Unlocking the Potential of Modern Care Home Design in 2023
In the ever-evolving landscape of care homes, ensuring the happiness and well-being of residents remains paramount. While experienced staff and top-notch clinical care are fundamental, they no longer suffice to captivate prospective residents and their families. In the wake of the post-COVID-19 era, care homes are challenged to find innovative ways to stand out from the competition and draw in new residents.
One effective strategy to achieve this is by revamping your elderly care home interior design, provided you can harness the power of the seven key principles of exceptional design.
But wait, there’s more! If you’re eager for additional interior design insights, we’ve crafted an in-depth eBook dedicated to guiding care homes on the path to recovery post-pandemic. In this comprehensive 25-page resource, you’ll discover a wealth of expert advice on interior design:
So, what exactly are these seven principles of outstanding interior design? Let’s delve in:
1. Space: Enhancing Mobility and Safety Space is the foundation of exceptional care home design. It serves as the canvas upon which the entire environment is painted. When configuring your space, ensure ample room for movement, accessibility, and to prevent residents from feeling confined. Did you know that a well-organized space can even reduce ambulance callouts by mitigating trip hazards?
2. Line: Guiding with Grace Lines play a crucial role in creating harmony, contrast, and unity within a care home setting. They offer residents visual cues for navigation, particularly beneficial for those with visual impairments or dementia. Consider using elements like grab rails, wall panels, and photographs to create guiding lines, especially along corridors.
3. Form: Balancing Geometric and Natural Shapes Form encompasses the shape of the room and its contents. Striking a balance between geometric and natural forms is essential for crafting a cohesive, practical, and visually appealing design. A wood-finish laminate is a smart choice for care homes, offering a natural look while being easy to clean.
4. Light: Illuminating Comfort and Functionality Lighting is a critical element in care home interiors, whether it’s natural or artificial. Achieving the right balance is key to catering to aging eyes. Maximize natural light by strategically placing doors and windows, and complement it with artificial lighting fixtures to create ambiance. Consider using warm lighting in bedrooms for a relaxing atmosphere.
5. Colour: Infusing Comfort and Contrast Colour injects a sense of “home” into care homes, leaving a lasting impression on potential residents. Opt for subtle, dementia-friendly colours with good contrast to reduce the risk of accidents. The choice of colours should also align with the room’s purpose. Blues and neutrals, for example, create a calming ambiance in bedrooms.
6. Texture: Adding the Final Touch Texture, both visual and tactile, adds a sense of homeliness to care home spaces. Don’t overlook this often underestimated design element. Interior designers can provide valuable advice on incorporating texture to create an inviting atmosphere.
7. Pattern: The Art of Balance Patterns, found in wallpaper and upholstery, lend charm to care home interiors. Larger rooms can accommodate more patterns, but in smaller spaces, moderation is key. Ensure patterns align with the overall style to maintain a cohesive design. Exercise caution with stripes in dementia care settings, as they may be misinterpreted.
In Summary: Elevating Care Home Design in 2023 Interior design remains a pivotal factor in the success of care homes. From minor tweaks to complete makeovers, the possibilities for improvement are vast. Whether you opt for simplicity or grandeur, we strongly recommend enlisting the expertise of a professional interior designer. With the assistance of professionals, you can navigate the complexities of designing spaces for older adults, addressing issues like dementia and visual impairments.
Investing upfront in professional design guidance can lead to long-term savings by averting costly mistakes. Ultimately, it transforms your care home into a delightful haven for residents, staff, and visitors alike.
If you have an ongoing care home design project or need expert advice, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re here to offer our insights and professional services to help you thrive in the evolving landscape of care homes in 2023.
