With the recent passing of both of my grandfathers, elder care has become very important to me. Fortunately, our family had an excellent experience with the facilities that were charged with taking care of our loved ones, but that is not always the case.
With the aging of the "Baby Boom" generation from "aging-in-place to nursing care elderly issues are on the forefront of designers minds. This is a section of the industry that has great promise and expansion.
Older individuals faced with the prospects of nursing home care often refuse to go. Often they feel as if they are no longer productive and needed or wanted by their families. The spaces tend to be stile industrial places that cause further feelings of alienation of our older generations. How can we as designers solve these problems? It is our responsibility to help make these places "home". We must consider what makes a person feel at home, what makes a home and other such questions. In doing so we can add comfort and belongingness to these places.
We read an article by Dr. Chapin concerning the topic of Hospice care. As I stated earlier, fortunately for our family our experience of such care was a positive one. This article discusses specific issues in reference to hospice care. Individuals who are referred to hospice care environments are typically in late stages of their illnesses and hospice helps the patient and their families maneuver the death and dying experience. The overall process is an emotional, physical, social and spiritual in nature. An effective hospice is flexible and supportive to aid in this process. The space should allow for personalization and personal control. Family member should also be considered in the design of hospice rooms/buildings. Key elements for hospice buildings are:
- Personal Control
- Physical Comfort
- Emotional Support/Comfort
- Privacy
- Sociability
- Accessibly
- Adaptability
- Stimulation
- Homeliness
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