The mission of the AIA Design for Aging (DFA) Knowledge Community is to foster design innovation and disseminate knowledge necessary to enhance the built environment and quality of life for an aging society. This includes relevant research on characteristics, planning and costs associated with innovative design for aging. In addition, DFA provides outcome data on the value of these design solutions and environments.
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Strategies for Safer Senior Living CommunitiesThis resource includes strategies for dining facilities, amenity spaces, and individual units. Download >
Today's long term care providers think in terms of "service to customers" rather than "patient care" and in terms of "households" rather than "wings" within the buildings they manage. The concepts of residential character, privacy and dignity are far easier to provide while planning a new building. But what happens when your building is 20 or 30 years old and you're saddled with the basic footprint of a medical model facility with predominately double occupancy rooms? Is there a way to afford some privacy to these hospital-like rooms?
This article will demonstrate through two case studies that a genuine commitment for change combined and with careful planning strategies can achieve privacy within a shared room without razing an existing structure. With budget in mind, the goal is set to improve the daily lives of the residents by providing environmental improvements within the confines of the existing footprint.