Nursing Home Design Guide
2006
2. Acoustics
Due to the prevalence of hard surfaces
in bathing suites, there are few
Shower
Storage
opportunities to improve the acoustics or
apply noise-reducing materials.
Transfer
Textural variety may reduce some
Tub
problems with background noise
(Recumbent)
transmission or the commonly
experienced "echo" problem. Tub
selection criteria should include low
Toilet/
noise levels. Other opportunities to
Vanity
reduce noise include window coverings,
shower curtains, cubicle curtains and
flooring.
Figure 3.14
Open Plan Bathing Suite with Grooming
3.3.4 Interior Considerations
Options below help define bathing as a
comfort for the individual, refocusing
residents away from institutional model
attributes:
1. Window and Visual
Consider the following:
Figure 3.15
A window (screened for privacy) to
Bathing Suite with Grooming and Storage.
allow natural light.
Peabody Retirement Center, North Manchester,
Non-glare surfaces for floors and
IN;
walls improve visual comfort and
may reduce falls.
Lighting levels for the general room
3. Texture
should be 30 foot candles, 300
Lightly textured floor coverings may be
lumens and the skin care and
added to improve footing. Vestibular
grooming areas should be 60 foot
stimulation, a bi-product of whirlpool,
candles, 600 lumens.
hydro sonic or other water jet action,
Art and accent colors on curtains.
may promote relaxation and provide
Great effort has been made to allow
pain relief.
fixtures to blend into the background
so that the equipment itself does not
4. Natural/Familiar
dominate the space. Art should be
Plants and familiar objects, including
selected for use in moist settings
grooming implements, contribute to the
such as ceramic art.
goals of a pleasant ambiance. Music
featuring natural stimuli may be
incorporated into the design.
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Office of Facilities Management
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