Refurbishments
staff room is not fit for purpose consider moving it somewhere else. Think about the size of the room. Does it have natural light? Is its position relative to the residents’ social spaces and bedrooms? Your staff need somewhere quiet, where their break will not be disturbed.
Heating
Depending on your refurbishment budget and the time you have available for your project, there are other factors that can make your care home less of an institution. The heating system is very important, as it is vital for the wellbeing of both residents and staff - not to mention your bank balance - that the home is kept at an ambient temperature while avoiding huge bills to do so.
Consider low energy, infrared heating if possible. At Elliscombe House, we have installed the panels for this on ceilings, freeing up walls for furniture and improving the aesthetic of rooms.
Six golden rules It may not be possible or desirable to incorporate all these elements into your refurbishment project- every home is
different, and we want them to stay that way. My key pieces of advice to make your home more ‘homely’ and less of an ‘institution’ are as follows. 1. Consider how each room is used. If it doesn’t work as it is, can it be reconfigured?
2. A hallway does not have to be just a hallway. If it is near to a social space, consider installing a bar - this can be as simple as a cupboard with drinks.
Catherine Trotman
Catherine Trotman is owner of Elliscombe House care home near Wincanton in Somerset. Her career has taken her across the
world, working within interiors and fashion. Catherine spent 13 years in Hong Kong, where she founded the first design- led, lifestyle concept stores in the territory. After spending a further 15 years working in India, Catherine returned to the UK, where she was a non-executive director at online fashion outfit East and founded a niche company selling Indian tents and
3. When it comes to bedrooms, less can definitely be more as larger rooms attract a premium.
4. Warm, neutral tones can be spiced up with colourful soft furnishings.
5. Design inspiration can be found everywhere. Use the existing features of the home such as the design of a tile to inform your choices.
6. First impressions count. Make sure you do not neglect external areas.
n
parasols. Her many years of experience in interiors, curation and procurement have given her a keen eye for design and the contacts to source unique items that make Elliscombe House a stylish home.
Help your residents feel more at home.
Use our online bed
configurator to put together the right bed based on the individual needs of your residents.
Fully profiling low beds, designed with dignity in mind.
0800 0353 345
solutions@linet.uk.com
Meeting Demands of Contemporay Care
SENTIDA January 2022
www.thecarehomeenvironment.com 37
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