OLD AGE HOMES….

          Home for the Elderlies hold a special place in today’s society, not because they provide shelter and assistance to the seniors but they also care for their comfortable living. They may be referred to as assisted living homes, Retirement homes or Senior care center, but It is a place where the seniors find solace and love when surrounded by like-minded people who share common energies, age and interests in the joy of living.

          When children move away from their homes for financial and social responsibilities, and with the changing economic conditions of seniors, It’s no longer a taboo to stay in an Old Age care center where all your needs are taken charge of. Away from the hustle of the city, these homes provide assisted living where food, home cleaning, laundry, medical care handled by staff members and entertainment and activities provided to keep the citizens occupied.

As an Architect, designing an Old Age Home requires being sensitive to various aspects of planning. Apart from the focus on safety and accessibility, these homes require specific planning. Some detailed insights are listed below:-

• Planning: Maximal importance is given to the common areas and gathering spaces as it is here where majorly social interaction takes place. These spaces should be landscaped beautifully with sitting arrangements at intervals and need visual connection to other activity areas.

Considering age and mobility of the seniors, it is essential to provide a step free and barrier free space. Ramps are mandatory to be provided for easy wheelchair maneuverability. Wide passages, corridors and verandahs with railing support are a must, as it will facilitate easy movement suitable for everyone.

An attendants room and nursing station need to be in close proximity for any case of difficulty.

• The entrance doors opening into all the rooms, passages and toilets need to be wide enough so as to allow a wheelchair or even a stretcher to easily pass through in case of medical emergency.
• Toilet sizes to be widened enough to allow wheelchair access. Extra support brackets to be provided for WC for independent use of toilets.
• Floor tiling to be slip resistant in rooms, passage and toilets. Seniors have a tendency to take wall support while walking, so dado tiling to be provided on walls too for easy cleaning.
• Lift of sufficient size to accommodate a stretcher to be incorporated in planning
• Proximity to nature: Elderlies love to be with nature. It provides them with a soothing and calming experience. It is not only visually appealing but also caters to leisure activities like gardening activities to keep them immersed.

Generally retirement is not about taking a back seat in life engagements, but a second innings to immerse in doing things the seniors had desired to do the most. With the right amenities and a community of concordant people, an Old Age home should accommodate all challenges in planning that ease out the golden years that are to be spent with comfort, dignity & utmost care.

Ar. Rashmi Phulkar       (Practicing Architect, Vile Parle EAST)