Why good design and equipment matters

Aged care is more than policies and processes and an important element that will positively impact the health and wellbeing of residents and staff is a well designed environment and effective equipment.

This could be creating a living space that is easy to navigate for residents and staff without safety hazards, having the right equipment in the facility kitchen for efficient workflow so staff can save time and serve food quickly to residents or having accessible showers and grab rails that make personal care easier and prevent injuries.  

The Aged Care Quality Standards highlight that any equipment used should be safe, suitable and fit for purpose, and that quality aged care should be delivered in an environment that is “well designed and welcoming for all consumers and encourages a sense of belonging”. 

Going green

At the same time there is an increased focus on sustainability in many different industries and some aged care providers are catching on to this new trend when building or refurbishing facilities or implementing innovative equipment.

Putting in place green and sustainable measures in your facility isn’t just about construction, there is so much more providers can do to implement a sustainable model of care.

Key to this is having a sustainability strategy in place to help ensure everyone within the organisation is on the same page and help you reach the targets that you wish to achieve within your facility.

From there, you can contact providers or suppliers of sustainable and green products and equipment. Whilst there may be the assumption that going green will cost more, the long term return on investment may surprise you, as well as the green benefits it will provide your facility.

Positive impact

A well-designed home can have a positive impact on residents and flow-on effects into different facets of your facility operation but will also have a positive impact on your workforce including:

• Provide a safe and welcoming environment
• Reduce aggression or behaviours of concern in residents
• Increased happiness and spirit for residents and staff
• Enable independence and purpose among residents
• Increased socialisation, connection and communication between family, friends, and staff in common areas
• Encouraging families to visit their older loved ones more often

Having access to equipment to support mobility in residents will promote independence and encourage participation in social activities which will ultimately result in helping them live more satisfying and productive lives.

Providing staff with the right tools to ease the physical impact of the job will reflect on the operation side with less injuries of your workforce and increased job satisfaction.

Other benefits include improvements in your aged care facility standing and image, and attracting more clients due to the improved visual environment of your home.

Whether it’s making sure your facility is easy to navigate for residents living with dementia, implementing environmentally friendly or renewable materials in a new extension or being able to offer supportive goods that increase staff and clients’ wellbeing and independence, well considered design and equipment can make all the difference.