Flooring
How carpet can create a home from home feel
Research in healthcare buildings has linked quality of care and health and wellbeing with the design of interior environments. Karen Burman, product manager at Gradus, explains how carpets can be used to create comfortable surroundings, that are also safe and accessible
There is a growing understanding of the ways in which the built environment can make a positive contribution to user wellbeing in public buildings. In fact, in relation to healthcare buildings, previous research has linked quality of care and patient health and wellbeing to the physical characteristics and design of the interior environment. Findings from a study in The British
Journal of General Practice entitled ‘Enhancing a primary care environment: a case study of effects on patients and staff in a single general practice’,1
that an enhanced environment is associated with positive improvements in patient perception of patient-doctor communication and anxiety levels, as well as overall satisfaction rates in both patients and staff. Carpets can be vital to user wellbeing within healthcare facilities. The impact of colour and design, comfort, safety, accessibility and performance, as well as the combination with other interior products, is fundamental. Colour has a key role in healthcare
environments, with professionals becoming more aware of its importance and psychological impact. Research has shown that different colours will have different psychological effects. For example, red is a stimulating colour that raises the pulse rate, while blues and greens are more calming hues that can help to ease anxiety during what can be a very stressful period. Colour and design should be
considered and applied differently depending on the type of healthcare environment. For example, strong primary colours and bold designs can have a positive impact on patients with special needs and physical disabilities. These colours and designs help stimulate the senses and improve physical health and wellbeing. Softer colours and plainer designs are more beneficial for patients with
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Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, as they can have a calming effect. According to the Alzheimer’s Society, plain, continuous colour on the floor can aid mobility, while changes in design and colour may be perceived as a barrier, causing confusion. Providing a comfortable and relaxing
environment is vital in healthcare facilities, and particularly those that offer long term care. It is particularly important when older people are moving from their own homes into a care home, as it makes the transition process less stressful. Carpets offer comfort and warmth
and help to provide a ‘home from home’ feel, which makes them ideal for residential care. In addition, they provide comfort underfoot, and are inherently slip-resistant, which is beneficial for healthcare staff who may be on their feet for lengthy periods. Another important factor to consider is acoustics. Conversations need to be heard clearly, so the environment should not be too
absorbent or reverberant. Carpet is an effective option, as it muffles reverberant sound, to the benefit of those who are hard of hearing.
Safe and accessible The design of all healthcare facilities must address access and the circulation of people throughout the interior. Accessible design does not simply mean a building with a ramp or lift. Today, the concept of universal and inclusive design extends to all – old, young, tall, short, able-bodied and less able-bodied – and is an essential consideration in the early design and planning of any healthcare facility. The guidelines and recommendations
set out in The Building Regulations 2010 Approved Document M (ADM) and BS 8300:2009+A1:2010 are a good starting point for anyone looking to create accessible, multi-use buildings. It is important to consider a whole range of different issues, from straightforward
Colour and design can be used to emphasise specific zones
www.thecarehomeenvi ronment .com • January 2017
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