Interior design It is also a good idea to design them in a


way that allows people to see what is going on inside – that way residents are more likely to join in on the activities. Being able to catch glimpses of both indoor and outdoor areas is important too. Spaces that are tucked away or cut off from the rest of the home tend to be overlooked and hardly ever used. Keeping things open and accessible is key to creating a vibrant and engaging environment for everyone. When planning the layout, it is best to


keep the circulation route separate from the communal space. Instead of running through it, the route should run alongside it. This way, it is crystal clear where one area begins and the other ends. Clarity is key to ensuring that residents and staff can navigate the space effortlessly and without any confusion. There are ways to do this with lighting, colour and even ceiling height. There are many practical elements to consider, too – factoring in mobility aids, hoists, changes of residents’ needs, and so on. Not to mention allowing space for visitors, staff, and possibly even pets.


So, flexibility is the key.


How about making adaptations to existing care homes? In care home settings, having ample communal space is essential for residents’ wellbeing. As outlined by the Care Inspectorate, it is recommended that homes allocate at least 3.9 square meters of communal space per person within each small group living setting, excluding corridors and circulation areas. While you may not be able to do much about the existing footprint of your care home, you can make significant smaller changes that can have a big impact. Offering a diverse range of spaces for residents to choose from is essential. Spaces should be easily accessible to residents and conducive to staff support. By providing options you are giving residents the choice and ability to find areas that suit their preferences and needs, enhancing their overall experience within the home. For example, not every resident will want


to watch TV in a large group. So, by offering smaller areas that can be more like a sitting room they are used to, will give them somewhere to comfortably sit and watch. Some residents enjoy the bustling atmosphere of a kitchen, often gathering there to socialise. For others, the hustle and bustle of a kitchen can be overwhelming.


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Create spaces that feel familiar Again, flexibility is key.


Often, communal areas are one large space. Therefore, it is good to consider ways you can break these larger areas into smaller zones. Perhaps grouping tables so that different activities can go on at the same time.


Groups of eight are quite typical, but if


you can go smaller, even better. Bearing in mind future care homes are likely to accommodate up to 80 per cent of residents living with dementia, smaller groups are something to work towards. Another solution for homes that maybe


only have larger areas – or those being built to accommodate larger numbers, and therefore need to factor in large communal spaces – is to consider movable partitions. These can be adjusted as needed to accommodate different preferences and requirements. This not only caters to the needs of your current residents, but also helps future-proof the home, ensuring that it remains adaptable for future residents.


Utilise furniture to delineate various spaces It is a common concern that if there are not enough separate rooms to cater to various communal activities, there is nothing you can do to improve them. That is not true. The solution lies in thinking creatively about how to define spaces within a single room. Strategically using different furniture, soft furnishings, and accessories to delineate distinct areas is a good example, so you can


create a room within a room. This approach can be particularly comforting for individuals in care settings, as it offers them flexibility while staying within their comfort zone. Some may prefer to stick to a familiar spot each day, while others may enjoy moving around and exploring different areas for various activities. By incorporating this flexibility, you provide everyone with the opportunity to engage and interact in a way that suits their preferences. Some working examples:


For TV lovers Arrange a group of armchairs to form a cosy television viewing area in the ‘lounge’ area of an existing larger space. Choosing furniture that is traditional and familiar such as an armchair style lends a homely feel, reminiscent of a comfortable living room setting.


For book lovers


Introduce high-back chairs to establish a dedicated reading area. This type of chair offers excellent back and shoulder support, which is ideal for leisurely reading sessions with a book or a newspaper. Keep a shelf nearby, if possible, on which books can be kept, or have the paper ‘delivered’ daily in the same spot.


For games lovers Incorporate taller tables to accommodate the playing of games and puzzles.


www.thecarehomeenvironment.com July 2024


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