We talk a lot on this blog about how to design communities from square one and some bigger projects to tackle. But today, we’re going to give you some tips on things you can do today to make your community more comfortable and cozy. Why is ‘coziness’ important? When you say the word ‘cozy’, does …
I am very lucky that when I started my career in senior living design, I was surrounded by people who had worked in the industry for a long time, and who were happy to teach me the ins and outs of dementia communities. There were lots of random little things they taught me, like how …
This month, Netflix debuted “Tidying Up with Marie Kondo,” and I, like much of America, binge-watched the whole 8-episode season. How do you not? She’s a tiny dynamo full of optimism, paitence, and love for messes. I had read Marie’s book “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing” several years …
Paint colors can do a lot for residents and staff in dementia care communities. From the ambiance to functional use, paint can make them a happier and safer place. Functional: Painting exit doors the same color as the adjacent walls can help avoid elopement. If the door is subtle and not a focal point, residents may look …
Floor plants are a constant struggle in senior living communities. They’re over-used, often shoved into every possible nook and cranny. They are difficult to keep clean and free from dust. And in memory care, they provide a whole new set of problems. I remember the first time I was told that floor plants should never …
Aromatherapy is a term that is thrown around a lot lately with the growing popularity of essential oils and all-natural remedies, but the idea of aromatherapy goes back centuries. The Egyptians used aromatic oils for religious purposes and for their antibiotic properties, and Hippocrates was known to take aromatic baths for his health. The amazing …
Textiles for senior living have come a long way since I started my interior design career. I remember coming across chairs upholstered in the first iteration of Crypton fabrics during my site visits. These ‘fabrics’ were more like printed vinyls, in all shades of rose, blue, and seafoam green. They reminded me of furniture …
Flooring is an easily overlooked, yet very important part of a living space. Of all of the materials in a building, it is probably what sees the most abuse. It also has a huge impact on a room’s ambiance and the sound levels. I wanted to talk about flooring today because I keep seeing projects …
What are the elements of a successful outdoor space, and how do you bring one to your community? Spring is here! And what better time to talk about outdoor spaces. Especially in dementia communities, having an outdoor space for residents is incredibly important. Since residents typically are living inside a secured community, they cannot come …
What is this space? Amanda: This is a gardening memory station located in a community courtyard. This community is located in the Midwest, so the bench can be brought inside when winter is near. If taken inside, typically suggest a station like this be located near windows where you can see flowers and landscaping, or …