A homely environment can help residents settle, put them at ease and provides reassurance. It can also be beneficial for family members who may have complex feelings about their loved ones living in a care home, says David Shannon, New Vision
The objective of any care home is to enable residents to live a good life in an environment in which they are cared for, safe and happy. Of course, the care they receive is an essential part of this, but there are also other factors that are just as significant in delivering these outcomes, one of which is the environment in which they live.
A care environment that feels institutional is not conducive to wellbeing, recovery or high levels of contentedness. However, a care home that feels like home is reassuring to residents, making them feel settled and giving them a sense of belonging. It can also deliver tangible benefits to residents and staff as well as to the business itself. This is especially true in dementia care environments and it is estimated that up to 70 per cent of care home residents are living with dementia.
Promoting calm and reassurance in those with dementia can reduce anxiety, thereby helping to minimise challenging behaviour. In 2013, The King’s Fund Enhancing the Healing Environment (EHE) programme advocated the improvement of care environments. A report published the same year and entitled ‘Developing Supportive Design for People with Dementia’, concluded that appropriately designed environments can:
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