Senior living facilities
When it comes to renovating a senior living facility, there are a few things which must be considered, such as wide space living areas, inclusion of ramps and lifts, soft edge furniture, appliances that are easy to use and so on.
The main priority is generally safety and security, but there are a few design elements that can be included:
- Have a fixed timeline. When it comes to renovating or reconstructing an existing senior living facility it is crucial that the construction companies have a proper plan in place since it might be difficult for senior citizens to adjust to new places or schedule changes.
- Talk to the residents. Before commencing the renovation process, it is important to talk to the people who live and work there. If anything is impractical or unnecessary, then it can be removed from the design. Moreover, it fosters an environment of trust and reassures the inhabitants that they are in safe hands.
- Put comfort over style. There are a few design elements which are necessary when it comes to senior living facilities. For instance, chairs should offer comfort and support, toilets should have senior appropriate heights and handles, wheelchair access should be a priority and necessities should be close by.
- Take advantage of technology. Technology can be incorporated as means for ensuring safety through motion sensors (used to alert the staff of unexpected resident activity), digital medication dispensers and devices used for increased communication and entertainment purposes.
- Maintain the facility adequately. Proper facility management is important for the continued safety and comfort of the inhabitants.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
How much does it cost to build a house?
A brief run down of key considerations from a London based practice.
The need for a National construction careers campaign
Highlighted by CIOB to cut unemployment, reduce skills gap and deliver on housing and infrastructure ambitions.
AI-Driven automation; reducing time, enhancing compliance
Sustainability; not just compliance but rethinking design, material selection, and the supply chains to support them.
Climate Resilience and Adaptation In the Built Environment
New CIOB Technical Information Sheet by Colin Booth, Professor of Smart and Sustainable Infrastructure.
Turning Enquiries into Profitable Construction Projects
Founder of Develop Coaching and author of Building Your Future; Greg Wilkes shares his insights.
IHBC Signpost: Poetry from concrete
Scotland’s fascinating historic concrete and brutalist architecture with the Engine Shed.
Demonstrating that apprenticeships work for business, people and Scotland’s economy.
Scottish parents prioritise construction and apprenticeships
CIOB data released for Scottish Apprenticeship Week shows construction as top potential career path.
From a Green to a White Paper and the proposal of a General Safety Requirement for construction products.
Creativity, conservation and craft at Barley Studio. Book review.
The challenge as PFI agreements come to an end
How construction deals with inherited assets built under long-term contracts.
Skills plan for engineering and building services
Comprehensive industry report highlights persistent skills challenges across the sector.
Choosing the right design team for a D&B Contract
An architect explains the nature and needs of working within this common procurement route.
Statement from the Interim Chief Construction Advisor
Thouria Istephan; Architect and inquiry panel member outlines ongoing work, priorities and next steps.
The 2025 draft NPPF in brief with indicative responses
Local verses National and suitable verses sustainable: Consultation open for just over one week.
Increased vigilance on VAT Domestic Reverse Charge
HMRC bearing down with increasing force on construction consultant says.
Call for greater recognition of professional standards
Chartered bodies representing more than 1.5 million individuals have written to the UK Government.