Architectural Design Features of Health and Aged Care Facilities to Enhance the Care of Patients and their Carers

摘要

Tuohy-Main has worked in over 100 health and aged care facilities. Through observation and discussion with staff it has become apparent that there are building design problems that are common to many facilities. It is also of concern that new building designs are often not addressing the problems. It is important that design takes into account the specific tasks that are to be carried out within the different rooms in the building, as well as the furniture, equipment, number of people and space required for people and equipment to move unrestricted. An apparent lack of understanding of these issues is painfully obvious in many facilities. This paper will cover aspects of building design, including toilet and shower areas, corridors, dining and recreational areas as well as kitchen, laundry, cleaning, maintenance, morgue, staff, education and storage areas. The perspective taken in this text is based on an assumption that living and working environments need to be as hazard free as possible. Ways that can assist to reduce effort and stress to patients and carers assisting patients with daily living activities will be discussed including:- toileting; transferring from bed to chair, commode, toilet or wheelchair; ambulation or transportation round the building; showering, bathing; dressing; eating and recreational activities.