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Approximately 1.3 million Americans reside in nursing homes every year. If you’re looking to build a new facility or expand your operations, the special needs of your patients should be kept in mind when planning the design. The guide below looks at a few of these considerations, though you should speak to your architecture firm about each aspect in more detail.

Capacity & Logistics

Like most businesses, the design of the building should follow its function. Think about how many patients you intend to serve. How many of them are likely to want a private room versus staying in a double? What larger spaces will you need—likely a cafeteria of some sort, as well as a physical therapy room and entertainment areas. Due to the physical limitations of your guests, having a second story is likely unpractical—unless you intend to use it as office space for your employees. If your architecture firm has built similar facilities in the past, you can also ask them for suggestions for the most logical layout of rooms and passageways.

Safety Concerns

A nursing home’s primary responsibility is to look after the well-being of their clients. Therefore, choose materials that make that job easier. Since many seniors have trouble walking, consider using non-slip flooring options like carpeting or cork. Hallways should be lined with safety rails and be wide enough to accommodate residents passing by in wheelchairs. Additionally, all rooms should be outfitted with medical alert systems, in case someone has a health issue. Patients’ bedrooms should be situated near senior-friendly bathrooms and emergency exits to help staff get them where they need to go as quickly as possible.

A Secure Facility

Safety is crucial, but so is security. Both can influence the other. For example, to keep residents safe, make sure medicines are locked away in cabinets that only staff have keys to. The same should be done for cleaning supplies and power tools, which could be kept in maintenance closets. If you have patients who are flight risks or who may be prone to self-harm, make sure they’re under surveillance by installing cameras or putting their rooms by staff members.

 

Looking for an architecture firm to help you create a state-of-the-art nursing home? Turn to the civil engineers at Jackola Engineering & Architecture. Based in Kalispell, MT, these experts at master planning will see your project through from infancy to maturity by offering everything from land surveying to building your facility, as well as assisting with interior design. View some of their previous projects on their website. Or call 406-755-3208 to speak to a team member about your vision.

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