The Department of Health and Aged Care engaged in discussions with elderly individuals, professionals in the aged care industry, and design specialists to enhance the layout of residential aged care facilities. This initiative was prompted by recommendation 45 of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety Final Report.
These discussions are contributing to the development of a Residential Aged Care Accommodation Framework, which will incorporate the National Aged Care Design Principles and Guidelines (Design Principles and Guidelines) slated for implementation on July 1, 2024.
Following extensive consultations, preliminary versions of the Design Principles and Guidelines have been crafted and are now available. They serve as a comprehensive tool to steer the design of accommodation conducive to delivering top-tier, secure, respectful, and dignified care. These principles are backed by a strong evidence base established through an exhaustive Evidence Review process.
Final report on the culmination of the draft National Aged Care Design Principles and Guidelines
The preliminary Design Principles and Guidelines encompass four key design principles:
- Empower the Individual – Foster an environment where individuals can thrive, promoting their health, well-being, and sense of self.
- Foster a Homely Atmosphere – Establish a familiar setting that prioritises privacy, autonomy, and a sense of belonging for residents.
- Emphasise Outdoor Accessibility – Facilitate residents’ exposure to and engagement with the natural world, ensuring easy access to outdoor spaces.
- Promote Community Engagement – Encourage residents to maintain connections with their loved ones and wider community, enabling their continued participation in meaningful activities.
Each principle is accompanied by a series of guidelines and checklists detailing practical adjustments. These adjustments can be implemented during minor updates, extensive renovations, or the construction of new aged care facilities.
Consultation
Insights gathered from consultations with elderly individuals, their families, caregivers, professionals in the aged care sector, as well as design and technical experts, played a key role in shaping the initial framework of the draft Design Principles and Guidelines.
The initial consultation phase commenced with the distribution of two discussion papers and a design survey, followed by a comprehensive review of the feedback received, which is accessible on the Aged Care Engagement Hub.
Subsequently, the second phase involved targeted consultations, comprising interviews and focus groups with diverse stakeholders conducted between October 2022 and January 2023.
Additionally, input from aged care providers regarding the design aspects of residential aged care facilities were actively solicited. This collaborative effort aimed to broaden the understanding of various aged care setups, including those offering flexible services.
Stakeholders were further encouraged to share their perspectives on the draft Design Principles and Guidelines, as well as any factors influencing their potential adoption, through a National Feedback Form. The feedback period for this form ran from September to November 17, 2023.
These insights are instrumental in gauging the potential impact of the Principles and Guidelines prior to their implementation on July 1, 2024. They provide valuable insights into stakeholders’ future plans, potential obstacles to implementation, and the requisite level of change and support. Furthermore, this feedback informs the ongoing efforts of the Aged Care Taskforce.
‘Reimagining Where We Live’ Competition
Architects and designers were encouraged to participate in a design ideas competition aimed at conceptualising an innovative aged care residence, illustrating the potential of the Design Principles and Guidelines.
The submissions sought to showcase:
- The visual and experiential aspects of well-designed aged care accommodations.
- The tangible benefits of applying the Design Principles and Guidelines, both in enhancing residents’ quality of life and creating conducive working environments for aged care professionals.
The deadline for submissions was December 15, 2023. Evaluation of entries occur in February 2024, with winners slated for announcement by the end of April 2024.
For further details regarding the competition, please refer to Reimagining Where We Live.
Advantages of the New Design Principles and Guidelines
Older people
The Design Principles and Guidelines will prioritise the creation of residential aged care environments that are more accessible, dementia-friendly, and reminiscent of home, with the overarching goal of enhancing the quality of life for elderly residents.
In developing the preliminary Design Principles and Guidelines, the following were taken into account:
- Preferences expressed by older individuals.
- Advantages associated with small-scale housing models.
- Design elements conducive to dementia-friendly environments.
- Measures to enhance accessibility.
- Consideration of diverse resident populations.
- Location-related factors.
- Integration of innovative design approaches.
- Incorporation of appropriate safety features, including those pertaining to infection prevention and control.
- Improved accommodation design and increased choice will particularly benefit older individuals, especially those living with cognitive impairments or dementia.
By embracing these national Design Principles and Guidelines, individuals transitioning into residential aged care will have greater assurance that their chosen facility will cater to their specific needs.
Residential care providers and technical experts
With well-defined Design Principles and Guidelines set to steer capital projects for both renovations and new constructions starting July 1, 2024, we have the opportunity to establish environments that:
- Foster independence, functionality, and enjoyment for residents.
- Facilitate the provision of top-tier, secure, respectful, and dignified care.
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