Trends Shaping Healthcare Design

SHAPING HEALTHCARE DESIGN

​With Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, it’s easy to get your daily dose of trending news and topics, But what about the trends that are currently sweeping the interior design world? Take a look below to see all of today’s latest long-term care design trends, and how you can incorporate them into your spaces! #TrendAlert!

CREATING WARMTH

The goal of this trend is to create interiors that make residents feel like they are at home and in a familiar environment. To accomplish this, it is important to choose furniture that is more residential feeling, including matching wardrobes and bedside cabinets. It is also essential to include sources of natural light and soothing color palettes.  These steps will help reduce the anxiety associated with being in a new environment.

​PERSONALIZATION

By finding out a new resident’s favorite magazine, color, or flower, a facility can incorporate them into their new room so that when they arrive, a potentially overwhelming experience can be turned into a positive one. Also, using room signage that incorporates personalized photos, familiar local places, or family and friends can help individuals feel less anxious and at ease.

​OUTSOURCING

A possibly overlooked trend is outsourcing interior design and purchasing services. Research has shown that outsourcing these services can increase cost savings to the facility while taking advantage of the expertise, flexibility, and industry knowledge these professionals have. Next time you want to update your facility, consider outsourcing. The results will speak and pay for themselves.

​MULTI-FUNCTION

To help make a long term care facility seem less institutional, it is important to keep it feeling uncluttered and open. This can be accomplished by using furniture that is flexible and serves multiple purposes, such as a chair that converts into a guest bed.

INFECTION CONTROL

Taking infection control measures reduces the stress and workload on residents, guests, staff, and the facility as a whole. Besides frequent hand washing and access to water less antibacterial sanitizers, many fabrics and finishes now come with antimicrobial properties built in.  Selecting products with clean lines and rounded corners also prevents dirt and dust build up and helps prevent the spread of germs to create a safer environment for all occupants.

Here at DCS, we know how to incorporate all these new trends into your renovation, as well as elements that have stood the test of time.

Give us a call today!

Enjoy the rest of your summmer!