Universal by Design€¦ · Welcome to our 1st edition of Universal by Design. This book is motivated by my desire for ageing to be seen not just as a very normal part of life, but

Universal by Design

Volume 1

Universal by Design

Volume 1

by deFiddesign

© 2012 by the author of this book. The book author retains sole copyright to his or her contributions to this book.

Welcome to our 1st edition of Universal by Design.

This book is motivated by my desire for ageing to be seen not just as a very normal part of life, but an interesting and exciting time too. It is an opportunity to showcase design and some progressive but very challenging ideas for people as they grow older.

This is a book which highlights beautiful design and explores a variety of projects, styles, products and future trends. I hope anyone picking up this book would at first glance have no idea that the photographs are of Retirement Villages or Residential Aged Care Facili-ties. The interiors we design today maybe those we will live within in years to come.

Starting in this industry was a happy accident for me nearly 20 years ago. My exposure to aged care was minimal and I think for most people it really is invisible until something happens, such as a parent becomes too frail to live independently. I was appalled to find there was a serious lack of suitable, decent looking furniture, fabrics and products. Trying to get manufacturers to make something that was even slightly attractive was like extracting a bone from a hungry dog; impossible!!!! Thank goodness things are changing, but I still believe we have a way to go. As designers we have a duty to create exceptional products and environments that are universally designed that is suitable for everyone regardless of age or mobility.

For a project to be totally successful we must work together as a team and it needs to be a collaboration of ideas, creativity and solu-tions. All too often we are asked to start the design process when the building has not only been architecturally designed, drawn, ap-proved by council but construction is underway. I truly believe to get the best outcome for the client and also for the people living and working in these environments it is important to get all parties involved right from the very start.

I was having a coffee with my sister the other day and she is having a milestone birthday this year and said “you know I believe there are three stages in your life, the first stage is your childhood, the second stage is being an adult and having families, your third stage if you are lucky enough to get there is a stage of freedom and a new beginning.

We all know that we are getting older and there maybe challenges to our mobility or memory, but we can experience challenges at any age. They come in many forms and it is the tapestry of life. I would encourage everyone to view ageing positively and we can collectively combine our efforts to design environments and products that don’t scream “I’m getting old”! Good design can be both functional and attractive.

However it is really important to have an understanding of the ageing process. Great design can have a huge impact on the living en-vironment, support independence and enhance quality of life. I believe an important goal is to develop a culture of normalisation and move away from traditional, stereotypical models and focus on universal design which promotes social equality and inclusivity.

My vision is “to change and enhance the experience and image of growing old”

Debbie de Fiddes, CEODefiddesign

Foreword

deFiddesign 5

‘Good design begins with honesty, asks tough questions, comes from collaboration and from

trusting your intuition’

~ Freeman Thomas

deFiddesign 7

Contents

Foreword

Grand by Design

Country Comfort

Ageing in Style

Something Old Something New

Future trends and technology

Taking it outside

A reflective journey with Linda

Acknowledgements

5

13

33

59

69

83

99

115

119

deFiddesign 9

Grand by Design

deFiddesign 13

Menora Gardens Retirement VillageGrandview Apartments

RSL Care WA

Architect Gary Batt & Associates

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The Design Process

Penthouse Floor inspiration

Ground Floor mirror inspiration

Artwork inspiration

First Floor colour inspiration

Penthouse Floor fabric

Second Floor colourinspiration

Key considerations

1. Adding the ‘Wow’ factor for the client2. Creating an opulent feel

3. Finding appropriate statement furniture pieces

4. Creating comfortable spaces in the large lobby areas

5. Savoy Hotel in London – gold, leather and opulence

6. Identity for each floor

deFiddesign 17

Kaye Ireland Village Manager RSL Menora Gardens Retirement Village, Freedman Road, Menora, WAProject Grandview ApartmentsDuration 2 years from commencement of building to handover in November 2011

Grandview represents the final stage of the RSL Menora development and incorporates 28 apartments over 5 floors each with a sub-stantial balcony. Each apartment consists of two bedrooms, two bathrooms plus study together with Penthouse suites on the top floor. The apartments are built to the highest standards with quality finishes throughout. Grandview is a joy to go into, it is so beautiful.

