Construction Trends
Residential styled environments for physically challenged people with
neuro disabilities are rapidly replacing the standard institutional
skilled nursing home. Ten trends are described that utilize residential
design approaches to the physical environment while relying on home-care
style methods for service delivery. Combined these two forces create
powerful differentiators which make group residential settings more
friendly and humane. Northern European, as well as, US best practices
and prototypes are described that combine housing with services in a
range of contexts. The success of northern Europeans in promulgating
models of aging-in-place that keep those at risk more independent in the
community or within family settings are remarkable. Topics like the
impact of small group living clusters, interior design treatments,
access to landscape gardens, life skill management methods, movement
systems for circulation and exercise, shared space priorities, unit
design trends and innovative care giving techniques are introduced. The
focus of the article is on specific practices gleaned from cultures and
exemplars that appear to increase autonomy, independence and privacy for
those who are threatened because of their disabilities with the loss of
these lifestyle attributes. Promising concepts of service organization
and community outreach are combined with detailed recommendations that
address the need for lift technology and safety features in bathrooms
and kitchens.
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