Biophilic Design in Care Homes should be on care home owners’ and general managers’ radar. You are aware more than anyone else that your facilities are meant to be safe and comfortable environments for their residents, but sometimes they can also be sterile and uninviting.

Enter biophilic design, incorporating natural elements and principles into built environments, interior design and architecture. Biophilic design can enhance the well-being and health of care home residents, and in this article, we will explore how and why care home owners and managers should consider this approach.

What is Biophilic Design in Care Homes?

Biophilic design in care homes involves creating a living environment that mimics natural elements and principles, such as natural light, greenery, and water features.

This design approach has gained popularity in recent years as research has shown that exposure to nature can positively impact individuals’ mental and physical health.

Biophilic design in care homes brings nature indoors, connects with the outdoors, and provides residents with a more comfortable and supportive environment.

Why is Biophilic Design Important in Care Homes?

Care home residents often spend most of their time indoors, which can lead to isolation and disconnectedness from the natural world.

Biophilic design can combat this by providing a connection to nature, which can reduce stress, improve mental health, and improve overall wellbeing. Care homes can benefit from a biophilic design by creating a more pleasant environment for residents, increasing staff satisfaction and retention, and attracting more residents and families.

Biophilic Theory and Research for Care Home Design

Biophilic design is based on the theory of biophilia, which suggests that humans have an innate connection to nature that is essential for their physical and mental well-being.

This theory has been supported by numerous studies that have found exposure to natural elements, such as sunlight and greenery, to impact people’s health and wellbeing positively.

Biophilic design can enhance residents’ overall health and well-being in the context of care homes by reducing stress and anxiety, improving cognitive function, and increasing socialisation.

How Biophilic Design Enhances the Care Home Environment

Biophilic design for elderly can enhance the care home environment in several ways. Care homes can create a more calming and peaceful atmosphere by incorporating natural elements such as greenery and water features.

Natural light can help regulate residents’ circadian rhythms, improving sleep quality and overall health.

Additionally, biophilic design can improve residents’ access to nature, enhancing their physical and mental health.

The Benefits of Biophilic Design in a Care Home

There are several benefits of incorporating biophilic design in care homes, including:

  • Reduced stress and anxiety: Exposure to natural elements has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety in individuals, which can lead to improved mental health.
  • Improved cognitive function: Studies have found that access to natural light and views of nature can improve cognitive function, including memory and attention span.
  • Enhanced socialisation: Biophilic design can create spaces that encourage socialisation among residents, which can reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation.

Using Biophilic Design in your Care Home as a marketing tool

In addition to the many benefits of biophilic design for residents and staff, incorporating biophilic design into a care home can also be a powerful marketing tool.

Families and potential residents are increasingly interested in care homes that offer a comfortable and supportive environment that promotes wellness and wellbeing. By incorporating biophilic design, care homes can demonstrate their commitment to providing a high-quality environment for their residents on their social media platforms, their email newsletter and their ppc adverts.

This can help differentiate the care home from competitors, and can be an important factor in attracting new residents and families.

Furthermore, by enhancing the overall appearance and feel of the care home, biophilic design can create a positive first impression for visitors and prospective residents.

Ultimately, investing in biophilic design can pay dividends in terms of resident satisfaction, staff retention, and marketing success.

Biophilic design strategies in long-term residential care environments for persons with dementia

Biophilic design strategies can be especially effective in long-term residential care environments for persons with dementia. Dementia patients often experience confusion, disorientation, and memory loss, which can lead to stress and agitation.

Biophilic design can help alleviate these symptoms by creating a more calming and familiar environment.

Some strategies for incorporating biophilic design in long-term care for persons with dementia include creating outdoor spaces that are secure and accessible, incorporating natural light and views of nature into indoor spaces, and incorporating familiar materials such as wood and stone into the design.

Examples of Successful Biophilic Design in Care Homes

There are many biophilic design examples in care homes. For example, a care home in Sweden has a green roof that is accessible to residents and provides a space for gardening and socialising. Another care home in the UK has an enormous indoor garden with a water feature that provides a calming atmosphere for residents.

These examples show that biophilic design can be tailored to the specific needs of care home residents and can provide a range of benefits.

Watch an interview with Lori-Pinkerton Rolet, Interior designer at Park Grove Interiors on her take on Care Home Biophilic Design.

Conclusion

Incorporating biophilic design in care homes can provide numerous benefits to residents’ physical and mental health and enhance the overall environment of the care home.

By creating a connection with nature, care homes can provide residents with a more pleasant and supportive environment, improving wellbeing and quality of life.

Care home owners, and managers should consider incorporating biophilic design into their facilities to improve residents’ lives and attract new residents and families.

The benefits of biophilic design in care homes are clear. With careful planning and execution, care homes can create a natural and welcoming environment that supports their residents’ health and happiness.