Having built two previous apartment complexes, RSL realised the value of input from their staff and residents and asked them how we could improve things. For example, changes to the height of the toilet, power points and benches and drawers instead of cupboards were some of the client requests. We made sure that we were moving with the times.

We included community clubrooms, pool, gym and restaurant – we have a great chef! We even encourage the locals to use the restau-rant and gym facilities.

Grandview to me is a showcase. I imagined the Savoy Hotel in London; gold, leather and opulence. My brief to de Fiddes Design was to emphasise that Grandview was something special. It had to have the “wow” factor and not look like anyone else’s apartment building. It needed to be different. Grandview had to be spectacular and very grand.

Every floor has a theme, different colouring and style and I especially wanted the ground and top floor to be very special. The foyers had to be very classy, not cluttered. I believe minimal is best and wanted to concentrate on some key pieces.

I really love all of it. I enjoy going into the foyer but I also love stepping out on every floor. It is exactly how we wanted it, subtle, classy and minimal with quality pieces.

De Fiddes Design is very professional, forward thinking and open minded. The designers listened and went out of their way to give us what we wanted. The project was a true collaboration and I trusted the process. De Fiddes Design come up with great ideas and impor-tantly is well informed of the latest designs and current trends. Many of the fabrics selected for Grandview had just been released and as a result of these latest selections we now have such a beautiful interior.

We achieved a lot on a tight budget and the final outcome is lavish – an array of textures including various floor coverings and marble finishes, beautiful pieces of furniture with stunning mirrors, florals, gold, leather.

The concept for Grandview had to be mindful of the type of clients it would attract and needed to reflect a degree of sophistication and high quality. With the help of de Fiddes Design we achieved all of this and more – people really do walk in and say “wow”.

18 deFiddesign deFiddesign 19

“Every floor has a theme, different colouring and style…”(Kaye Ireland)


“ I wasn’t afraid to use things such as wallpaper... The selection of the wallpaper on the top floor is stunning and

I am sure it will be appreciated for a long time.” (Kaye Ireland)

deFiddesign 23

“ I wanted it to look like the Savoy Hotel in London, gold, leather,

opulence… I especially love the Chesterfield” (Kaye Ireland)

24 deFiddesign

deFiddes Design were nominated in the WA Design Awards for the floor covering selections at Grandview. Each floor was individualised

creating a stunning, luxurious overall effect.

deFiddesign 27

Age is an issue of mind over matter.If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.

~ Mark Twain

deFiddesign 29

RSL Care WA, Jurien Bay Display Villas

30 deFiddesign

Country Comfort

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Solomon’s GardensMasonic Care WA

deFiddesign 35

The Design Process

Fabric option Fabric optionEntrance cladding concept

Seating inspiration Physio Roominspiration

Colour inspiration

Key considerations

1. Country, cozy, welcoming 2. Natural materials, stone & timber

3. Warm rich colours4. Furniture and accessories

for wayfinding5. Wall protection

6. Create an identity to individualiseeach area

deFiddesign 37

Kim Oates Executive Manager Masonic Care WA Solomon’s Gardens Facility Hybanthus Road, Ferndale, Western AustraliaProject New development to replace existing facilitiesDuration Planning began 2010 and facility will be finalized 2013

Solomon’s Gardens is a residential care facility offering high and low care with a dementia facility known as The Cove.

The interior design brief was to have a country feel, lots of natural materials such as wood and stone to give a warm, comfortable and cozy feel. The enjoyable part for me was being involved in the design process, choosing the colours and working in collaboration with the designers.

The foyer is huge but intimate. It makes you want to walk in, not walk out. It’s not opulent, it’s comfortable and casual. The spaces need to be useable; a place where you would be happy to live in and not be afraid to use or be part of. For me the best thing is to see papers, cups and books scattered everywhere all over the coffee tables. That is what it should look like.

Previously at Ferndale we had an old facility made up of a residential retirement village, together with segregated high and low care hostels. The new facility gave us an opportunity to re-design not just the space but the entire care and lifestyle model. Of course we meet all the necessary physical and clinical needs of our residents, but we have also tried to meet the emotional needs of the individual.

38 deFiddesign

We have a fantastic opportunity to re-think many old ideas particularly in relation to way-finding and identification of spaces. The building has been designed so that all areas lead back to the main boulevard where the doctor and

hairdresser are located. There are always lots of people and staff around to re-direct if necessary.We believe the way-finding design works so well and we haven’t seen any real anxiety from our residents.

