Making Elder Care Homes Homey

Aging is an inevitable part of the human experience. When we’re young, we think of getting older as a gateway to more privilege, responsibility, and independence. And while that’s true, as time passes and the “golden years” arrive, many seniors find themselves either not wanting or even unable to care for things as they used to. Thankfully, there are residences that cater to the needs of seniors, from tasks of daily living like meal preparation and housekeeping to full 24-hour medical care and supervision. But whether it’s you or your loved one who’s moved into such a facility, you don’t ever want it to “feel” like a facility. You want it to feel like home.

Certainly, there are many ways to mimic a feeling of home . . . pictures, furnishings, personal belongings. Those are easily controlled. However, if resident rooms and shared areas appear cold and uninviting, a fuzzy blanket will do little to bring comfort. Lighting is such a big part of setting the tone in these facilities. Fluorescent tubes have often been the go-to for such facilities for their lower maintenance and ease of installation in larger spaces, but the light they give off can feel harsh and cold. These facilities used to be perceived as extensions of hospitals, not of homes. Not anymore. Newer built complexes have taken note and are working harder to make our aging population feel more recognized and relaxed. From warm and welcoming chandeliers in the lobby area to recessed LED can lights with dimming controls in resident rooms, a concerted effort is being made in the industry to make residents in this stage of life happier and even healthier.

Maintaining safety and mental wellness are critical considerations in making the senior living experience pleasurable. Lighting can have a dramatic impact on both factors. Installing tunable bulbs and controls designed to replicate the warmth and intensity of daylight around the clock can support the circadian rhythms of the human brain. This can help seniors sleep better and improve their cognition during the day. Proper light levels also boost visibility in hallways and communal areas. All combine to decrease the risk for falls, one of the most feared complications of getting older.

While advancements in lighting technologies are upgrading the lifestyle for assisted living and skilled nursing facility residents, they are also reducing energy costs and maintenance labor for the management and staff. LED bulbs are far more efficient than their incandescent or fluorescent counterparts and offer a longer lifespan. Incorporating compatible controls like occupancy sensors and motion light switches can further save on utility costs without compromising safety. Lights turn on automatically when a person enters a space and turn off when the space is no longer in use. Be sure to research the right type of sensor, whether active or passive, so as not to have lights turn off unintentionally when a space is occupied.

The demand for homelike environments to keep our seniors healthy, happy, and safe is growing exponentially as wellness and medical innovations increase the average life expectancy. Make sure the facility you choose has a lighting plan that contributes to that goal. For more guidance on the right lights for extended care facilities, contact one of our caring professionals at 1-800-624-4488 or try our convenient pop-up chat feature at the bottom right corner of our web pages.