INCLUSIVITY AND DESIGN


ensure that wheelchair access is considered, care giver facilities are comfortable and efficient, and the whole development is supportive with a focus on longevity of use. Architects should focus on the end result for residents, care givers, and operators in terms of accessibility and space. Providing the minimum space can have impact on the appeal and competitiveness based on market standards. Care home residents should not be constricted by measurements but by what naturally works.


Adaptability


When designing a care home, we need to consider residents’ evolving mobility needs, such as increased wheelchair use or the need for handrails, as well as current and future accessibility regulations. Architects designing for care focus on the longevity of the development – we design for ourselves in the future!


Space to feel at home Interior design: The focus is on a domestic, rather than institutional, environment to be achieved. Think about how the room will be used rather than just try to achieve an appropriate floor area per resident. In addition, consider potential health constraints of residents when designing and always think about small changes that can make a big and positive impact on both residents and staff. Interior design and flow are considered from the outset of architectural design. We fortunate to attend an educational visit at The Hogeweyk in The Netherlands which has mastered the design and flow in their architecture to enable many


of the dementia residents to live completely independently and be included within the wider care home village. Wayfinding: Designed effectively, wayfinding and seamless orientation can provide a grounding for calm, reduce any stress arising from dementia confusion, and ultimately provide wellbeing through clarity. Being able to independently find your way around your environment defines inclusivity and is a fundamental element to any architectural design. Light: Huge considerations are given to light access at design stages. Circadian rhythms have an impact for us all, especially the elderly with deteriorating eyesight (people around 75 years old need double the light recommended by regular lighting standards), and for those living with dementia when sundowning can cause upset and distress. Visual access provides inclusivity for those less mobile. Outside space: As well as having access to outside spaces, views to landscaping have huge benefits to residents. Outside, residents are stimulated with the sights, smells, sounds. Wander routes promote physical activity by encouraging residents to move around the grounds, while designated meeting places foster social interaction among residents and provide welcoming spaces for family visits and areas for children to play in. Provision of focal points of interest – such as high-level digging beds – encourage interaction and mental stimulation where local gardening clubs can come and share the space. Designing a care home or integrated retirement community (IRC) to include local community groups fosters inclusivity and intergenerational interaction – Carless + Adams has designed – and continues to encourage – the inclusion of a nursery onsite. This provides a need in a local community, offers care for care workers’ children, and the positive wellbeing from interaction across the generations is heartwarming. Technology: Developing at an almost unbelievable speed, technology and AI are essential for use in a care home or IRC. Wi-Fi is a given in all care homes


16 THE CARE HOME INDUSTRY HANDBOOK 2026


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