We don’t have signs everywhere and have abandoned the use of bright primary colours for identification purposes even in The Cove. We use familiar objects to help residents find their way. One lady gets lost all the time so we posi-

tioned a table and chairs outside her room. So anytime she asks we say “Go past the cupboard and on your left is the table and chairs and your room is opposite”.


The Cove is our Dementia area and is decorated with soft blues and feels very calm.

I have a fundamental belief that the more we treat people differently the more they will feel and act differently. If we can treat our Cove residents like everyone else and give them cues that they would have in their own home it is far more beneficial. For instance the use of bright colours is not what they would necessarily have at home. It is more important to give residents familiar cues; a personal ribbon on their handrail outside their room, a family photo on their bedroom door or a significant chair. Whatever we do it needs to be normal and meaningful things are more likely to be remembered.

We have 20 residents in The Cove, all with dementia and amazingly they don’t really get lost. The residents have access to inside and outside areas; we have sitting rooms at the end of corridors, fish tanks and other normal markers. We don’t have anyone getting agi-tated and we can easily orientate them to where they need to go.


We have many sitting areas as well as one large activity/dining room. The smaller areas are treated more like a private lounge and the

furniture remains in place. In our previous facility in large areas it always seemed that the furniture was moved against the walls.

The spaces need to be useable and comfortable but most importantly residents need to feel at home in them. We also give choice to dine in

the larger dining area or in one of the smaller dining areas.


Every area has been designed with its own character using different colours and that in itself assists with orientation.

46 deFiddesign

We were concerned about moving our residents from the old hostel into the new and how the change would affect them. We need not have worried; everyone loved the new facilities. One day I noticed some work being done outside one of the residents’ rooms and we had not been able to give her any notice. I apologized for not informing her and was so pleased with the lady’s response “Kim, why would I care, look where I am living. This is so much better than my old place”.

We have integrated our residents much more than ever before. Our Retirement Village residents often wander in and use the facility; they join us for parties and functions. Likewise there are no boundaries between our low and high care residents; the residents don’t realize there is any difference.

We have an inter-generational playgroup. The pre-school kids in the area come in once a week and the residents join in the fun.

On the whole we have created a community. Residents can have their privacy, but also intermingle with many people if they so choose. We find residents are feeling more secure and therefore are sleeping a lot better and we firmly believe the interaction is so much bet-ter for them. We moved some residents from the hostel into our new Terrace area which is my favourite section; the rustic oranges and greens are gorgeous. There are a lot more people around, the whole area is so much nicer and I firmly believe being here has contrib-uted to their well-being and postponed the necessity for these particular residents to go into dementia care.

We recently surveyed our residents asking them about the positive aspects of life at Solomon’s Gardens and if there was anything they would like to have changed or improved. Every response said nothing should be changed and the residents loved their new surround-ings.


RAAFA, Mirage Apartments Lobbies & Hotel Rooms

You will never be old with a twinkle in your eyewith the springtime in your heart as you watch the winter fly.

You will never be old while you have a smile to sharewhile you wonder at mankind and you find the time to care.

While there’s magic in your world and a special dream to holdwhile you still can laugh at life you will never be old.

~ Iris Hellelden

deFiddesign 55

Dr Mary Surveyor Centre, Meath Care (Inc) Menora Gardens Retirement Village,RSL Care WA, Clubrooms


Ageing in Style

deFiddesign 59

100 year old Ruth’s Life and Style Tips

1.”I never go to bed with my makeup on. That is number one. At night you must let your skin breathe.”

2.”I use a lipstick brush to paint on my lipstick--It stays on longer that way. I can also use a lipstick longer than anyone

else because I can dig into it.”3.”Every night before I got to bed I use Elizabeth Arden’s 8

hour beauty cream on my lips. You must keep your lips mois-turized.”

4.”When it comes to fashion you must be aware of your skin tone. You don’t wear orange lipstick with a red dress.”

5.”I make myself go out everyday, even if its only to walk around the block. The Key to staying young is to keep moving.

You are never too old to exercise.” 6.”Invest in Quality pieces, they never go out of style.”

