Designing dignity: Insights into the future of aged care design

The design of aged care facilities is increasingly seen as a key element in fostering better quality of life for older Australians. At the recent Sustainability Summit, a distinguished panel comprising experts from various sectors shared insights into the future of aged care design, focusing on the role of community integration, diversity, and the importance of creating environments that enhance dignity and foster social connections. Moderated by Nicki Doyle Partner in the Health, Ageing & Human Services Sector at KPMG, the discussion highlighted the collective responsibility of regulators, providers, and designers to improve standards across the sector.

Community Integration: Breaking Down Barriers

The first major topic of discussion was the integration of aged care facilities into the broader community. Dr. Phillippa Carnemolla, Associate Professor at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), highlighted the disturbing discovery she made during her research into residential aged care. “When I first started doing research, I was surprised to find that in home care, it was all about community. But as soon as you enter residential aged care, people are no longer considered part of the community,” she explained. This shift in perspective, she noted, is a fundamental issue that needs addressing in the design of aged care facilities.

One solution, as Carnemolla pointed out, is “permeability”—the concept of designing aged care spaces that allow for easier interaction with the outside world. She gave an example from her work with Uniting, where a site location with easy access to cafés, banks, and shops was a key factor in fostering community engagement. In contrast, a new site with limited public access was less successful in promoting social connections, though it did feature on-site social enterprises. “The key is to think about embedding community within high-care settings,” Carnemolla suggested.

Woods Bagot Associate Principal Blair Parkinson agreed with this approach, emphasising the importance of creating public interfaces within private developments that enable residence to engage with the wider community. Using the example of St. Clare residences, located in Melbourne inner-city suburb of Kew, Parkinson shared how the existing heritage buildings that occupy the site have become that interface for the precinct.

“We designed these experiences into the masterplan, suggesting a public cafe inclusive of parklands and play areas for grandchildren. These spaces enable residents to engage with the community in a way that maximises personal connection, wellbeing, and confidence, without removing autonomy,” says Parkinson.

“Residents have varying needs and preferences, and by designing a variety of amenity spaces, we’ve created opportunities for residents to cherish their privacy or connect with others in the wider community.”

Enhancing Dignity Through Design

Another crucial element of aged care design is maintaining dignity. Clint Field, National Sales and Marketing Manager for Nero Tapware, raised the importance of avoiding “clinical” and “unfamiliar” designs that often make aged care environments feel more institutional. “When children visit their grandparents in these facilities, they can feel the stigma of a clinical, utilitarian environment,” Field said. To address this, companies like Nero Tapware are designing products that not only meet the functional needs of aged care but also look aesthetically pleasing. For example, Field highlighted a double towel rail that looks stylish while offering support, reinforcing the importance of dignity in design.

Phillippa Carnemolla echoed this point, suggesting that design can empower older individuals to continue contributing to society. She shared her vision for a future where aged care environments are not just about care but also about offering residents the opportunity to remain engaged and active. “Why do we assume that as soon as a person enters aged care, they’re no longer contributing to the community?” she questioned. “Good design can help people remain involved, whether they’re 95 or living with dementia.”

Addressing the Diverse Needs of an Ageing Population

With Australia’s ageing population becoming increasingly diverse, there is a growing need to consider a range of cultural, physical, and cognitive requirements when designing aged care facilities. Field spoke about the importance of “future-proofing” homes to meet the needs of an ageing society. As more baby boomers age, many will demand higher quality living standards, and designers must be ready to meet these expectations.

Nazli Almasirad, from Etex Australia, stressed the importance of building resilience into aged care facilities. She explained how high-vapour permeability products, such as ventilated facade systems, can help future-proof buildings against climate challenges. "In aged care, it’s crucial that we select materials that can withstand varying climate conditions, while also ensuring the building remains healthy for its residents," she said.

The Importance of Flexibility and Choice

As the demand for aged care continues to evolve, so too does the need for flexibility and choice in living arrangements. Carnemolla emphasised that “choice and options” are key to catering for the diverse needs of older Australians. “People need to be able to choose who they live with and what level of support they require,” she said. As residential aged care continues to reform, there is an increasing expectation that people will receive care outside of traditional facilities, including in-home or community-based settings.

In conclusion, the panel at the Sustainability Summit made it clear that the future of aged care design lies in creating spaces that are more integrated with the community, respect the dignity of individuals, and cater to the diverse needs of an ageing population. By focusing on permeability, flexibility, and personalised spaces, designers and providers can work together to create environments where older Australians can thrive, maintaining social connections and contributing to the broader community well into their later years.

The Panel Discussion "The Future of Aged Care Design" was just one of ten CPD panels hosted as part of The Sustainability Summit in November 2024. The Summit is a day-full of CPD education targeted at Architecture and design professionals and those looking to expand their knowledge and expertise in sustainable built practices.

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