Refurbishment
Building better care: specialist refurbishments
Graham Doig, market specialist at construction and refurbishment company John Ryan Group, discusses the extensive refurbishment of two residential care environments for people with complex needs
In the evolving landscape of specialist residential care, the physical environment plays a pivotal role in shaping outcomes for individuals with complex needs. From autism and learning disabilities to mental health conditions, the demand for therapeutic, secure, and dignified living spaces continues to grow. This article explores two recent refurbishment projects delivered by the John Ryan Group – one in Beeston, Nottingham, and the other in Southport – each demonstrating how thoughtful design and expert construction can transform care settings into empowering environments that support independence, wellbeing, and recovery.
Project 1: Beeston Care Home In the heart of Beeston, Nottingham, a specialist residential care home provides vital support for young people with high acuity and complex needs. These include individuals living with learning disabilities and autism spectrum conditions, whose care requirements demand environments
that are not only safe and secure but also thoughtfully designed to promote wellbeing, independence, and dignity. As care standards continue to evolve in
response to both regulatory developments and a deeper understanding of therapeutic environments, the physical spaces in which care is delivered must also adapt. Refurbishment projects such as this one play a crucial role in ensuring that facilities remain fit for purpose, responsive to the needs of residents, and aligned with best practices in assisted living. Recognising the importance of creating a space that truly supports therapeutic outcomes, the care provider commissioned John Ryan Group to undertake a full back-to-brick refurbishment of the property. The result is a modern, secure, and comprehensively reimagined facility that reflects the highest standards in specialist care.
A vision for change The care home was conceived not merely as a place of residence, but as a nurturing
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www.thecarehomeenvironment.com January 2026
and empowering environment where young people with complex needs could begin their journey toward greater autonomy. The ethos of the home centres on safety, dignity, and tailored support – values that needed to be reflected in every aspect of the physical infrastructure. Guided by a therapeutic design
philosophy, the refurbishment focused on creating calm, low-stimulus spaces that support emotional regulation and foster a sense of security. Every design decision – from lighting and acoustics to internal layout – was made with the specific needs of the residents in mind. The goal was to ensure that the environment itself could contribute positively to behavioural outcomes and overall wellbeing. As a trusted name in healthcare
refurbishment, we were appointed to lead the transformation. With extensive experience in delivering high-specification projects across the care and assisted living sector, the team approached the renovation with a deep understanding of both the
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