Community Designs That Promote Mental Health and Well-being
As more seniors seek lifestyles that focus on well-being and active engagement, it is important to have communities that address not only physical health but also mental well-being. The numbers bear this out. According to the World Health Organization, over 20% of adults aged 60 and older have some mental or neurological disorder. Depression and dementia are most common, with anxiety following closely behind. There is much that senior living communities can do to promote the mental and emotional health of their residents.
A session at a recent Center for Health Design workshop on the future of mental and behavioral health design and research identified several characteristics of an environment that promotes mental health in building design. We were pleased to see this list, as these are the kinds of elements we incorporate into our building designs:
Homelike/calming setting. We are aware of the impact of color, sounds, smells, lighting, and temperature, as well as the ability to interact with pets and nature -- on mood and their contribution to feelings of calm and comfort. EXAMPLE OR TWO HERE?
Positive distractions. We design buildings with flexible spaces that can be used for a variety of purposes, for instance, activity rooms that support art, music, and the performing arts; infrastructures that support the use of technology such as virtual learning; and spaces that support work and education efforts (e.g., classes, meetings, and presentations). EXAMPLE?
Social interactions. In recent years, more studies have shown the importance of social engagement to the health and well-being of seniors. Senior living communities need spaces that enable and encourage interaction, things like lobbies and common rooms with acoustics, lighting, and seating that are inviting and enable comfortable gatherings. EXAMPLE?
Staff respite. It is important to realize that staff face stress in their personal and work lives, and they need a place where they can find comfort, serenity, and peace. We often will design an oasis for staff that is separate from the break room. Ideally, this should have a spa-like feel, with soft music and lighting, comfortable seating, and amenities such as a massage chair and a refrigerator with healthy beverages and snacks. It is also important to have private (staff-only) access to outdoor spaces. While staff enjoy engaging with residents, there are times when they may want some privacy or the opportunity to relax and connect with colleagues.
Maintenance. Even in the best communities, HVAC, plumbing, tech problems, and glitches happen. Residents need to be confident that issues will be addressed promptly. A system of texts, emails, and other alerts that inform residents when problems (such as power outages or boiling water orders) happen. When possible, let them know when the issue is expected to be resolved and any actions you are taking, or they can take in the meantime, to ensure their comfort. All these efforts can help reduce stress and anxiety.
Safety and security. A sound security system is a no-brainer. However, while a community design must attend to security, it can’t look like a prison or restrict movement and activity on the part of residents. Some tips: landscape design that makes property lines clear but also makes potential entry points for intruders visible to cameras and staff monitoring the grounds; entryways/lobbies that provide multiple opportunities to see, delay, and stop intruders; and alcoves, stairwells, and doorways that are open and don’t provide places for intruders to hide.
Autonomy. Residents often give up homes, friends, routines, and possessions to move into a senior living community. It is important that they can feel in control of their lives. The campus needs to be easy to navigate, and access to shopping, entertainment, dining, etc., needs to be convenient. EXAMPLE?
Inclusivity. Residents want to feel that they belong to the community. Design that offers places to gather inside and outside goes a long way to increasing engagement and a sense of belonging. However, this is only part of the story. Communities need programs and spaces that encourage intergenerational activities, meetings, pop-up shops and restaurants, community gardens, and more. EXAMPLE?
One workshop session addressed designing adolescent mental and behavioral health facilities. Many of the design strategies identified in the presentation can also contribute to the mental health and well-being of senior living residents. These included:
Spaces that are clean, uncluttered, and damage-free.
Living spaces that encourage personalization and self-expression.
Routines and predictable rhythms of activity in shared spaces.
Spaces that encourage active engagement.
Design that optimizes sensory comfort and control.
Spaces that support privacy.
Regardless of what kind of lives they have led, seniors face several stressors as they age. The loss of independence, physical challenges, functional declines, multiple chronic illnesses, and other issues can contribute to mental health problems such as depression and anxiety. These may lead to weight loss or gain, isolation and loneliness, problems sleeping, and other concerns. When we design senior living communities with elements and amenities that promote comfort, security, relaxation, physical and mental activity, socialization, and a sense of purpose, we can help support residents’ mental health.
For more information:
With the Right Design and Atmosphere, Work Can Be a Happy Place for Stressed Workers
From Armoires to Art to Arboretums: Enhancing Resident Wellbeing Through Design
Pi Architects | Contact us here or call us at 512-231-1910.
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