Care trends
Designing for the future: adapting to specialist requirements
Christopher Beastall, development director at Mariposa Care Group, explores how care homes are adapting to modern design trends – focusing on key principles, innovative examples, and future trends in the sector
When we think of care homes, some might imagine them as cold, hospital-like settings where the interior could be considered ‘clinical’; however, this could not be further from the truth.
As the demand for specialist care continues to grow, nursing and care homes have evolved to create warm and inviting spaces that not only feel like a home from home but have been designed to support complex cognitive conditions like dementia. Thoughtful care home design can, in fact, enhance the quality of life for residents, and today’s care homes are embracing innovative approaches to create environments that support the physical, emotional, and cognitive needs of the residents.
The evolution of care home design Care homes have been around for quite some time, and historically were monasteries, hospitals, or workhouses where the elderly, disabled, or ill could find refuge and be cared for. They were simple places with little to no consideration of having interior with intent. It wasn’t until the 1980s – when residential care homes became businesses – that noticeable changes began to appear and care homes slowly began transforming into places that resembled an actual home.
Throughout the 2000s and into the 2020s, care homes have evolved quite dramatically, with homes not just being a simple community space but large complexes designed to give residents a safe place to live and be independent but with the added benefits of round-the-clock care.
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Interestingly, a discussion has started to open up which considers the different generations that are entering care. While care homes have traditionally supported older adults, evolving health issues have changed over time, and therefore so have the ages of people requiring specialist care support.
This has meant that care homes now
need to provide everyday ‘luxuries’ such as large TV screens, top-of-the-range coffee machines, and even computer areas with high-speed internet – a very far cry from the days of expecting the elderly to pitch in and work in exchange for the care they desperately needed. But care home design is about more than just aesthetics, as it is capable of directly impacting on the wellbeing of the residents.
Lighting for wellbeing Many of us are aware of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), where the darker nights and shorter days can play havoc with our mood. This can be an issue within care homes that fail to prioritise natural light. As we age, our eyesight deteriorates and, in fact, requires more light in order for us to see as clearly as possible. Dark care homes not only risk an increase of accidents but – by not having enough natural light –can result in having a significant impact on residents’ wellbeing. Natural light is one of the best ways to
improve the mood and regulate circadian rhythms, while well-placed artificial lighting will help to reduce shadows and glare, which can be responsible for causing confusion in those who suffer from cognitive impairments. To take full advantage of natural lighting, communal spaces ought to have large windows (floor-to-ceiling if possible), and enhance brightness by keeping paint colours light. Mirrors create the illusion of more light by reflecting it around the room. For rooms that require artificial lighting – such as corridors, hallways, and even bedrooms – selecting lights that can mimic daylight are a good option. However, mood lighting should also be considered, so during the evenings, rooms that we associate with sleep or relaxation have plenty of cosy ambience. It does not need to be the middle of the day, all day!
The psychology of colour Whether we realise it or not, colour can play a big part in how we feel. Naturally we associate certain colours with emotions and reactions, and the same principle applies when decorating our walls. Of course, the type of shade we pick can make a difference to our natural reaction. A bright red wall will make us feel on edge and possibly uncomfortable, but a softer, lighter shade of red may resemble a sunset and make us feel relaxed and at ease.
www.thecarehomeenvironment.com May 2025
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