Environments for Aging - Winter 2022 - 39

that familiar environments enhance object and
spatial memory, the area features 1950s/60s
local high school yearbooks and historical
Northern Virginia/D.C. items and photos, selected
with the assistance of residents. Located at
the intersection of the wings, the reminiscence
theme, including poodle skirted dress model
" Peggy Sue, " additionally serves as a midpoint
wayfinding landmark for residents traveling
between locations.
A first-of-kind Sensory Lounge replaces former
industry models of small, enclosed sensory
rooms with an open concept design, allowing
passive, active, individual or group engagement
and incorporating evidence-based features and
technologies across the full spectrum of sight,
sound, touch, and smell. Technologies include
programmable circadian lighting, and an awardwinning
hand-motion video system offering
games scientifically designed for memory care
residents, which the community was among the
first in the nation to implement.
Positive resident response was immediate,
including a formally non-communicative,
non-engaging resident routinely speaking and
participating in activities, and a chronic exit
seeking resident ceasing behavior. Sensory
Lounge inclusion of a live fish display, which
has been shown to reduce anxiety and agitation
within memory care environments, has been
exhibited by residents, including one who enjoys
spending time daily engaging with the fish, even
naming her favorite.
Family engagement, which is critically important
to memory care resident quality of life,
has increased, particularly within the Reminiscence
Lounge, with residents and adult children
enjoying engagement and conversation about the
past. As described by the community's executive
director, " We've taken a space that had no life,
and created a space that has given life back to our
residents and families. "
JURY COMMENTS:
* I think that this is an excellent example to providers
to show that you can create a quality memory care
environment in an existing building. The flow is exactly
right (public to private) and there are enough landmarks
and points of interest along the way to keep residents
moving.
* A meaningful and magnificent transformation of small
ordinary spaces into a first-rate memory care social
center and with a low cost. Kudos to the design team and
owner for providing key design elements that make the
space promote independence for the residents. Amazing
outcome for the two residents cited for their resulting
drastic improved health.
* This is what should be central to any renovation of spaces
in senior living, and the team nailed it! I love the use of
rounded walls and other features that were incorporated
to support way finding.
* Aside from being a beautiful transformation, the use of
evidence-based practice to promote quality of life for the
residents living there was clearly top of mind. Considering
wayfinding, circadian lighting, sensory and tactile
modalities, and biophilia as part of the design process is
to be commended.
Design team: Carle Consulting, LLC (memory
care design); Prints Unlimited (art consultant);
Elements Hospitality (general contractor); Moseley
Architects (architecture); Meyer Design (interior
design); Allied Partners (owner's representative)
Cost per square foot: $145
Photos (after): Black Dog Strategies
Firm contact: (312) 533-2727;
focushealthcarepartners.com
supplement to environments for aging | 39
http://www.focushealthcarepartners.com
Environments for Aging - Winter 2022

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