Aged care is as much about how a place looks to residents, as about their other needs.
The Fitzgerald Memorial Aged Care Facility in Windsor recently discussed ideas for interior design and space planning with Sydney Design School students.
The 11 students’ work on the facility will be assessed as part of their advanced diploma, where they are required to do a project on specialist aged care.
Fitzgerald Aged Care’s manager Rachel Wilkes said elderly people, especially those with dementia, need their surroundings to be appealing, distinctive, as well as safe and secure.
‘‘For instance, changed eyesight means more subtle colours tend to blend into each other and pastels can all look a bit grey,’’ she said.
Mrs Wilkes said she was pleased Fitzgerald could help a new generation of designers think about the needs of people who live in aged care.
Sydney Design School director Amanda Grace also welcomed the involvement. ‘‘This is a great opportunity for our students to be able to work on a real aged care project with a real client that has specific needs and a set budget,’’ Ms Grace said.
‘‘They were able to visit the centre and see some of the challenges and opportunities of designing for the elderly.’’
Fitzgerald board president Jules Whitty said it would be a good way for the facility to mark its 21st anniversary next year.
‘‘As a not-for-profit, we welcome the input from a range of professional sources as we make decisions about how Fitzgerald will look as it comes of age,’’ Dr Whitty said.
‘‘It gives us a wonderful opportunity to refresh and improve the aesthetics, so that it better reflects the very high quality of care that is provided by our dedicated staff.’’
