With the help of experts, we look at how personalisation in line with interior design can enhance comfort in care homes.
In an era where individual preferences and comfort are paramount, the interior design of care homes plays a crucial role in enhancing residents’ wellbeing. This article explores how personalised design choices can transform care environments, making them not just functional spaces, but also nurturing homes. By integrating elements that reflect residents’ personalities and histories, care homes can foster a sense of belonging and comfort.
From colour schemes to furniture arrangements, we delve into innovative design strategies that prioritise the needs and preferences of residents, ultimately enriching their quality of life.
Cinnamon Care Collection are a great example as they work with care home interior design specialist, Catalyst Interiors, to create luxurious, yet homely, environments that promote strong bonds between residents, staff and families. Cinnamon prides itself on ‘person centred care’ and, together with Catalyst Interiors, focuses on comfort-oriented design that recognises the emotional and psychological needs of residents, including those of residents, with dementia.
Simon Toombs, Marketing Manager at Cinnamon Care Collection, said, “Design can positively impact the life and wellbeing of residents, from colour and spatial design to physical furniture and finishes; the resident and their needs are always at the centre of the design. In Cinnamon Care homes, ‘invisible design’ includes installing electric scent diffusers in dining rooms and bathrooms.
“Half an hour before mealtimes, the scent diffuser will start to diffuse smells of fresh baked goods, for example, to entice residents to the dining area, prompting hunger and thoughts of mealtimes. Scent diffusers are also used in the spa bathrooms, where the scent of essential oils is released into the air to create a calming atmosphere and to help relax residents.”
In terms of how personalisation of spaces can enhance the emotional wellbeing of residents in care homes – Simon sees that this can be achieved by using outcome-based design techniques to create an environment that fully supports residents living with age related health and mobility conditions, as well as dementia.
When designing a Cinnamon home, Catalyst Interiors use experiential design techniques – a concept that interior design is not just how a space looks visually, it is how the space smells, sounds, functions and, most importantly, how the space makes a resident feel. The word ‘aesthetic’ is used to describe how something looks; however, it was derived from the Greek word “aisthomai” which means ‘I feel’.
“Instead of using generic landscapes or abstract art, a few of the pieces in each care home are designed to amuse residents, like the cow in a bathtub, or ‘on a roll’ artwork which are also wayfinding cues,” added Simon.
A care home is like any other residential home. When you move into a new house, it doesn’t truly feel like home until you’ve added personal touches, such as your own photos, décor and style. Such personalisation can occur once the resident has moved in to a care home. Speaking on this, Simon explained how residents and guests are welcomed into Cinnamon Care homes with a barrier free reception set alongside the Manager and Admin Office, he told us, “These areas are intentionally grouped within the reception area to create a sense of home throughout the rest of the communal hub, removing any feeling of a commercial building. Corporate branding is kept to a minimum – this is first and foremost someone’s home and a business secondly. Instead, company branding is subtle, with a small emblem here and there.”
Simon continued, “Staff areas do not say ‘staff only’ – no barrier language is used – instead ‘team area’ is used to help create a sense of belonging. Signage is subtle, yet practical, featuring soft, complementary colours and positioned at a height suitable for those with ageing bodies, including those who may lean forward, while incorporating clear, non-childlike images to maintain a homely atmosphere and eliminate any association with a commercial building.”
We asked Simon if he could share any examples of successful personalisation projects in care homes that have improved resident comfort or satisfaction, to which he said, “Most bedrooms (space permitting) benefit from a fitted ‘media’ unit combining shelving, wardrobe, storage, an integrated flat screen TV and desktop or dressing table space. The display shelves on the end of the unit are visible from the doorway, helping to promote wayfinding as residents are able to recognise their room from the personal photos and ornaments displayed on the shelves as they enter their bedroom. This also promotes a sense of home, belonging and happiness.”