7.”Don’t look at the calendar, just keep celebrating everyday.”8.”I dress up everyday and I don’t wear blue jeans. I dress up even to mail a letter, you never know who you will meet along

the way.”9.I have been active my whole life. An old Elizabeth Arden Ad said,”If you want to look like this when you are 40 start when

you are 20.”10.I wake up every morning and say, “This is the day the lord

has made.”

http://advancedstyle.blogspot.co.nz/2011/11/life-and-style-tips-from-100-year-old.html

Lazy teapot

Relieves you of picking up a teapot and pouring its hot water into a cup.

Designer Lotte Alpert created a design concept for this teapot and its hold-ing device, whose saving grace is its

temperature scale on the back that lets you first boil liquid and then dial up a

specific temperature to keep that liquid warm.

http://www.toxel.com/tech/2009/06/26/14-modern-teapots-

and-kettle-designs/

Weld vases

London-based designer Phil Cuttance created a series of handmade black and white vases from discarded plastic, an extension of his Weld Furniture col-

lection from 2009. Each vase is hand-crafted and individually numbered and

made using hot air welding that con-nects each plastic shape together. The ABS plastic that is used comes from discarded off-cut pieces from a local

London fabricator.The Weld Vases are available in three tonal combinations: Black with white

welds, white with black welds, and mixed with both black and white faces

and black welds. They are also available in three shapes.

http://design-milk.com/weld-vases-by-phil-cuttance/

http://www.philcuttance.com/

Rocking tea pot

The teapot is designed to allow an elderly user to be able to pour liquids

easily. The base is weighted with a ball bearing so therefore cannot be spilt

easily making the teapot rock from side to side rather than spill any liquid. The

teapot doesn’t require a handle as it is designed to be pushed and poured and can therefore be held from the

base with the use of a heat proof mat if necessary.

The teapot is made using ceramic and ash wood for the base.

http://www.coroflot.com/ruthvatcher/Rocking-Teapot/1


‘Old age is fifteen years older than I am’

~ Oliver Wendell Holmes

deFiddesign 63

RAAFA, Mirage Apartments Lobbies & Hotel Rooms

66 deFiddesign

Something old Something New

deFiddesign 69

Trinity VillageCatholic Homes

Incorporated

deFiddesign 71

The Design Process

Artwork ArtworkLounge setting inspiration

Fabric FreshColour inspiration

Key considerations

1.Fresh, light and inviting 2. Create individual spaces3. Declutter and simplify

4. Open up the spaces and create more light

5. To give a sense of home6. Integrate inside with out

7. Open up the spaces to createmore light

deFiddesign 73

Before Before

After After

Sonya Smart CEO Catholic Homes, Western AustraliaProject Refurbishment of Trinity Village, Duncraig, WA Duration Formulation to completion 4 months

Embarking on this project it was important to us to involve everyone. Being able to show staff, residents and family the interior design boards was a great idea. We sent the colour boards out to the facility managers who in turn showed the staff and we also presented them at the resident and relatives meetings. This helped everyone get a sense and feel for the new design.

We have kept the design more traditional. Each house was themed and clean colours not mixed up with overly bright colours. Window treatments have made the interior lush and inviting.

The most enjoyable part of the process for me personally was looking at fabrics!

But the joy of creating wonderful spaces for our residents; seeing them “oohing” and “ahhing” about how beautiful it is, was an absolute delight. The residents enjoyed having such beautiful things around them, beautiful fabrics and curtains. The televisions were also a big hit. Who would have thought that a flat screen TV would be so popular!

The staff response has been amazing; taking pride in keeping the surroundings as you would your own home. Relatives have also en-joyed seeing the transformation of the facilities. They feel we value what we are doing. In fact a resident’s daughter stopped me one day and said “I always loved it here for Mum, but now I love it even more. In fact where do I put my name down”?

Creating individual spaces to use for different functions was important. A major impact has been that everyone is using the space more. Residents no longer stay in their bedrooms, but have found a new level of interaction. A simple thing such as the appropriate height chairs in the TV lounge gives more independence. Activity levels have also increased, which in turn has spurred us to look for more interesting additions to our lifestyle model.

I believe the biggest impact of the interiors for me at Trinity was the window treatments. They framed everything; made it look beauti-ful. We actually have quite nice windows which you couldn’t really see before.

I believe a lot of light is really important and being able to see outside, even if you can’t get outside. Integrating the inside and outside and seeing trees and movement is important. We replaced heavy curtains in the Trinity dining rooms with blinds and it made a huge difference. You could actually see out and it made the dining area feel larger.

