Interior design
Designing communal spaces: enhancing quality of life
Crocus Interior Design’s Joanne Jeyes – an interior designer with a special interest in inclusive design – discusses what makes a good communal space and what this means for your residents’ wellbeing
Care homes are more than just places where elderly individuals reside; they are communities where residents should feel comfortable, engaged, and supported. The design of communal spaces plays a crucial role in promoting social interaction, cognitive stimulation, and overall wellbeing. As a designer, I understand how a well thought out design can impact on mood and behaviour. By creating thoughtful and inclusive environments, care homes can foster a sense of belonging and improve the quality of life for residents – including those living with dementia. Whether we are talking about an existing residential home, one that is being repurposed and/or upgraded, or something that is yet to be built, there are ways to integrate better design. But first, we need to ask why the design of communal spaces is so important.
Benefits of well-designed communal spaces Promoting social interaction: communal spaces encourage residents to socialise, share experiences, and build meaningful connections. This can alleviate feelings of loneliness and isolation, which are common among older adults, especially those with cognitive impairments. Enhancing cognitive stimulation: thoughtfully designed communal areas can provide opportunities for engaging activities, such as reading, playing games, or participating in group discussions. These activities can help maintain cognitive function and slow the progression of conditions like dementia. Fostering Independence: well-designed spaces can accommodate residents with varying levels of mobility and cognitive abilities, allowing them to navigate and engage in activities independently, promoting a sense of autonomy and self-worth. Improving quality of care: communal spaces that are designed with residents’ needs in mind can facilitate better care
July 2024
www.thecarehomeenvironment.com Remember colour contrast
delivery. For example, open layouts can improve staff visibility and accessibility, ensuring timely assistance when needed.
Fundamental standard set by CQC Ensuring that communal areas are accessible and inviting is crucial in addressing feelings of isolation and loneliness within care home settings. Studies have revealed that up to 60 per cent of individuals in care homes receive no visitors, underscoring the significance of creating spaces that foster connection and engagement. Moreover, this emphasis on accessible and inviting communal spaces aligns with the fundamental standards set by the CQC, highlighting its importance within the care sector.
It is widely acknowledged that, regardless of their physical or cognitive abilities, most elderly individuals derive joy from participating in or observing activities happening around them. A study
conducted by the Norwegian Building Research Institute in Oslo and SINTEF in Trondheim reinforced this notion.1
Even
residents with severe cognitive or physical disabilities, who were unable to actively participate in communal activities, derived evident pleasure from passively observing the happenings around them.
This highlights the profound impact that
well-designed communal spaces can have on the overall wellbeing of residents, even in the face of significant challenges.
Planning communal spaces in new care homes When you are starting from scratch and can choose where exactly to place communal spaces, it is crucial to place communal spaces right at the heart of things. Ideally, they should be centrally located, making it easy for both staff and residents to get to them from anywhere in the home.
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