Covid-19, is the need for ensuite bathrooms as a standard and wet room provision. When necessary, to promote required resident isolation. 92% of new developments have ensuite bathrooms – one of many things essential to support social distancing. Alongside the need for wider corridors, to enable social distancing.
These are positive steps forward for the future of care homes.
In addition, adapted fixtures and fittings to limit touchpoints. And safer visitor areas with enhanced communication systems. While care is fundamentally about people, hopefully, the virus will promote more widespread use of technology, such as acoustic monitoring, to protect residents against outbreaks and drive efficiency and assist care staff.
The basic accommodation needs of people with dementia are the same as for other residents. However, people with dementia particularly benefit from an environment that provides:
- Small-scale living units;
- Familiar features and a homely style;
- Scope for involvement in ordinary domestic activities;
- Good signage and ‘cueing’ features, for example, by providing well-lit, inviting entrances to lounges;
- Additional space for daytime activities.
The practical design provides the basis for a successful home. In commercial terms, good design:
- Improves residents’ quality of life;
- Results in greater staff efficiency;
- Is attractive to purchasers and relatives;
- Incorporates cost-effective use of space;
- Can improve occupancy rates.
Ensuite Bedroom Interior design for Care homes
Good Design:
- Meets the needs for disabled and residents with accessible requirements;
- Maximises independence;
- Enhances self-esteem and confidence;
- Demonstrates care and consideration for staff;
- Is orientating and understandable, for example, by the provision of easy visual access to day rooms – for both residents and staff – and by the use of materials and objects of interest as cues for following or ‘sensing’ a route;
- Reinforces personal identity;
- Welcomes relatives and the local community by, for example, the provision of attractive, comfortably furnished entrance foyers, public and semi-public sitting areas;
With 58% of de-registered homes rated as ‘inadequate’ or ‘requires improvement’ by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), failing standards are a clear cause of the closure. With 51% of all Care home closing having no ensuites. And 52% of existing homes having unsuitable buildings. This pandemic has impacted care home design and specification and driving progress forward.
We are knowledgeable about your Care home and dementia-centric interiors creating an environment that motivates and energises your residents and carers alike. Our work ethos is client-focused. We make a fresh approach to your project considering the experience for your staff, resident and the families visiting.