From Trend to Standard: What’s Now Non-Negotiable in Aged Care Design

Insight provided by Sam Snaddon, Head of Strategy & Commercial – Seniors Living at HSPC.

As Australia’s aged care sector enters a new phase of growth and transformation, it’s no longer enough for design to simply meet compliance. According to Sam, Head of Strategy & Commercial – Seniors Living at HSPC, today’s aged care spaces must reflect a deeper understanding of evolving resident expectations, operator models, and long-term sustainability. Below, Sam outlines the key trends currently shaping design thinking across the sector, and what they mean for future-focused developments.

Sustainable and Nature-Inspired Design

Incorporating eco-friendly features like energy-efficient lighting and green roofs, while also incorporating elements of nature like greenery and natural light, to reduce operational costs and enhance mental and physical well-being. These components used to be a “nice to have”. Now they are imperative. 

Adaptive and Inclusive Design

Creating spaces that cater to the diverse needs of residents with varying abilities, including universal accessibility, inclusive furnishings, sensory considerations, and technology integration.

Technology Integration

Utilising smart systems, such as smart lighting and sensor floors, to enhance safety, mobility, and independence. Again, these features have been discussed for a long time but they are now essential, making life better and easier for both residents and staff. 

Dementia

Creating environments that are safe, calming, and easy to navigate for residents with dementia, using features like clear wayfinding, sensory-friendly materials, and reduced clutter. Ensuring the entire seniors living precinct is designed for dementia is key.

Focus on Social Connection

Designing spaces that encourage social interaction and community engagement, such as shared dining areas, common rooms, and outdoor spaces. Theses spaces need to be designed to be used not just marketed. 

Integrated Developments and Vertical Villages 

Offering a range of living options, from independent living to assisted living and dementia care often within a single complex or precinct. The aged care options are evolving as integrated and co-located developments become more prevalent and line is blurred between traditional retirement living and aged care.

Within independent living scenarios, there is a need to design appropriately, allowing for home care providers to deliver a wide range of services, including personal care, medical care, and support for daily living, in the residents own home as efficiently as possible.

All of these components need to be incorporated in conjunction with the operator, whilst listening and understanding the care model, budget and priorities. Different operators and market places demand different solutions.

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