Residents and staff benefit from new space at Pearl Supported Care

The design principles of the new memory support unit at Pearl Supported Care are already proving to have a positive impact on residents’ well-being, only a few months after residents moved in.

Based on learnings from residents and staff at another thoughtfully designed home, the dementia-friendly design is engaging residents, families and staff alike.

Residential Services Manager of Pearl Supported Care, Jan Marlborough, said the corridors which connect residents’ rooms have generated the strongest emotional response as the expansive windows “bring the outside in”.

“It is light and bright with plantation shutters in all rooms. The rain has been consistent, and residents love to watch the garden grow, along with the increasing bird life,” Jan said.

The communal area is also having a noticeable positive impact for the community.

Jan explained, “There are three distinct areas; a small lounge, a dining area, and an activity area.

“It's where people spend most of their day actively involved in activities. It's a place where everyone gathers.”

The other features which are giving the new spaces a home-like feel include an open kitchenette with a domestic style, which can be used not only for serving meals but also for families to make refreshments, and domestic furnishings and fixtures with the style of a typical tropical home that are used throughout the wings.

There is no visible sign in point for visitors, from a resident’s perspective, and no formal nurses station.

Although the staff areas are hidden from view in an external staff walkway, Jan said the design has actually increased staff observations and resident participation.

“Staff are more involved and operating as one seamless team across all disciplines, making it feel like a family home,” she said.

“Already, with a greater lifestyle and staff presence in common areas and increased open areas, we are seeing significant improvement in resident engagement.”

“I want to thank our dedicated and committed staff for investing all of themselves in ensuring our residents are loved and well cared for every day, and our very dedicated and supportive families who have become integral to our operation and the well-being of our residents.”

To see the highlights from the opening of the Pearl Supported Care expansion in December, click here.