Interior design and aged care facilities

Functional and safe yet aesthetically pleasing design is essential to aged care communities.

Good interior design can:

• Support an elderly person to function more independently and experience less confusion, anxiety and frustration
• Reduce dependency on staff and carers
• Reduce incidence of behaviours of concern
• Save time and operational costs

Most importantly, the design of an aged care facility does not need to be boring! Fun and creative yet effective and compliable design opportunities lie within the overall space planning, the use of technology, furniture, fittings and artwork. A well designed interior space should promote independence and create interest. Focal points, sightlines and paying attention to the details is just as important as the big picture design to create a cohesive interior.

It is important to provide spaces that encourage positive behaviours and give easy visual access to assist the management of behaviours of concern. A flexible environment with a range of areas from large to small private spaces give residents and staff and families opportunities to participate, to engage and interact within a comfortable environment whatever the situation.

Balancing all the complex and often conflicting requirements can be challenging but the reward is a space that are safe, inviting and user friendly.

Most of all these spaces must create a sense of home and safety which is key to creating successful environments for aged care communities.