Designing Nursing Homes to be Pleasant

Week 7: Universal Design

Having worked in the dining room of a retirement home for about a year, I can tell that how depressed these homes can make the residence there. No one wants to be put in a nursing home or retirement home. Many prefer to age in place in their own homes but can not do so because of it's inaccessibility or cost to make it accessible.

Image: The difference between nursing homes and prisons are very slim (source: Anders Petersen)

Nursing homes have been often compared to prisons with the way it is designed. Many are left unsupervised with a curfew at 10 PM. Meal times and types are preset and don't allow freedom of choice. Limited activities, excursions and family visits make it hard to social and connect with family members. Lack of outdoor activities lead to many being coped up inside and develop physical and mental illnesses.

Image: Depression is rampant among nursing homes and retirement centers (source: dailymail.co.uk)

In this rant, Mr. Baldwin states his frustration with institutional living and how it would be more beneficial for seniors to live in jails. Seniors would have access to hobbies, exercise, unlimited free prescriptions, dental and medical treatments, and wheel chairs. 24/7 video monitoring can provide help instantly for those that fell or need assistance. Guards would check on them every 20 minutes and meals would be brought to them. Access to libraries, weight room, counselling, pool, education would be available to all residence. A board of directors would hear out complaints and guards would have a code of conduct to strictly adhere to.

Image: Seton Villa Building at 3755 McGill St. in Burnaby (source: http://www.setonvilla.com/)

Society and the privatization of nursing homes are to blame for the treatment of those that're institutionalized. The limited access to socialization and activity is similar to being in confinement.
Thankfully, not all nursing homes are this depressing.

Image: The view from Seton Villa Retirement Home (Source: setonvilla.com)

The retirement home that I worked in was one of the better facilities I've seen. Located on top of Burnaby, the views of the city are amazing especially for those near the penthouse suite. Public socializing spaces are placed on the higher floors to ensure everyone has access to these views. 

Image: Socializing space (games room) on the 15th floor. Though the chairs look very uncomfortable, the view is available for everyone to access. (Source: setonvilla.com)

Loads of natural light flood socializing spaces and allow for a happy and upbeat atmosphere. However, the chairs do not look comfortable to sit in for long hours. Also, providing some chairs with arms would be beneficial for those that need some assistance getting out of a seated position.

Image: Reading/socializing area flooded with natural light. Different types of seating allow for varied seating arrangement and cushion firmness. (source: setonvilla.com)

Ample amount of circulation space around the dining areas allow those in wheelchairs to eat with the other patrons. The dining room also becomes a flexible space to host parties and large gatherings. Large windows in the dining hall allow for views to the garden and provide natural light.

They even provide employment opportunities for the residence. The receptionists, landscapers, residence coordinators are all resident at the building. This keeps residence busy and allow those that want to work and find fulfillment. 

Image: A receptionist answering phones and working the main desk. (source: setonvilla.com)

Nursing homes should be a larger issue within the design community especially with an aging population. Unfortunately the elderly are often than not are forgotten as an end user in the design process. As interior designers we need to keep in mind the range of end users that will use the spaces we design. Homes for the elderly should be designed with function and form since almost all off the retirement homes I've seen look miserable to live in. The dated look of the place in gives one a grim feeling. Inaccessible and non-pleasant nursing homes should be a huge concern as it alienates a large portion of our population.  I can't imagine what living in a home like this would feel like. Paired that with the fact you can no longer take care of yourself can lead to a very depressing end to your life. As designers, our job is to create built environments that doesn't alienate anyone and nursing homes fail to serve who they were designed for.