Think about the favorite spaces you’ve ever been in. Then think about rooms that feel cluttered, overly dark, or otherwise unpleasant. The way a space is set up makes a big difference in the way you feel while in it.
When you extend that thinking to your Residential Care Facility for the Elderly (RCFE), it should shape some decisions you make about your interior design. If you’re setting up a new space or planning for improvements, there are a few ways you can use the opportunity to improve the safety and well-being of your residents. And that, in turn, helps your facility run more smoothly.
Safety First
At an RCFE, function needs to trump form in every design decision. That’s not to say that your spaces can’t be aesthetically pleasing. But if you need to make a choice between something looking nice and being safe, choose safety every time.
That means opting for flooring that’s slip-resistant and adding in ample sources of lighting, then ensuring that any cords are moved out of walkways. It may mean adding contrasting colors where it could help residents, like on the edges of steps and corners.
You may even use visual cues to help your residents navigate your facility. Painting all of the hallways in your residential areas the same color may make it easier for folks to find their way home from common areas, for example.
Also, design your space to feature accessible furniture. Chairs that sit a bit higher and have sturdy armrests can make it easier for your residents to get up from sitting.
All of these interior design choices can help to prevent falls, which are a leading cause of insurance claims at RCFEs.
A Boost for Mental Wellness
Evidence points to mental wellness boosts from all of the following design choices:
- Bright, open-feeling rooms
- Plants and flowers
- Art on the walls
Work to maximize natural light in your spaces. If you have heavy window treatments, you may want to swap them out for something breezier.
Also, keep clutter to a minimum in common spaces. Not only does this make the space feel open, which is linked to positive mental health outcomes, but it also minimizes tripping hazards.
As you look for ways to strategically use your interior design, the colors you choose can also impact your residents’ mental wellbeing. Color psychology says that cool colors like blue and green can help to add a sense of serenity.
This can be particularly helpful for residents who struggle with anxiety or agitation. When the surrounding space is calmer-looking and less stimulating, it can provide a soothing effect. This, in turn, makes it easier for your team members to administer the care these residents need, helping to improve their quality of life.
With interior design, your facility has the opportunity to implement measures that can provide lasting safety and wellness boosts for your residents. And with a design that minimizes hazards, you should see incidents decrease on your property. Over time, this can help to lower your liability insurance premium.
To explore how you can use interior design to your facility’s advantage — particularly when it comes to your RCFE insurance coverage — talk to our team here at InsureMyRCFE. Contact us at (805) 413-5668 today.
