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Design Procedure For The Old Age Homes
Design Procedure For The Old Age Homes
But before we start with discussing our design consideration factors, it is very important to
know what an Old Age Home is like and what is its purpose of construction…
One important thing to be kept in mind before initiating the design process is that, we should
study the purpose of the construction and what they are like.
This will give us a clear idea of what we are actually suppose to consider in the design…
Apart from literature case studies, Live case studies are also very important…
In my previous articles, we have discussed eleven factors to be considered for a successful case
study…
These old age homes have special medical facilities for senior citizens such as mobile health
care systems, ambulances, nurses and provision of well-balanced meals. So basically, it is a
housing project for senior citizens of that country.
Apart from food, shelter and medical amenities, old age homes also provide yoga classes to
senior citizens. Old age homes also provide access to telephones and other forms of
communication so that residents may keep in touch with their loved ones. Some old age homes
have day care centres. These centres only take care of senior citizens during the day.
A medical officer will be needed to attend to the health needs of the inmates. If the home
is very close to a hospital where emergencies can be treated then, it may be enough to
avail the services of a Doctor, who works there part-time.
A nutritionist can play an important role by providing special attention to the nutritional
requirements of the residents. At least a part-time nutritionist should be appointed.
A professionally qualified social worker is an essential member of the team of personnel.
Wherever possible nursing staff and health care workers trained in Geriatric care should be
appointed.
There is a need for helpers in the Old Age Homes who will take care of the Old people and
help them move around…
After figuring out the staff requirements for the Old Age Homes, we can determine the
amount of space required for their offices and construction of quarters where they can stay
while on job.
There are certain instruments that are necessary for the medical treatment such as Oxygen
cylinders, suction apparatus and intra-venous sets should be readily available. Drugs
should be replaced periodically, considering their expiry date.
Transport facilities such as ambulances or any other vehicle that is similarly equipped as
an ambulance should be available in case there is a need to rush them to the hospital for
intensive care.
Not all old people like sedentary lifestyle…Depending on the extent of the physical activity
of the residents other facilities for active sports such as: tennis, table tennis, squash can
be provided.
A small computer room could be provided for accessing the internet which is a must in
today’s world. That will keep the residents mentally active and aware of the world
outside…
From our discussion we can conclude some of the most important and basic
Requirements in an Old Age Home
Common Rooms
Single and Double Bedrooms
Pantry in every Bedroom
Main Kitchen
Dining Area
Television Area
Reading room
Praying room
Computer room
Offices for the staff
Common Toilets
Sports Facilities for Tennis, Badminton etc.
A Landscaped Garden with a jogging track
NOTE: A minimum area of 2000 sqm would be required in order to accommodate 100 people in an Old
Age Home.