Our industry faces many challenges. Small facilities are not financially viable and the challenge is in making sure that large facilities don’t feel institutional. I believe we achieved this and much more at Trinity Village.




“I believe the biggest impact in the interiors for me at Trinity was the window treatments: they framed everything, made it look beautiful.”

(Sonya Smart)

80 deFiddesign

Future trends & technology

deFiddesign 83

‘What is design?...It’s where you stand with a foot in two worlds – the world of technology and the world

of people and human purposes – and you try to bring the two together.’

~ Mitchell Kapor

deFiddesign 85

Aldebaran Robotics in France, makers of the cute little Nao robot, have returned with a new elderly care robot, dubbed

Romeo. The much larger humanoid stands 1.4 meters tall in his gunmetal Speedo and weighs 40 kilograms. Romeo fea-

tures 37-degrees of freedom, a four-vertebra backbone, articu-lated feet, a composite leg exoskeleton, and a revised actuator giving the robot safer control over its limbs. The clean-shaven bot also features a “partially soft torso” -- at least until grand-ma unleashes her charms. The bot interacts via natural speech

and gestures to perform tasks such as taking out the trash, lifting a cup with its four-fingered hand, or fetching food from

the kitchen. Romeo will join a long line of robots destined to entertain and help care for the aged and infirmed when he’s unveiled in March at a cost of about €250,000 (about

$330,000).

Romeo has to become a real assistant for an elderly person, visually impaired and/or suffering from loss of autonomy. In this perspective, the robot is able to assist a person in his/her day-to-day tasks when he/she is alone. It is also able to go and get objects in another room and put in order those which are not at their right place, as it could be bothering and even dan-gerous for a visually impaired person. Romeo can also become

a mobility assistant able to help a person to walk or get up from an armchair.

To be largely accessible, Romeo offers a very intuitive comput-er-human interface based on voice control. The robot is able

to speak with an interlocutor to get details on what is expected from it. It is also able to interpret gestures user naturally as-

sociate to some orders.

http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/20/meet-romeo-grand-mas-new-french-robot-lover/

http://projetromeo.com/index_en.html

The e-AR (ear-worn Activity Recognition) Sensor is a bio-inspired design sensor which emulate the human vestibular system in capturing posture and balance. By wearing the e-AR sensor on the ear, the

sensor will be able to capture and monitor users’ posture, balance and infer his activities. In addition to postures and activities, the e-AR sensor can also capture the gait (the walking patten) of the user. As activities, gait and balance are important indices in monitoring certain diseases, such as COPD, elderly fallers, Parkinson’s disease, the miniaturised and ergonomically designed e-AR sensors can better

quantifying the diseases progress and enable better treatment and diagnoses.

Dr Benny Lo, Hamlyn Fellow,

The Hamlyn Centre,Imperial College London

South Korea-based industrial designer Taewan Kim has made sure that when old, you’ll not have to

leave your hi-tech gadgets at home because you just can’t carry them. Kim has designed a hi-tech walk-ing stick that apart from providing the silver aged with the much needed support gives them a touch

of technology.The Net Stick has been designed with a portable,

energy-efficient computer and a small LCD display that provides different types of information and with its GPS system it also ensures that the old

never forget their way back home. With its simple, intuitive design, Net-Stick helps the user to ap-

proach people around them with confidence.

http://electronisam.blogspot.com.au/2011/01/net-stick-hi-tech-walking-stick.html


The body is also kept in a fully upright position and balance is maintained. Once in a standing position, users can move around much like they would on a Segway. The device measures 36 cm wide and 62 cm long, making it slimmer than the traditional wheelchair at 60

cm wide. The Tek RMD gives disabledpeople scope for independence — hoping to provide ease-of-use and an improved lifestyle

http://www.springwise.com/health_wellbeing/disabled-people-enabled-independently-stand-ease-mobile-robotic-device/

http://tekrmd.com/

Arriving with an entirely new concept is Turkey-based AMS Mekatronic with the Tek RMD, a ‘Robotic Mobilization Device’ which en-ables paraplegic people to sit or stand with no outside help.

