Nursing Home Design Guide
2006
that locks or unlocks doors
individual residents. Unpredictable
selectively upon the approach of
behaviors that can impact the unit staff
identified individuals.
are:
Boundaries Directly Outside Unit
Exits - Methods for providing outside
Demands on staff are greater in
terms of oversight of both the people
unit boundaries defining secure
gardens are to include perimeter
and the environment.
fencing of minimum 7' height, motion
Staff strives to refocus stimuli and
detection and sensors, concealed
behavior toward foci that provide
entries, and off-set fences.
comfort and reduce anxieties.
4. Designated and Distinct Units for
communication from exits, call
Memory Support
systems, and motion detectors to
radios and/or wireless systems by
When designing distinct
working with communication
accommodations for those with
consultants or professionals.
Alzheimer's and related disorders,
Controlled Access - Control access
consider the following:
to areas not specifically designed for
Provision of smaller units with
use by residents and those spaces
specially trained staff
that require cognitive judgment such
Secure areas for those who wander
as stoves, soiled linen, running
Provision of engaging, individualized
water, and office equipment.
Monitors - Consider including fall and
programs.
bed monitors, security cameras and
3.5.3 Design Considerations
sound monitoring equipment.
Windows - Window openings should
This section provides guidelines for
achieving a safer, more responsive
be controlled to minimize risky
design.
elopements, yet operable to allow for
fresh air.
1. Safety and Security
Floor Safety - Design should
The design of areas for people with
eliminate the need for ramps, as
limited judgment should incorporate a
floor levels should be continuous.
combination of the following measures:
Consider institutional-grade floor
surfaces that appear like carpet but
Location in the Building - Provide
clean with one process to minimize
active residents with ground-level
potential problems associated with
dwellings that provide, on the same
wet floors and time associated with
floor, dining areas and secure
floor finishing.
Personal Possessions - Make
access to the outside.
Perimeter - Provide perimeter
accommodation for storage,
control, door identification, an
appropriate access, and protection of
approved system for exit control, and
personal possessions.
door alarms and release. As
2. Reduced Agitation
appropriate, consider time release
and/or magnetic locks, key pads,
To reduce environmentally induced
and specially designed hardware
agitation, mitigate potential sources of
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