The decision to move a loved one to elderly care is never easy. It is one of those chapters of life that no one is ever excited to start. And with elderly fraud a multi-billion dollar industry, it can be unnerving to turn our nearest and dearest over to someone else’s care.
To help alleviate some of these concerns, it is incumbent on the provider to build the safest, most hygienic facility possible. By creating a safe and welcoming atmosphere, seniors are most likely to feel comfortable in their new environment and enjoy the highest quality of life possible.
Install Adequate Railing
Railing is an important component of any commercial building. It helps define space, boost aesthetics, promote safety, and ensure ADA compliance. Its importance is magnified in an elderly care building. These types of facilities will have a higher percentage of ADA occupants than typical buildings. Even for non-ADA patrons, many seniors have more limited mobility over the general population. As such, railings will help prevent accidents and accommodate use of the facility. Some key areas to implement railings are as shower grab bars, around all staircases and elevated walkways, along corridors, and next to toilets.
Choose Nonporous Surfaces
There are multiple benefits to installing nonporous countertops, such as engineered quartz and solid surface, in senior facilities. They do not require sealing or any other type of ongoing maintenance and can be easily sanitized with a wipe of the rag. They will not absorb food or beverage spills to eliminate the risk of bacteria building up in the counter’s body. For even greater protection, treat them with an antimicrobial coating to limit the risk of surface-level bacteria formation.
Promote Indoor Air Quality
Memories of how the COVID-19 virus ran rampant through elderly care facilities remains heart-wrenching to this day. It served as a stark wake-up call of what air-borne pathogens can do in a community of immunocompromised people. Therefore, any and all measures to improve indoor air quality should be given top priority when designing senior care buildings.
Use architectural louvers to allow fresh breeze into the building while filtering out old, stale air. Add directional fans to keep temperatures comfortable and air circulating in the correct direction. Regularly change HVAC filters and install dampers to guarantee that clean, conditioned air is moving adequately.
Carefully Choose Flooring Materials
It can be difficult to get the flooring right in elderly care facilities. Carpet may seem like the best choice because it is soft and forgiving in the event of a fall. However, damaged carpet provides a major tripping hazard. It is also terrible for motorized carts and walkers. Therefore, hard flooring options are the way to go.
They will withstand heavy foot and machine traffic while guaranteeing optimal mobility. Polished concrete and epoxy terrazzo are the most heavy-duty options that offer the best aesthetics. To limit the risk of falls, be sure to treat them with a slip-resistant coating.
Utilize Noise Mitigation Features
Getting adequate rest is essential for optimal health. Unfortunately, many senior care facilities do not have the most ideal infrastructure for creating a tranquil rest environment. A frequent flow of guests during the day and occupants on wildly different sleep schedules at night can create an interminable din if not properly managed.
As a result, it is crucial to deftly apply the best noise mitigation features when designing elderly care buildings. Acoustical wall panels add sound absorbing mass that keeps noise local to its origin. A sound proof door can create an effective barrier that limits noise passage between rooms. Double- or triple-paned windows--or more innovative vacuum-sealed glass windows--can limit noise pollution from outside sources.
Establish Clear Sight Lines
Although privacy is important within guest rooms, establishing a clear, open interior in public areas is important for the safety and security of elderly care buildings. It will help staff and healthcare providers quickly identify any falls or other accidents that occur in public spaces.
Clear sightlines will also allow occupants to quickly identify suspicious characters that may be on the premises. Glass is one of the best materials for defining space in public areas without encumbering sight lines. Demountable glass partition walls, glass railings, and sliding glass pocket doors are some of the best materials for accomplishing this effect.
Create Functional Exterior Space
There is endless research indicating the benefits of getting outdoors for improving health. Vitamin D from the sun is a wonderful way to naturally boost immunity, while being close to nature is shown to improve mental wellbeing. With this in mind, it is paramount to design functional exterior spaces for senior residents to enjoy.
Hire a contractor that knows how to use self drilling screws to quickly set up pergolas for shading. Install durable composite pavers on patio floors for stunning aesthetics and optimal drainage. Add an electric fire pit for a safe and convenient focal point around which residents can gather.
Prioritize Materials and Design for the Safest Elderly Care Facilities
It can be difficult moving a loved one into elderly care. Make this decision easier for families by creating state-of-the-art facilities. From robust railing to functional exterior space, any of the design ideas listed above are great measures for creating a safe and hygienic elderly care building. For more of the leading materials and resources in health management, explore the resources at Omnimed for the leading insights in the industry!
Author Bio:
Todd Gillman is a freelance writer that loves sharing his knowledge and expertise on residential and commercial real estate. He lives in Land O’ Lakes, Florida where he enjoys spending time with his wife and researching real estate trends in his free time. Todd’s work as a freelance writer can be found on Building Product Advisor, a construction industry resource site.