The future of aged care design: Audience questions

From ensuring high-quality care across all socio-economic levels to balancing smart technology with privacy concerns, the audience questions highlighted the challenges and innovations shaping the sector’s future. Here’s what industry leaders had to say about designing aged care spaces that are functional, supportive, and human-centred.

Designing for socio-economic inclusivity

An audience member raised a critical question: "Is there a similar amount of investment and focus on aged care for those at the lower end of the socio-economic spectrum, particularly in publicly funded institutions meeting best practice standards?”

Blair Parkinson responded, noting that while some projects, such as the Saint Clair development, are targeted at higher-end markets, the principles behind them—like biophilic design and community-focused layouts—are not budget-dependent. “It doesn’t mean you have to have gold foil-lined walls and fancy stone on the flooring,” Parkinson explained. “As long as the principles are right from inception, that’s what really matters.”

Manufacturers such as Clint Field and Ross Baynham added that their industries are responding with cost-effective solutions. 

Field explained: “We’ve already developed a range of assisted living care products that replicate higher-end specifications but at a significantly lower cost.” 

Similarly, Baynham highlighted the development of social housing-compatible systems that maintain functionality and quality. The discussion emphasised a shared commitment to ensuring inclusivity, with many providers striving for seamless integration of residents from varying socio-economic backgrounds.

Cognitive-friendly environments and mental mapping

Another audience question centered on the impact of environmental changes on cognitive function: “Philippa mentioned how making new mental maps of an environment can impact cognitive ability. What research supports this, and how is it applied in practice?”

Philippa Carnemolla shared her experience working on a specialist disability accommodation project, where caregivers had to navigate a complex site. “The cognitive load mapping wasn’t for the people receiving care; it was for the support providers,” she explained. 

“It took onboarding staff a month to figure out how to move across the site.” This highlighted the importance of intuitive design not just for residents but for those providing care.

Carnemolla also discussed research into the role of the built environment in aiding recovery from conditions like delirium. Simplifying navigation and reducing cognitive load can significantly improve outcomes, a principle that has broad applications in aged care and beyond.

Question 3: Technology and privacy in aged care

An audience member asked about the challenges of introducing technology into vulnerable settings: “How do we balance the benefits of implementing technology in aged care with concerns about privacy and data security?”

Philippa Carnemolla emphasised the complexities, noting, “You can’t just implement technology into a person’s home. It has to work in the lives of the people it’s intended to support.” She pointed out that data security and ownership are critical concerns, as is the need for proper training and maintenance.

Citing examples from group homes, she noted that smart technologies often fail when support staff are not adequately trained, or disputes arise over funding. Furthermore, the risk of power outages or system failures raises questions about the reliability of tech-dependent solutions. 

Carnemolla concluded, “Am I willing to be passively monitored, whether I open my fridge or not? I can tell you now—my 96-year-old aunt doesn’t want that. She wants a phone call and a visit.”

A vision for the future

The Q&A session underscored a collective focus on human-centred solutions in aged care design. Whether through cost-effective inclusivity, intuitive layouts that reduce cognitive load, or carefully managed technological integration, the sector is evolving to meet the diverse needs of an aging population. 

As moderator Nicki Doyle remarked at the close of the discussion, “It’s been a fascinating session, and I feel very optimistic about the future of design and sustainability within aged care.”

This optimism reflects the sector’s ongoing efforts to create spaces that truly care for all, regardless of economic means, cognitive abilities, or technological familiarity.

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. Sign up for notifications of future events here.