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As the property manager or owner of a long-term care facility, providing safe, comfortable living conditions for elderly residents is the top goal. That’s why you should take their needs into account when updating the interior design plan for the facility. To avoid slip and fall accidents and additional concerns, below are a few features the building should possess. 

How to Improve the Interior Design of a Long-Term Care Facility

1. Use Design Elements for Path-Finding in Corridors & Common Areas

With numerous hallways and wings, navigating a long-term care facility can be confusing for those with declining cognitive skills. Additionally, it could be difficult for some residents to find the way between their rooms and common spaces. To help them, incorporate strategic focal points using colors and subtle carpet patterns for each area while maintaining the same styles. Avoid any patterns that are too busy or dark, as they might disorient the residents.

2. Install Flooring That’s Easy to Roll Walkers & Wheelchairs Over

Eagan-Minnesota-interior-designOftentimes, the residents shuffle their feet and cannot get over transition strips, which separate two different types of flooring, usually near doorways. Modern advances in senior living flooring now have options where carpet tile and luxury vinyl tile (LVT) butt up to each other. This gives the residents a transition-less floor that they can easily glide over with walkers and wheelchairs.

Also, LVT flooring makes it easy to wipe liquid spills, and daily maintenance is minimal. Traditional waxing is not needed, for example; just sweep and use a damp mop with a neutral cleaner.

Many older individuals experience joint pain, severe arthritis, and other medical issues that make it difficult to walk. Whether you go with carpet, LVT, or sheet vinyl, having a cushion underlayment or backing will help with these ailments, as well as reduce injuries if someone falls. Cushioning also adds comfort underfoot for the nursing staff, has noise reduction properties, and it lengthens the product life span.

3. Create a Cozy Atmosphere

To avoid an institutional atmosphere, make common areas look more like a residential living room by adding inexpensive accessories, such as artwork, ambient lighting via table lamps, and plant-like decorative elements. For the artwork imagery, choose themes that will have a calming effect on the residents, such as a lakeside landscape or beach. Finally, help seniors recall memories by using vintage movie posters in some areas, such as a community theater room.

 

For help improving the interior design of your long-term care facility, contact the professionals at CFS Interiors and Flooring in Eagan, MN. Since 1996, they have been the go-to source for commercial flooring installation, painting services, and additional improvements in the Twin Cities. For a consultation in Dakota County, call (651) 681-8100. See the team’s portfolio online and become a Twitter follower for more interior design advice. 

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