The Tek RMD is a motorized vehicle that is mounted from the back. This is to avoid the user having to throw their body weight in order to transfer themselves into a chair, which can be dangerous and uncomfortable. The user can remain seated while they strap themselves

into the new device and easily pull themselves onto it with the help of gas spring balances. Although this is not the first invention to help disabled people stand, it has made some vital improvements in terms of posture and economy of size, according to the company. Existing technologies require the use of canes or walkers, meaning that the user cannot use their hands easily while standing, whereas

the Tek RMD frees the hands completely.

Panasonic Japan announced the development of the so-called HOSPI-Rimo yesterday, a cute “Commu-nication Assistance Robot” specifically designed for medical use. HOSPI-Rimo (Remote Intelligence and

Mobility) is supposed to make it easier for bedrid-den patients to get in touch with doctors or family

members living far away (“virtual visits”).Technically, the mobile robot is based on the

HOSPI, which Panasonic introduced last year. That robot is equipped with four laser range finders, 27

ultrasonic sensors and the ability to change floors in buildings autonomously. If a location near the tar-get person is specified, the robot can autonomously

move to that place, recognizing the surrounding environment and avoiding obstacles in the way. The robot can also be remote-controlled. Further more, in the remote control mode, the robot moves safely

while correctly recognizing its surroundings.

http://techcrunch.com/2011/09/27/hospi-rimo-meet-panasonics-cute-assistance-robot/

Recently spotted by Gizmag staff at the Tokyo Mo-tor Show, the prototype device clamps onto the

wheels of an existing manual wheelchair, tempo-rarily providing it with electric drive. The WHILL

incorporates two circular “hubs” (for lack of a better word) that attach to the outside center of both of the wheelchair’s wheels. These hubs are joined by a curved control section, which bridges over the

user’s waist. The angle of that section can initially be manually adjusted by the user, then locked into

place by locking the hubs onto the wheels.Each of the hubs contains a separate 24-volt motor, powered by a lithium-ion battery pack. These turn

the chair’s wheels, propelling it up to a top speed of 20 km/h. The battery reportedly takes two hours to charge, and offers a range of approximately 30

kilometers.Not unlike piloting a Segway, users steer by leaning in the direction that they wish to travel, with a force

sensing mechanism in the control section varying the rotational speed of the wheels accordingly.

http://www.gizmag.com/whill-powered-wheel-chair/20784


Panasonic Corporation, a leader of electronics technology and innovation, today announced the development of a bed-shaped robot which can be transformable between a bed and a wheelchair with the user staying in bed or wheelchair. The Robotic Bed is designed to help people with limited mobility maintain an independent lifestyle, reducing the need for assistance and expanding their mobility. Panasonic will exhibit this new robot at the 36th International Home Care & Rehabilitation Exhibition (H.C.R. 2009) to be held at To-kyo Big Sight from September 29 to October 1, 2009.

Aiming to bring about secure, safe and comfortable living, Panasonic has been conducting research and development activities in the field of welfare robots that assist human beings. For people who need assistance with daily living activities, it is essential to secure a safe and comfortable way to move on their own to lead an independent life. For care workers, it requires physical exertion to lift and move such a person from the bed to a wheelchair and carries risks of dropping and injuries. The Robotic Bed provides solutions for the both.

As the robot can transform itself from a bed into a wheelchair and vice versa at the command of the user, it eliminates not only the need for the user to transfer between the bed and a wheelchair but also the risks and burden associated with the transfer. The robot can also expand the user’s range of activities. Now, the user can join the family meal by converting the bed into a wheelchair and moving to the dining table without the need of assistance from other people.

The Robotic Bed has been developed with Panasonic’s innovative technologies including a control system that aids safe operation of the robot. The Robotic Bed automatically separates or restores certain components as it is converted into the bed or wheelchair mode. In the wheelchair mode, the robot can detect people and obstacles in its way to safely guide the user to avoid collisions.

Human-robot interface technologies are also employed to facilitate easy operation with no need for training. An interactive interface enables the user to easily transform the bed into the wheelchair. The wheelchair has an intuitive controller that allows the user to easily drive it and give it an instruction to go back into the bed.

For the comfort of the user, the robot incorporates a posture support technology that enables adjusting and optimizing the mattress to contour to the body shape. The robot also helps the user turn over to prevent bedsores.

