FUNCTIONAL INTERIORS FOR SPECIAL NEEDS 4(2+2)

Lesson 31 : Design Criteria for Nursing Homes

Cleanliness and Sanitation

An odor-free environment is a very high priority in nursing homes, since many residents are occasionally incontinent, and the pervasive odors can give an impression of uncleanliness and poor operation to family and visitors. In addition to operational practices and careful choice of furniture, facility design can help odor control by:

1. Adequate and highly visible toilet rooms in key locations near spaces where residents congregate
2. The use of appropriate, durable finishes for each space used by residents
3. Proper detailing of such features as doorframes, casework, and finish transitions to avoid dirt-catching and hard-to-clean crevices and joints
4. Adequate and appropriately located housekeeping spaces
5. Effective ventilation, which may need to exceed nominal design levels
6. Adequate indoor environmental quality