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On stage, experts in gerontology, building science, and interior design came together to discuss the findings of a study which connected design choices and interior materials to enhanced indoor environmental quality. Led by Addie Abushousheh Ph.D., a Research Associate at the Center for Health Design and an organizational and environmental gerontologist, along with industry professionals Stanley Gatland II of Saint Gobain North-America, Steve Muller, COO of Garden Spot Communities, and SFCS’ Carie Shingleton, Senior Associate and Interior Design Leader, the session delved into how evidence-based design and affordable interventions aimed at improving the quality of life for seniors can make a positive impact.
Evidence-based design involves making decisions about the built environment stemming from credible research findings, which ensures these choices are informed by scientific evidence and have a positive impact on the well-being of occupants.
“Without data you're just another person with an opinion, with data you can position your community for growth,” said Carie Shingleton.
The first portion of the study involved surveying current residents at Garden Spot Communities and the original review of results seemed to show the acoustical environment to be satisfactory. However, upon deeper reflection, the dining rooms were identified as a focus area for improvement, as residents complained that noise levels were elevated, especially at peak times and in crowded areas. “Special attention was given to the needs of the hearing-impaired, since people with hearing loss make up a significant portion of the population in senior living homes,” said Dr. Addie Abushousheh.
The study compared the before and after results of intervention in two, nearly identical, dining rooms. Both had kitchens and living rooms open to the household, and the team was able to isolate the interventions’ impact.
The discussion covered various focus areas and interventions aimed at enhancing the indoor environment in senior living communities such as:
“We hoped to show that you can implement strategies to improve the interior environmental quality of the space without sacrificing anything aesthetically and being able to do it for a reasonable cost right alongside plans for capital improvements,” said Carie Shingleton.
Utilizing sensors and surveys, the effects that interventions like acoustic washing made were measured to understand the impact on aspects of the dining environment like air quality, acoustics, temperature, illuminance, and humidity. The residents showed an improved physiological response to the dining environment including reduced tension, anxiety and stress, reduced blood pressure, and reduced amplification of hearing difficulties.
Garden Spot also experienced increased staff retention, productivity and overall happiness and well-being.
“Just simply by putting out a survey to your staff, you have created a cultural awareness of health. When staff feel appreciated, they are happier and happier people are shown to be healthier people. If the people providing care are healthier, this embodies their perspectives and approaches with those they care for,” said Steve Muller.
For many years, the social and connective value of creating a home-like environment, which parallels the surroundings modern adults are accustomed to living in, has been known. Opening the kitchen to adjacent living spaces, commonly known as an open floor plan, promotes socialization and encourages engagement. While this can present additional challenges with the acoustical environment, this study found that for about $10/ square foot a dining room can be transformed into a warm, inviting space for residents to enjoy memorable mealtimes with each other without the annoyance of too much noise.
As the senior living industry continues to evolve, prioritizing evidence-based design principles and innovative interventions is crucial for creating indoor environments that support the physical, emotional, and social needs of older adults. By embracing a holistic approach to senior living design, communities can truly enhance the well-being and overall experience of their residents without sacrificing aesthetic quality or paying exorbitant costs for a full-scale renovation.
The session that this article was written about was presented at By Design 2024. To stay up to date about By Design 2025, sign up for the newsletter here: https://ow.ly/8B2050TeJab
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