Nursing Home Design Guide
2006
to toilets. The VA has initiated
The current profiles of VA clients
discussions with the staff of the Access
indicate that a high percentage of
Board regarding modifications of the
residents require assistance in activities
ADA and ADAAG design guidelines, in
of daily living such as toileting and
an effort to accommodate staff-assisted
showering. The VA Barrier Free
activities in Nursing Homes and similar
supplement PG-18-13 establishes
care giving facilities.
requirements, which differ from those of
UFAS. The more stringent requirement
is to be followed. It is recommended
2.1.2
Local Codes and
that Nursing Homes serving our nation's
References
Veterans adhere to the requirements of
VA is not subject to local imposition of
PG-18-13, and provide accessibility in
code enforcement procedures, such as
100% of bedrooms and resident toilets
drawing reviews, building permits,
designed to accommodate both male
inspections, fees, etc. Therefore, VA
and female Nursing Home veterans.
functions as the Authority Having
Jurisdiction for all VA facilities and
VA Nursing Home clients include an
projects. SVH's and other Nursing
increasing percentage of male residents
Homes serving United States Veterans
who are larger and heavier than the
are not VA facilities and must comply
smaller and female resident populations
with local codes and enforcement
in most community Nursing Homes.
procedures.
Typical staff assisted activities for
veterans, such as transportation,
toileting, bathing, showering, and
2.1.3
Other Recommended
transfers to and from wheelchairs and
Reference Standards
beds, requires frequent use of lift
The following consensus documents
devices.
provide additional guidance and useful
insights into the minimum functional
Older VA residents may use toilets and
requirements of Nursing Home design:
wheelchairs differently than their
younger and stronger counterparts. A
1.
Guidelines for Design and
departure from standard ADA and UFAS
Construction of Hospital and
requirements regarding toilet and grab
Health Care Facilities, 2001 Edition
bar configurations and dimensions is
(Guidelines 2001), published by
therefore recommended. This will
the American Institute of Architects
facilitate safe, staff-assisted transfers of
Academy of Architecture for Health
residents in toilet rooms and similar
and the Facilities Guidelines
locations. Older residents typically do
Institute, with assistance from the
not turn their wheelchairs in a circle.
U.S. Department of Health and
Residents are not successful in turning
Human Services.
within a 5'-0" diameter circle. A 5'-6"
minimum clear area is recommended.
2.
Recommended Practice for
Lighting and the Visual
This Design Guide recommends
Environment for Senior Living,
departures from the ADA, UFAS and VA
(IESNA RP-28-98), published by
PG-18-13 standards regarding transfers
Office of Facilities Management
2-2
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