6 Tips to Read Before Undertaking a Refurbishment
Often a decision is made to refurbish or to improve one part of an aged care facility at a time – such as a house or a wing. This can involve structural works to remove walls, add walls, reconfigure bathrooms or kitchens or it can simply be replacement of furnishings such as flooring and chairs. Our considerable combined years of expertise in aged care facility refurbishments ensures we have good tips to share before you embark on your project, so there are no nasty surprises or unexpected fees.
Tip 1. Take the time and view the big picture.
Is the aim to eventually refurbish the entire facility? If so, always take the time to develop the facility concept plan first so it is clear how all the refurbished wings will fit together to form a cohesive whole. This is not the minute detail on the individual selections but an overall view. There is a risk when focusing on a wing or house in isolation that the end result ends up being piecemeal. Talking to an Aged Care Specialist Architect such as Gary Batt Associates Architects in Perth WA can shed some light on planning mistakes that could be avoided.
Tip 2. Have your eyes open to the opportunities.
Many people default to replacing ‘like for like’. If you look at the age of the facility being refurbished and what aged care products were available at the time, adopting this seemingly quick and easy approach will deny you the opportunity to see how much the technologies have evolved and advanced since then. Products have changed enormously – and so too has the research and the evidence - to inform, guide and vastly improve selections. Finding a great aged care products supplier is a good place to start your research. Places like Torrance and McKenna have a great range of clinically approved aged care and dementia specific furniture.
Tip 3. Find more ways to save.
Many facilities have numerous light fittings with multiple globes which are costly to run and yet these often still provide poor lighting to the residents who need it! This is one example where a refurbishment is an opportunity to look at the current operational set up as well as the energy utilisation and look for efficiencies. Expert assessment of your interiors such as window treatments and furniture can determine what can be adapted or re-purposed for ongoing use.
Tip 4. Keep in mind ‘Caveat Emptor’ – Let the Buyer Beware!
The old adage ‘you get what you pay for’ has proven to be true time and time again. Whilst a cheaper product can certainly have its place, do consider durability, place of origin, ethically sourced as well as your own contribution to the growing landfill issue. Paying an extra $200 for a chair could mean an extra 5 years of life and thus more than pay for itself. Wherever possible, consider supporting Australian products from local businesses so we contribute to our local economy too.
Tip 5. Prioritise the Resident experience.
Last but by no means least, consider the resident’s perspective when undertaking the refurbishment. Whilst the concepts may look beautiful, are they meaningful for residents? Do they take into account and accommodate the impairments residents so often experience as they age? Do they provide opportunities for engagement? Do they create an environment which promotes independence and well-being? These are crucial questions to ask – and to get the right answers to – as the residents should be the driver for all we do and how we go about doing it. Residents and families often face disruption, uncertainty and anxiety during these projects so do also consider the expertise of your project team in liaising with families and residents when deciding who you take on.
Tip 6. Seek the right advice.
These are just the tip of the iceberg of things to consider when undertaking a refurbishment. Our Aged Care and Dementia Design Specialists have years of experience designing, decorating, auditing and educating, and we believe that there are many more tips to know! So drop us a line and let’s start a conversation!
