de Fiddes are excited to introduce you to our new blog page! This is a place where we plan to share our thoughts and reviews on design, architecture, products and the latest cutting edge research.
Our team will be posting regularly on de Fiddes projects, review new and exciting innovations, pass on to you the latest education, share and promote notes of inspiration and show you some fabulous photos from our interior fit outs. Keep up to date on latest products in the market, articles of interest and research findings from our Managing Director, Debbie de Fiddes.
Our blog will not only be an example of what keeps the team at de Fiddes committed to being at the forefront of innovation but a fun place to collect and seek ideas, advice for all things design and even just to share whatever is on our minds.
To be the first to receive our latest posts sign up to our newsletter inKIND here.
Enjoy!
Maintaining hydration can often be a challenge for older people and particularly those with dementia. Recently we came across a brilliant product called jelly drops which are edible, bite sized, sugar free sweets containing 95% water and added electrolytes to help those with memory problems who may forget to stay hydrated.
Read MoreGreenmood’s architecturally inspired, sound absorbing moss design collection has everyone here in the de Fiddes office talking! The suspended, wall and screen options are handmade using preserved natural plant products that combine aesthetics with high-level acoustic absorbance.
Read MoreWe have been working on several Wayfinding projects recently to ensure the appropriate signage enables visitors to find the right person in the right place. We had the pleasure of working with Albany Health Campus who approached de Fiddes with their wayfinding concerns. Click on to see the full project.
Read MoreMeeting the needs of health and aged care settings, Billi’s Firewall Tower Dispenser delivers the latest in UV water purification technology whilst maintain the convenience of instantaneous boiling and chilled water. Read about the future of health and senior design along with BioCote® technology for aged care and beyond!
Read MoreKeeping functionality, safety and style in mind Push Mobility and La La Land have recently joined forces to design 18 unique push hubs, offering Australians with disabilities more choice when it comes to their wheels.
Read MoreWith Australia’s rapidly ageing population wanting to live independently longer and aged care facilities seeking to improve resident livelihood it can become difficult to find a compromise when concerns of safety and wellbeing come into play.
One area which is fast evolving is artificial intelligence technology. Introducing Home Guardian. An ai device playing a vital role in keeping our seniors supported and connected.
Read about the future of senior technology and covid safe designs for aged care and beyond!
Read MoreMeeting the demands of modern acute, disability and aged care settings. Black Crow’s smart grab rails with complete integration of the nurse call control, provide flexibility, capability and ease of use. Find out why we like to use these Grab Rails in Aged Care fit-outs.
Read MoreIn this time of separation, we find ourselves seeking new and interesting ways to come together and connect (whilst still social distancing of course). Enter Moove and Groove a fantastic lifestyle program designed for both in home and residential aged care. Click to read more about Moove and Groove benefits and what the lifestyle kits contain!
Read MoreSince we are all spending a lot more time in the bathroom these days, it only made sense to inspire ourselves and each other with these gorgeous spaces.
Practicing hand hygiene has never been more stylish!
Maintaining connections with others is so important in aged care facilities; with isolation being one of the biggest challenges facing the industry today.
French designer Eva Rielland has come up with a unique way to help people stay up to date with new technologies and in contact with loved ones, which has really got us intrigued!
Designed to relieve the anxiety around learning a new system, Objects of Another Age incorporate minimalism and function.
Excess sounds in the environment can have a negative impact on a person living with dementia. It may be confusing, overwhelming and frustrating when sounds are loud, undecipherable or constant.
So when we found these gorgeous sound absorbing room dividers called Soundsticks by designer Andrea Ruggiero. We were so excited!
Recyclable, 100% no waste design, soft to touch and a sustainable product!
Music to our ears!
Emotional Support is critical for all of us. One of our most basic needs as human beings is connection with other people and we know that when you enter residential aged care quite often that connection is limited.
Recently we were sent some information on a wonderful sensory device called HUG by LAUGH® We all know how important it is to receive a hug and how that makes you feel.
Read MoreContinuing on with our theme this month, we have seen a large increase in refurbishments of existing facilities as a result of the new standards (particularly standard 5). There are many aspects to take into consideration and the right changes can make a remarkable difference to the lives of residents, family and staff.
Read MoreCombining evidence based research and clinical input from allied health professionals has enabled Western Australian furniture manufacturer Torrance and McKenna to develop a premium lounge chair called the Brighton.
Read MoreThis month we explore textural textiles and who better to interview than the much loved illustrator and textile artist, Ruth de Vos. A Western Australian local, Ruth’s talent with both pencil and stitch is breathtaking as she interprets the beautiful moments of small children and their surroundings.
Our theme this month ‘inclusive design’ we believe is very appropriate and in line with the new standards that commenced 1 July. The Guidance and Resource book talks about inclusion and the word inclusive is used throughout.
Read MoreOur theme this month is ‘identity’ so how does that translate into product or design in a residential aged care facility?
At de Fiddes Design we look at it from two aspects - how do you design spaces that identify with so many different residents living under one roof? Secondly, what type of product can be offered to help with identity or personalisation?
Read MoreSustainable and affordable, is that possible? Finding products that match both criteria is always a challenge and now with the release of the new UN report it has become essential that we find products that are sustainable. Thankfully there are a number to choose from that tick the right boxes. Of course the other important thing to consider is the life cycle costing. In the long run does the product save you money as well as saving the planet!!
Read MoreFamiliarity and reminiscence products are something we are always on the look out for in aged care. One of the simplest ways, of course, is by using essential oils. However, you need to be careful about using them as they can be very potent. Aesop, a brand that deals entirely in the uplifting power of plants, ran a promotion called “Purpose and Pleasure” .
Read MoreWearable technology is certainly becoming a way of life. We have headsets to treat depression, scarfs to protect us from air pollution and now we have sunglasses from Bose that bring a whole new level of entertainment to immersive audio.
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