The Robotic Bed also features Robotic Canopy, an information interface that allows for viewing television as well as operating home ap-pliances and checking the security camera connected by home network. The display of the Canopy moves according to the user’s posi-tion and lifts automatically when the robot is converted into the wheelchair mode.

Panasonic participates in a project for developing practical applications of robots that support people’s everyday life. It is coordinated by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO), an independent administrative institute in Japan. Panasonic will contribute to formulating safety standards for such robots through the research and development of the Robotic Bed.

http://panasonic.co.jp/corp/news/official.data/data.dir/en090918-2/en090918-2.html


92 deFiddesign 93

Dr Mary Surveyor Centre, Meath Care (Inc)

Wattle Hill Lodge


Menora Gardens Village Clubrooms Menora Gardens Village Clubrooms


Taking it outside

deFiddesign 99

Pretty much all of us will have got the message by now that too much sunlight can cause skin cancer. Conversely too little sunlight can have a major effect on your health as well.

Karin Eriksson from the Swedish National Institute of Public Health wrote a report on ‘The importance of elderly and dis-abled people being outside in green areas’.

“There are three basic reasons why being outside is good for a person’s health. Firstly, sunlight, fresh air and natural temperatures are beneficial to health; secondly, the outdoor environment has positive health effects in itself and, thirdly, physical outdoor activities also promote good health.

Previous studies have looked into the health effects of being outside without describing the significance of these three factors indepen-dently. Important findings from these studies are that being outside strengthens the skeleton and counteracts osteoporosis, preserves musculature and enhances mobility, reduces excess weight, improves sleep quality, combats depression and anxiety and promotes a good social life.

Many reports have studied the connection between health effects and physical outdoor activities in particular. Findings indicate that physical outdoor activities prevent chronic illnesses, improve physical skills, enhance leg muscle strength, increase the mineral con-tent of the skeleton, reduce triglyceride levels in the blood, reduce the risk of physical disability, prevent cardio-vascular disease and stroke, reduce the risk of dying from cancer and prolong independence by 5–10 years.

Other studies show that being outside as a healthcare measure, increase a patient’s ability to concentrate, have a positive effect on diastolic blood pressure, reduce symptoms in Alzheimer patients, and decreases anxiety and depression.”


Having access to a sensory garden that is well designed with pathways that lead a person back to their house or building we know is especially important to someone with dementia but what about someone with mobility issues. In today’s world when everyone is so busy there are not enough carers or people available to take them for a walk through a beautiful garden; sad but true. So why don’t we focus on outside rooms and usable spaces

encouraging people to sit and enjoy the area without the need for assistance?

It may have to do with the problem of our Australian weather. We understand that as we get older the body’s heat regulating mechanism declines and this puts many older people at high risk of cold discomfort and hypo-

thermia, even in warm environments.

http://www.herlongarchitects.com/blog/tag/outdoor-rooms/ http://unpretentiousstyle.blogspot.co.nz/2010/03/diy-outdoor-rooms.html

http://www.braitmandesign.com/home-remodeling/

living-outdoors-mosquito-weather/

http://www.moorelighting.ca/gallery.html

http://www.myyardrocks.com/how-to-separate-your-yard-into-outdoor-rooms/

Is this the reason most elderly residents don’t want to sit outside? Well not according to Kim Oates from Mason-ic Care Howard Solomon. “At our new facility in Ferndale I love how we have built around the courtyards; the

residents use them all the time”

Fans are very rarely used outdoors and I don’t know why. There are basically two different types of fans that can be used outside, Damp Listed fans or Wet Listed fans.

Damp Listed fans are made to withstand moisture from humidity. They are ideal for covered outdoor applica-tions, or tropical conditions.

Wet Listed fans are IP44 rated which means they can withstand water being sprayed upon them from all angles. These fans can be mounted outside with no overhead cover.


Many elderly people suffer greatly during the heat of summer and are unable to enjoy outdoor activities unless the environment is controlled. Outdoor misting fans help prevent dehydration by keeping the body cool and re-

lieve the symptoms of headaches, leg cramps and fatigue.

Misting systems have been used in outdoor cooling applications for decades. These systems can provide outdoor cooling reducing temperatures by up to 4.5 degrees Celsius with virtually no noticeable increase in the relative

humidity.

When ultra fine water droplets are introduced into the atmosphere, they quickly absorb the energy present in the environment and boil off or evaporate. The energy or heat that is used to produce this state change from liquid to

gas is eliminated from the atmosphere; hence the air is cooled by the process called evaporative cooling.

