Design Elements
Architectural Space of Group Homes for People with Dementia: Oversight of Care Staff while in Motion and not in Motion
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Yukako Tanimoto
This study proposes the necessary conditions for the architectural space of group homes focusing on the oversight of the care staff while in motion (moving from one place to another or taking care of them) and not in motion. This paper has certain characteristics to consider for proper care work. The study surveyed the contents of the two group homes based on an area that allows visibility to other parts of the group home, movements and activity of care staff, and interviews of care staff. The point of the layout plan of the group homes arrived at various insights. The oversight of care staff while in motion and not in motion aren’t influenced by the situation of private room. Care staffs are not always at a high visible area, which makes this as an oversight, while they are in motion and not in motion in their common space. The point of architectural space for the oversight while not in motion is to raise the visibility of the kitchen, dining area, and a base for activities. The point of architectural space for the oversight while in motion is to raise the visibility of the flow line of staff among the four areas: dining, kitchen, laundry area, and a base for activities.
Bathroom Design for Assisted Showering That Improves Quality of Life for the Elderly
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Yukiko Kuboshima, Jacqueline McIntosh, Geoff Thomas
There is increasing demand for housing that facilitates elderly people with high-care needs to live independently. Assistance with showering is the most common personal care requirement and the experience of showering has a high impact on Quality of Life (QoL). This paper explores the requirements for bathroom design to improve the QoL for the elderly who require assistance. Using semi-structured interviews and direct observation of twenty-six elderly people and their caregivers, data were collected on physical environments, perceptions, and use of space from the users of retirement villages as well as public and private-sector rental housing for the elderly in New Zealand. The research finds that many showering spaces were too small to comfortably accommodate assistance. In addition, many spaces lacked the means to protect privacy in a safe manner for the occupant and the caregiver. Common spatial requirements lacking included level shower entrances, sufficiency for assisted drying as well as assisted showering, and measures to limit the spread of water over the floor to increase caregiver safety. In the design of a bathroom for those requiring assistance, there is greater need for either additional space or more adaptable space to accommodate caregivers and maintain the elderly residents’ dignity, independence, privacy, and other aspects important for their QoL.
Design Is Not for Philosophy; It’s for Life (Miyake)
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Samantha Neylon, Debbie de Fiddes
DeFiddes embraces eight life elements based on different aspects of everyday life which can be incorporated into the design of both indoor and outdoor spaces of residential aged care facilities. These elements provide opportunities for engagement and interaction for people living with dementia, their families, and staff in ways that are vibrant, purposeful, and meaningful. Typically, many designers focus on the presentation and aesthetics of indoor spaces whilst outdoor areas are often predominantly landscaping works. Being outdoors is embedded into the Australian psyche and these spaces in residential care environs require careful attention to optimise access and outcomes for those who live there whilst considering operational concerns in areas of risk and safety. The eight life elements were successfully integrated into the revitalisation of an outdoor area in a dementia specific wing of a Western Australian residential aged care facility. The creativity and meaningfulness of the project resonated with all stakeholders and reiterated the value of the eight life elements to underpin all project concepts going forward.
