Acoustics
or the radio at mealtimes can be very stressful. The resident may have to choose between eating and listening. Or they may withdraw altogether.
Multiple sources of noise such as the
washing machine, vacuum cleaner, radio, TV, and loud conversation – all at the same time – will be very distressing to someone with a hearing impairment, and worse still for someone living with dementia. Even pleasant sounds can be ‘noise’ if the person wants peace and quiet. We can choose to close our eyes but we cannot close our ears (Richard Pollock. Acoustics in Aged Care. 2021).
Addressing the challenge Addressing the acoustic issues that will be found in every care home will create a more comfortable and inviting environment. Communication will be improved for everyone, social activities will be more accessible, musical performances more enjoyable, and meetings, quizzes, presentations, and speeches will be more easily understood by all participants. By understanding the basics of acoustics and implementing effective strategies, large rooms can be transformed into acoustically pleasing spaces that cater to
slats, bookshelves, and room dividers. Acoustic solutions can be integrated seamlessly into the design of a space, enhancing its aesthetic appeal.
Close proximity from speaker to listener
various activities and functions. Materials with high absorption properties soak up sound waves and reduce background noise and echo, making conversations clearer. Examples include carpets, fabric-backed wallcoverings, acoustic ceiling panels, curtains, and soft furnishings. It is best to avoid using too much glass in the design of a care home. The impact of flooring in communal rooms and corridors (where sound intrudes into bedrooms) should be considered. When replacing carpet with hard floors, acoustic vinyl is available to dampen impact sound. Diffusers soften and scatter sound
waves, preventing strong echoes while maintaining a lively atmosphere. Examples include panelled walls, decorative wooden
has an obvious benefit within the speech bubble area (one metre or so). Looking directly at someone enables the listener to get the full benefit of their projection and a lot of visual cues can combine with what is heard, to improve speech understanding. That is not available to residents with a visual impairment.
Minimising background noise whenever possible, such as fans or air conditioning, may seem obvious. Think about whether the omnipresent TV, found in every care home lounge, really needs to be turned on. Staff should be trained to understand the importance of maintaining a quiet environment and managing noise from daily activities to improve the quality of life for residents.
Technology Technology systems that bring a speaker’s voice directly to the care home resident help to break through aspects of problem background noise, overcoming distance
June 2025
www.thecarehomeenvironment.com
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