When it comes to designing any type of building, there are both practical and aesthetic considerations that the architect must keep in mind in order to create the perfect vision. Nursing homes, like any other building, deserve just as much time and consideration as a museum or school. In the past, this was not always the case; nursing homes followed the patterns used by hospitals, and that was that. Today, however, a heightened cultural awareness of seniors and of the trials they must often endure as they once again become more dependent on other people means that a good nursing home must be designed with more than just health care and turnover in mind. Here are a few of the most important considerations.

Aesthetic

When we are talking the aesthetic parts of nursing home design, it is important to remember that these facilities will house people who have been taking care of themselves for their whole lives, and now are being taken to a place to be taken care of. You must remember that there is a certain amount of fear at this point in their live, thus the home itself must appear comforting. Here are a few ideas.

Absolutely avoid dominating lines and angles. The architect, as artisan, understands the relationship of lines to the human psyche. A blunt structure lacking in flow and towering out of the landscape will inevitably make the residents think of a prison.

The appearance of a single family home. A nursing home should be built as close as a multi-resident facility can to the appearance of a single family dwelling. Again, the main idea here is to have residents feel at peace with their new living space, not as if they are now being shut away.

Plenty of outdoor space. Walkways, parks, fountains, even small lakes will make the residents of the nursing home feel as though they are in a larger world. It will also enhance a feeling of peace and allow them room to exercise.

Practical

It would be remiss to suggest that aesthetic considerations were not also practical, but for purposes of clarity we have divided the two so that "practical" covers concerns specific to the health of nursing home residents. They include:

Structures for easy mobility. Simply put, this means less stairs and more ramps. Elevators may fit into the overall design, but remember that nursing homes should not be towering structures in the first place.

Recreational facilities. Every nursing home needs to include indoor facilities which allow seniors to enjoy a full range of activities. These include group areas where they can visit and play games with other residents, studios for exercising, perhaps even a gymnasium.

Of course, there are many more considerations when designing a nursing home, but we are out of space here. Remember that your foremost concern will be the well being, safety, and health of the residents who will make their new home in the building you design.