The Psychological Impact of Care Home Design on Residents

Care home design has a huge impact on residents, and it can be both positive and negative. Well-thought-out architectural and interior design can really boost the quality of life for elderly residents, but poor design can lead to feelings of isolation, anxiety and depression.

In this article, the Aedifice team will be exploring the psychological effects of care home design, highlighting both the good and the bad.

Positive psychological effects of care home design

• Social interaction: Good care home design should always promote social interaction, as this is one of the most effective ways to boost the mood of residents. Common areas such as lounges and dining rooms encourage residents to engage with each other, which helps to build a sense of community. Open spaces, comfortable seating and natural light can all contribute to a resident’s willingness to engage in conversation, so they should be a priority.

• Cognitive ability: Design elements that help to stimulate cognitive function can produce a number of psychological benefits. This is why features such as gardens, walking paths and sensory rooms are so effective, as they get residents thinking. Another way of doing this is by including familiar and homelike elements, such as personal memorabilia, as this can help residents with dementia or Alzheimer’s maintain a connection to their past.

• Independence: The design of individual living spaces also plays a vital role in improving psychological well-being. For example, the inclusion of accessibility features, such as handrails and non-slip flooring give residents the confidence they need to navigate their room and the surrounding areas safely by themselves, which is a great self-esteem booster.

Negative psychological effects of care home design

• Institutional atmosphere: One of the most prominent negative psychological effects of care home design is the creation of an institutional atmosphere. A care home should feel like just that: a home. Stark, clinical environments with harsh lighting and a lack of personality are a surefire way to make residents feel like patients, which will ultimately harm their psychological well-being.

• Overstimulation: While it’s good to have some sort of sensory stimulation, overdoing it can have the opposite effect. Loud noises, bright colours and busy patterns can be overwhelming, especially for those with mental health or cognitive issues. Where possible, designers should try to create an environment that provides just the right amount of stimulus and sensory engagement, but also helps residents feel relaxed and peaceful.

• Limited access to nature: Access to nature has a hugely positive effect on our mental well-being, something that goes right back to our primitive beginnings. With this in mind, failing to provide enough green space or natural light can be awful for residents, and can contribute to the institutional atmosphere that we described above. Scenic areas where residents can sit back and enjoy nature help to reduce stress, fight depression and improve quality of life significantly.

As property and project management specialists, Aedifice are perfectly positioned to help you with your care home development project. We have a wealth of experience managing new care home and retirement village construction projects throughout the UK, offering unique insights and advice to our clients where necessary. Contact Aedifice for a free quote!