Nursing Home Design Guide
2006
Neutral colors offer no emotional
stimulation or response and should not
be used in areas where activity and or
group responses are desired.
3. Cool
Cool colors are not associated with
calm, relaxing experiences, as the name
would indicate. These colors tend to
lower the sense of actual air
temperature and so are often preferred
in situations where excessive heat is
anticipated. In terms of interior design,
Figure 2.25
cool colors can often cause depressive
and negative behavior.
Resident Semi-Private Bedroom
State Veterans Home at Fitzsimons
Colors that suggest comfort and a
Aurora, CO
somewhat home like atmosphere can
2.3.11 Wayfinding & Signage
ease the difficulties and enhance the
quality of life in a Nursing Home facility.
Orientation to and throughout any facility
Color preferences of elderly residents
is important. In the case of a Nursing
tend to be conservative so that warm
Home, it tends to be of an elevated
paint colors, wood tones and
importance. Disorientation of a Nursing
conservative patterns in carpet and
Home resident can be a traumatic
drapery are recommended. (See
experience. To mitigate this occurrence,
Figures 2.24 and 2.25.)
clear, attractive signage with large
contrasting notations is required. (See
Figures 2.26.)
Color coding bedrooms and common
areas are also helpful tools for the
residents when trying to find their way
around. In addition, placing a
recognizable photograph of a loved one
or the resident himself or herself on the
residents' bedroom door, aids in
wayfinding.
In terms of signage, designers should
Figure 2.24
understand the effects of hue,
saturation, and brightness on "attention
Resident Dining Area
getting" as they select color schemes.
State Veterans Home at Fitzsimons
Aurora, CO
Office of Facilities Management
2 - 25
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