ARCHITECTURE, DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION ARTICLES

Conversations around dementia-friendly environments, specialist support and person-centred care have become more common, but the day-to-day reality of delivering truly high quality dementia care remains widely misunderstood, writes, Rebecca Rawlings

In practice, care homes are becoming the new hospices, increasing emotional and psychological demands on staff. Julie Smyth explains how Springfield Healthcare Group at Wetherby Care & Retirement Village are setting a new standard for staff wellbeing

Most care home lighting is designed for the people who work there, says Michael Bamling, who makes the case for configuring it for the people who live in them, and outlines practical principles that can change their daily experience.

Understanding care culture is crucial to successful outside space design that creates enduring and meaningful engagement with this important part of a care home’s environment, writes Debbie Carroll and Mark Rendell.

Dave Hyde, project manager at Medaco, explains the importance of integrating fittings such as assisted baths and ceiling hoists into the earliest stages of care home design

David Tibbs, senior partner at ORA Architects, explains how a Passivhaus-standard Bedfordshire development is leading the way for the next generation of care homes

When considering care home design, it is important to take different perspectives into account, as Mike Davies, managing director and founder of Catalyst Interiors, explains

Sam Dondi-Smith, senior partner at the National Dementia Care Accreditation Scheme, explains how NaDCAS is setting the benchmark for excellence in dementia care, and why this accreditation is not only beneficial for care homes but also essential for families and caregivers making the important decision of where to place their loved ones

Laina Soucek, art consultant at The Fine Art Company, discusses the power of art in care environments, with reference to a recent project at Langtree Care Home in Wigan

Graham Doig, market specialist at construction and refurbishment company John Ryan Group, discusses the extensive refurbishment of two residential care environments for people with complex needs

Joanne Jeyes of Joanne Jeyes Interiors discusses how and why she considers design to be paramount to a care home’s success, and how thoughtful design can enhance comfort, dignity, and wellbeing

Kerry Southern-Reason, CEO of The Care Home Interiors Group, explains how continuing to push the boundaries of dementia design has enhanced the experience of people living with dementia – most recently at Barley Manor Porthaven’s latest care home

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

A care home refurbishment absorbs a lot of time and headspace, which means that decision fatigue may have set in by the time it comes to selecting curtains and soft furnishings. Brendan Pocock, founding director of Bridge Contract Interiors, explains why designing to support people living with dementia is so important, and sets out the key points to consider

Iain Corrigan, commercial director at CoolCare, explores the key initial touchpoints – both online and physical – that can enhance the appeal of care homes

Annie Pollock, consultant on access and garden design for older people and those with disabilities, explains why, post-pandemic, green outdoor spaces are more important than ever for our mental health and wellbeing

Oswestry in Shropshire is the location of Bluebell View – HC-One’s newly-opened luxury care home. The Care Home Environment editor Matt Seex visited the historic market town to meet with home manager Michelle Middleton Price and experience the new home

Getting outdoors in communal gardens, or within the wider community, can have a real impact on the health and wellbeing of people living in care homes. Cheryl Baird, group director of quality and care at Orchard Care Homes, offers some tips for utilising your home’s outdoor spaces

Elizabeth Butcher, head of marketing at care home supplier Blueleaf Care, explains that while designing a safe physical environment for people living with dementia might be challenging, it is nonetheless essential

The past few decades have seen a massive expansion of for-profit care homes for older people. Here, William Laing, executive chairman of LaingBuisson, discusses current trends in the sector and likely future developments