Post # 1
“ Design to Remember.”
There are multiple factors that drive and affect senior living design. The number of seniors with dementia is continuing to increase, thus becoming a significant part of the U.S. population. Knowledge, information, and awareness help designers to create spaces that accommodate the different needs. Finally, there are different measures that designers need to make to improve the environment’s comfort and safety.
Rapid Increase of Aging
According to the last census, the U.S has been experiencing a rapid increase of aging. People in their 60’s and older with Alzheimer's are becoming more common and it is predicted to significantly increase in the next 20 to 30 years. Therefore, it is important for designers to accommodate the demand of senior living facilities, considering that many of them will most likely have Alzheimer's or other types of dementia. On the other hand, baby boomers are the next generation to inhabit the health care facilities, this means that new designs will require amenities and technologies that were not required in the past. However, designers need to follow guidelines and standards that will help to accommodate and care for this part of the population (Iriondo; Jordan, Jewel 2018).
Knowledge
“ Time, as it grows old, teaches all things. ” - Aeschylus, Prometheus Bound.
The knowledge of how different groups of people respond to lighting, colors, and textures, help designers to avoid creating spaces that overstimulate the patients. When environments are too large or busy, patients start feeling anxious, stressed, and confused. Therefore, designers should exercise caution and use intentional strategies when creating these facilities. By equipping facilities with quiet, small, and intimate areas, patients can minimize or stop their mental disease progression (Chemielewski, 2017).
Settings
Clinical settings can contribute to the individual’s comfort. These clinics tend to create a cold, hospital-like environment that evokes stress in patients. This also negatively affects new patients that are coming to these facilities for the first time. Therefore, new facilities are starting to have more residential feel. Instead of having the conventional plain hospital look, the facilities are incorporating more innovative designs and hotel-like rooms that make patients feel more comfortable and secure (Chemielewski, 2017).
However, fixtures and other additional support not provided in a residential setting fit better for seniors’ needs. Handrails to help them to support and walk from one place to the other, slip-resistant flooring to prevent them from falling, and more accessible furniture are some of the non-residential features that create a huge impact on the residents’ comfort and well-being (Types of Senior Living and Levels of Senior Care, 2019).
It is important to acknowledge all the factors that contribute to a good design. People around their 60’s and older are the incoming residents for the senior living installations. This brings up a list of health issues that need to be planned for and taken care of. For example, there is a high chance the resident will have difficulty to remember how to get from one place to the other. Way-finding methods could help to create a stronger sense of location and direction. Visuals and distinctive design features could help them to have a clue of which direction they need to take (Chemielewski, 2017).
Some facts that have been changing the way senior living facilities have been designed, is the fact that seniors show improvement when they are able to socialize with other people. Shared dining kitchen areas where they are exposed to interaction with others creates a positive impact. Also, outdoor views have a positive impact. It encourages independence and promotes exercise, walking, and exposure to natural light. Different activities and spaces that combine private and public spaces help them to enjoy successful aging (Chemielewski, 2017).
Lastly, important measures need to be taken when designing for individuals with Alzheimer's and dementia. Making sure storages are lockable and that spaces are secure and safe is important to consider. Exit doors, windows, and reachable objects can become a hazard for individuals that experience anxiety and paranoia. Therefore, it is important to create an environment and space that are prepares for possible accidents. It is impossible to predict every hazardous situation. But designs should try to create environments as safe and peaceful as possible (Types of Senior Living and Levels of Senior Care, 2019).
In conclusion, the senior living population is expected to increase. Therefore, senior living facilities are expected to increase as well. Designing for dementia patients requires intentional action and education. Finally, to create a positive impact new designs should be able to support the upcoming generations and create environments that are physically and psychologically supportive.
Sources
-CHMIELEWSKI, EMILY. Health Facilities Management. Mar2017, Vol. 30 Issue 3, p25-28. 4p.
-Iris do, J. & Jordan, J. (2018, March 13). “Older People Projected to Outnumber Children for First Time in U.S. History.”
Retried from https://www.census.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2018/cb18-41-population-projections.html
-“Types of Senior Living and Levels of Senior Care” (n.d.)
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