Incorporating personal items, such as family photographs and personal furniture, into the design of care homes can significantly enhance the emotional wellbeing of residents. These familiar objects provide a sense of comfort and belonging, helping to evoke cherished memories and create a home-like atmosphere.
In terms of the most effective and safest way for residents to personalise their environment, Simon sees that this is through the use of photographs and ornaments, as this avoids safety risks associated with non-fire-retardant furniture and non-impervious upholsteries. Simon said, “In communal spaces, features such as resident montages or display shelves maintain the overall aesthetic of the space, while still enabling personalisation. However, it is important to limit personalisation to designated areas in communal spaces, as one resident may love an item while another may dislike it.”
Emerging trends in care home design that focus on personalisation are constantly progressing, especially elements such as technology. Simon agrees with this and commented, “The integration of technology will become increasingly common in care homes as we progress; educating residents on how to use these tools, such as Alexa and other smart devices, can significantly enhance their lives.
“When designing for care, always consider if this would this be something you would have in your own home, because it is the resident’s home. Creating a successful care environment interior involves being able to drape functionality with beautiful elements to create a home where residents will be safe, happy and given a helping hand where needed.”
In care home design, even small details like door hardware matter. It might be easily overlooked, but it plays a significant role in creating a familiar, comfortable and homely environment for residents.
A thoughtful approach to architectural ironmongery can enhance not only the functionality, but also the aesthetics of care homes, helping residents feel more at ease in their new surroundings.
Considerations towards inclusive design are becoming increasingly commonplace and are now supported by standards and guidance, such as PAS 6463:2022 ‘Design for the mind’ and The Inclusive Design Overlay to the RIBA Plan of Work.
Andy Matthews, Head of Sales at HOPPE (UK), sees that for elderly residents, especially those with dementia, familiarity can help reduce anxiety. He commented, “Using traditional-style door handles, such as polished brass or antique designs, can evoke the feel of a past home.
“Incorporating heritage styles in door knockers or escutcheons adds a visual connection to familiar environments, bridging the gap between a clinical setting and a personal residence. A letterplate, such as the TS008:2022 tested ARRONE AR708HS, can also encourage the same effect as part of a matching suite.
“Placing all handles at the same height throughout the care home will also help a resident to recall their journey through the building.”
It goes without saying that softer tones like brushed nickel or bronze are more welcoming than harsh, polished finishes, and considering matching door hardware finishes with other room elements, such as light fixtures, can create a cohesive design, avoiding a clinical feel.
“Using colour contrasting handles can help residents with cognitive impairments, including dementia, to identify doorways,” added Andy.
With promoting independence in mind, Andy explained, “Following BS 8300:2:2018 guidance, doorknobs and small thumb turns should be avoided as people with limited dexterity can find them difficult to use.”
Instead, ergonomic lever handles are easier for residents with arthritis or limited hand strength to operate, as they can be pressed down using the palm alone.
It’s important to strike the right balance between safety and accessibility. “Features such as adjustable door closers, push plates and thumb-turn locks make doors easier to navigate, whilst also encouraging residents to move freely without assistance,” Andy concluded.
The interior design of care homes plays a pivotal role in enhancing the wellbeing of residents by prioritising their individuality and comfort. By implementing personalised design choices, such as tailored colour schemes and familiar decor, care environments can transform into nurturing spaces that foster a sense of belonging. The collaboration between Cinnamon Care Collection and Catalyst Interiors exemplifies how thoughtful design can address the emotional and psychological needs of residents, particularly those with dementia. Emphasising the importance of experiential design, this approach ensures that every aspect—sight, smell, sound, and functionality—contributes to a home-like atmosphere. As care home design continues to evolve, integrating elements of personalisation and technology will further enrich the lives of residents, promoting independence and enhancing their overall quality of life. Ultimately, the goal is to create a warm, inviting environment that feels like home, ensuring that residents feel safe, happy and valued in their new surroundings.
