• Use sound-absorbing materials in public areas.
• Equip a few bedrooms with extra soundproofing for
residents with disruptive vocalizations.
• Use pleasing sounds as cues (bird songs as residents are
rising, or show tunes or hymns before meals).
Visual stimulation
• Minimize glare from windows and lights by using carpeting,
low-gloss floor waxes and sheer curtains.
• Provide even lighting as much as possible; avoid pools of
light and dark.
• Emphasize important signs that help orient the resident
and minimize or eliminate unnecessary signs, such as
signs noting the utility room.
• Vary design and décor in each room (bedrooms and
shared areas) so the experience of one room is different
from another.
• Position non-ambulatory residents so that they have
interesting view s – either a window looking out to a busy
street or a view of an active area.
Some of the above design considerations may involve
modifying an existing structure, making it difficult to
implement them in your facility. However, finishes and fixtures
can often be modified for little or no cost. It is important
to recognize that the physical world does not exist in
isolation, but interacts with the activity program, level
of resident capability, staffing, constraints of budget
and organizational policies and procedures.
The Alzheimer’s Association is happy to confer
with your facility and advise on these issues. Call
the 24-hour Helpline at 800-272-3900 to speak
to trained dementia experts and/or locate the
nearest chapter.
Article citation: Designing a Care Facility on alz.org
leadingageny.org
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