Interior design
add value to the shape of our lives through consideration of physical comfort, thermal comfort, air quality, light, sensory stimulation, nature, activities and technology solutions for age-related challenges. All are vital in interior design choices for a care home. Some wellbeing choices are regulated,
such as fire-retardant fabric on furniture and fittings. They must meet safety regulations while offering durability plus visual and textural appeal and possibly added anti-microbial and impervious features. The wellbeing of staff in a design also
ought to be a priority. A good design for residents must be one that is easy to maintain for staff and functional for their care for residents. In addition, comfortable offices and staff rooms demonstrate respect for the long hours worked. For more progressive diseases like
dementia, or disabilities such as poor eyesight, an interior design needs to be inclusive to cater for the greater needs of these residents. The choice of patterns of fabric, wayfinding and artwork will be particularly important in designs for dementia and effective lighting to support failing eyesight. When making interior design choices
for a care home, also consider acoustics and quiet spaces. Soft furnishings, flooring, wallcoverings, acoustic panels and layout of furniture can all contribute to a positive acoustic enviroment. Wellbeing design aims to enhance comfort for residents.
Wellbeing improvements can be implemented in most care homes without a large budget. Start today by making small changes and keeping it simple - common sense is key
Comfort Comfortable environments can be created using tactile materials, wood underfoot, natural stone, as well as furniture that is fit for purpose, ergonomically sound and aesthetically appealing. The key furniture choices for
residents’ comfort are beds and seating. Appropriate beds and mattresses are essential and provide clinical advantages when chosen with the needs of user in mind. Functionality, regulations and cost are often the main drivers for their acquisition but a focus on wellbeing would add comfort as a major criterion. Furniture, accessories and artwork
should work to enhance residents’ comfort and ease of use. From a wellbeing perspective, also consider factors such as antiviral treatments, reduction of volatile organic compounds (VOC) that can cause health issues, ease of cleaning and sustainability. Chairs are an essential part of design
for wellbeing. I have spent much time with residents trying out various chair samples prior to purchase, this can be
very entertaining and enjoyable for all, with lots of references to musical chairs! Comfort is viewed as a key element in the final choice for wellbeing. Ergonomics play a key role in furniture
design. Ensuring seat height and depth is correct is essential, as good postural care will enhance quality of life and pressure area care. Soft is not always the most comfortable or healthy. We should not be defined by our
furniture and I feel this is never truer than when designing with dementia in mind. Over the years that I have been working in the industry, the move from purely functional and institutional in form, and the way we implement good design, has changed dramatically for all ages. This has been partially facilitated
by the incredible advancements in materials and technology but also by the recognition that we live with disease, we are not the result of it. Design should reflect the happiness, delight, growth, and wellbeing we all aspire to throughout our lives. In addition, make sure furniture is
appropriately placed and suitable to reduce anxiety and confusion. Careful placement of furniture will aid in defining the purpose of the room and the type of activities that take place within. For instance, open shelves positioned
conveniently, stable low tables, comfy chairs in a quiet environment with good lighting provide a place to read. TV lounges that are more sociable, more open places with comfy chairs and coffee tables - and designed on a domestic scale - will make the space recognisable, inviting and comfortable. Be careful not to overfill a room, as this will impair navigation of the room and create discomfort and trip hazards. It is always a good time to de- clutter!
Thermal comfort Most people find temperature control – thermal comfort - is a vital part of being comfortable, feeling relaxed and essential
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www.thecarehomeenvironment.com • March 2021
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