Architecture & interior design
Vida Court – bringing a ‘care home of the future’ into the present
Vida Healthcare opened its latest care home, Vida Court in Harrogate, in November. Here, James Rycroft of Vida Healthcare, Alan Powell of Den Architecture and Ellen Pryce of Nanu Soda discuss how good design can positively impact care delivery
Care homes play a larger role in our lives than we think. In fact, 28.6m UK adults – 54 per cent - have, or have had, a friend or family member live in a care home. During the pandemic, care homes were
placed in the spotlight and, as a result, awareness and knowledge of what they are and how they operate has increased. Covid-19 has provided an opportunity for the social care sector to speak out on the new generation of outstanding care homes being developed. The latest generation of care homes
provide a fantastic opportunity to educate the public and prove that they are a home for vulnerable people that offer social activities, specialist care, and unique facilities. A ‘care home of the future’, Vida Court is a prime example of how care homes can be built to transform the lives of vulnerable people.
Beyond the norm Vida Court was designed with innovative and industry-leading facilities to enhance
Reception Vida Court 28
resident’s daily living activities and wellbeing to the optimum potential. The 12-seater cinema, convenience store, hair salon, florist and coffee shop are included in the home of the future to provide residents with a level of normalcy and consistency with their previous home, beyond the realms of a traditional care home. Natural light is an important feature of the design, with large windows installed in every bedroom. The outdoors is also a focal point of the communal circulation spaces, with large expanses of glass situated at the centre of each house. Every house within the home has a garden room to ensure good ventilation. Air exchange has been included to ensure clean air constantly flows throughout the building. The natural light and views from the windows and garden rooms will also maintain a good level of mental wellbeing for both staff, residents and their family members when visiting. Technology will play a crucial role in facilitating an energising and positive living environment. Sensory TV windows, walls and artwork will provide residents with opportunities to interact with different
environments and stimulate memories and positive behaviours which may have been buried due to their dementia. Circadian lighting has also been installed to help residents prepare naturally for sleep and waking to maintain a regular routine which supports effective caregiving.
Design and care delivery – James Rycroft, Vida Healthcare As managing director at Vida Healthcare, I understand the importance of designing a care home that works for residents, staff, and their families. Vida Healthcare was established to transform the care available to people living with dementia, with a focus on championing the use of bespoke environments and alternative therapies to improve wellbeing and quality of life. More than three years of research
went into the planning of our first home, Vida Hall in Starbeck, and we worked with leading consultants to develop an innovative, state-of-the-art home. Our second care home, Vida Grange in Pannal, opened in December 2016. Following the same design principles and philosophy of care, Vida Grange offers high-quality
www.thecarehomeenvironment.com January 2022
©Vida Healthcarte
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