defiddes BLOG

All too often when visiting an aged care facility the noise from the TV dominates and quite often residents sitting in the TV lounge still cannot hear it. In many instances they are positioned either too far away from the TV or there is just too much other noise going on around them.

Recently I visited a trade fair in Singapore and came across an ingenious product called the Music Cushion. The Music Cushion is beneficial for people with hearing loss by delivering a multi sensory experience.

This month we would like to explore design in a slightly different way and think a little more creatively. 

As our topic is about the “Power of Words” I thought I would highlight a wonderful library design that I saw in a park in Tokyo. 

This month I would like to highlight Intergenerational play equipment by Lappset.

Play is important to us all both young and old and having equipment that both generations can use together or individually is important.  It also give us a wonderful opportunity to come together to interact and play. 

Getting excited about handrails is not generally something I would normally do! However, a new product called Ensafe has definitely caught my attention. 

Ensuites are normally dominated by stainless steel grab rails that look cold, institutional and resemble a hospital.  Residential care facilities need to feel warm, friendly and inviting and the one area we find very difficult to achieve this is in the bathrooms.  So you can imagine how thrilled we were to find a new product that has just been released called Ensafe. 

We know that glare from windows is a major problem for residents. You would imagine this could be easily fixed by fitting sheers or window treatments. However, what if the glare was coming from a fire door at the end of a corridor and you are not allowed to cover the door?  What are your options?

Whilst visiting the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show I came across a supplier called ModBOX. They supply a fantastic range of self watered raised garden beds called Wicking. The garden beds have a water reservoir that sits below the level of the soil.

Yes acoustics again!! Acoustics is becoming the major issue in many residential aged care facilities.

Quite often we are unaware of how the sound environment impacts on everyone’s well-being. A bad acoustic environment can lead to difficulties in hearing causing feelings of pressure, irritation and anger for both resident and staff leading to the risk of conflict, error and overall stress.   

So why are we not doing more about it? 

We believe Kinetic Art is an important component in designing aged care environments both inside and outside.  Often the high care needs of residents in aged care means that many are no longer mobile,  therefore, how can we create an environment that is more interesting and stimulating?  Kinetic Art has the potential to create new and more interactive relationships with the viewer and new visual experiences.  We all observe movement so it makes sense to look at objects that move.

It was extremely difficult to decide on which product I would focus on this month as there were many to choose from!

As we are highlighting the importance of quiet spaces in our knowledge section I thought it appropriate to showcase a new product called “Beetle”. No relation to the Beatles, although the product does bring in a sense of play.Mut Studio teamed up with Sancal in Spain and they have designed a range of acoustic panels that mimic the form of a beetle.

Being an absolute pet lover, even one of our team members is a beautiful furry friend called Beau; I thought the final product for the year could be all about companion pets. What better present to buy someone living in residential aged care!

Companion pets vary tremendously in price and range from Paro, the therapeutic robot which has been around now for more than a decade, through to the companion puppies. Paro of course is the most expensive but is quite an advanced interactive robot

Most people enjoy viewing art and quite often residents will have many pieces of artwork or photographs they would like to install in their bedroom.  

There is always the struggle between maintenance and personalization!  

So what are the options?

Signage and Wayfinding are key components of any large building and none more so than in aged care and retirement. 

We touched on the importance of wayfinding and the latest studies in our January and February newsletter. 

Google have installed the most amazing signage and wayfinding scheme throughout their Kirkland Campus.  Interestingly, Larry Page, one of the founders of Google is a strong believer in the Montessori Method of learning and working, which emphasizes making use of all of the five senses and it was this ideology that inspired the design. 

Technology is moving at such a rate and gives us the opportunity to present some fabulous new products to our clients that give both you and residents options.

Clipsal have recently launched a new product range called Clipsal Iconic.  It is a modern electrical accessory range that is easy to customize. 

De Fiddes Design now has available a Diffuser that not only does not require water but also has no power cord - it can be positioned anywhere, out of the way from curious hands.

Whilst research on the effectiveness of essential oils is limited, some studies have shown aromatherapy can ease symptoms of anxiety and offer relief from symptoms of depression. 

Studies have also shown that sensory stimulation for people with Alzheimer’s can decrease agitation and improve sleep. 

Seven essential oils that may help those living with dementia are Lavender, Peppermint, Rosemary, Bergamot, Lemon Balm, Ylang Ylang and Ginger.

I thought it appropriate to showcase the latest in acoustic products.

Autex have released a new range of wallcoverings called Etch. All of the team are excited to see the new product on offer and the other wonderful component is it can be bespoke enabling the team to create something unique and individual for each of our clients.