As with any outdoor cooling system, the overall effectiveness of the system will depend on existing temperature, the humidity levels, and the air exchange rate. With high temperatures (above 26 degrees Celsius) and low hu-

midity levels (below 50%) the mist system results can be dramatic, especially when there is constant air exchange within the patio. Fresh incoming air is quickly cooled without causing an uncomfortable increase in humidity

levels. The more moisture evaporated, the greater the outdoor cooling capability.

http://www.mistspecialties.com/index.php?main_page=page&id=22

http://www.mistman.com/industrial-misting-systems.html

http://www.hardwaresphere.com/2008/07/06/cool-mist-outdoor-fan-for-

summer-freezing/

http://i51.tinypic.com/2zho0o1.jpg http://www.crocodilla.co.uk/acatalog/About_Infrared_Heating.html

http://www.heatinggreen.com/outdoor_heaters.html

So what about winter? Despite our wonderful climate, Australians have been slow to embrace the concept of ex-tending indoor living areas outside. The idea is gaining popularity, but most people still wouldn’t consider using

the alfresco area during the winter months. However, there’s no reason to let the cold weather stop you when you can install an effective heating system and enjoy the outdoors all year round!

There are many different types of heating systems available, but the safest and most effective seems to be the in-frared gas patio heaters. They work by radiant heat, warming people and objects without heating the surrounding air. Depending on the model and air temperature, they will warm a radius of up to 5m. From a safety aspect they are excellent - they are very stable and any hot parts are above 2m in height. More conventional heaters have a

higher incidence of contributing to accidental fires.

Infrared gas heaters are cost effective. They are also eco-friendly since they do not emit harmful smoke and car-bon monoxide. No toxic wastes are released from this type of heater. They burn clean fuels; natural gas or simi-

lar.


Of course there are also the beautiful gas outdoor fireplaces which add ambiance and are easy to use.

Sonya Smart, CEO Catholic Homes WA, believes light is really important and being able to see outside even if you can’t get outside. Integrating the inside and outside; being able to see trees and movement is important.

“In the future residential care will be caring for much higher needs. Residents’ mobility will be limited, as they are going to be chair

or bed bound. We haven’t created spaces to allow residents to look out, which I believe is going to be really important”.

“Imagine dining or lounge area with lots of glass. You wouldn’t have to go anywhere else. You can look at the sky. You know what the weather is doing or what time of day it is. You have all the natural cues.We don’t have a lot of those in our facilities.

Can you imagine never being able to go outside, or to live inside and not know what the outside temperature is or even what the time of day was because you don’t have that view? We will have more and more high care residents and we are going to have to

build things that work.”

http://maisondesign.com.au/out-door-fires-and-heaters/

http://jaxdoesdesign.blogspot.co.nz/2011/09/bringing-outdoors-in-or-is-it-indoors.html

http://blindsrepair.net/outdoor-blinds/ http://recklessbliss.blogspot.co.nz/2011_11_01_archive.html

Creating the right type of environment is obviously important but how do we cope with the challenges of heat and cold with all that glass?

There are a variety of things we can do. The orientation of the room and cross ventilation is important, as well as providing effective shade for the windows. Using window tinting like low-e films or retractable window and roof awnings can address the problem and

look fantastic.

One of the highlights at RSL Menora Gardens is their incredible park. It is a shared, common place for everyone. Kaye Ireland, Man-ager of Menora Gardens believes they could have put another apartment building on that parkland, but felt it important to have a nice place to sit and look at the trees and sit on the grass; “a place to have a barbeque and let the grandkids play. It is a true community;

people make friends and get involved.”

Linda Jackson, General Manager of RSL Care said “our park space is well utilised and shared by all and the children’s playground and barbeque area works well. Families come to visit and it is very boring for a 3 year old to just sit in a room, but if everyone can go outside the children can play and it becomes a reason to visit! We have a lot of children visit and families tend to stay longer, at least

1 hour or more.”

Creating external spaces for everyone to enjoy is about using all the senses; sound (hearing), fragrance (smell), colour (sight), kitchen (taste) and tactility (touch). We also need to take into consideration accessibility, clear indoor-outdoor connections, safe paving, good

maintenance, round-trip walkways and a choice of comfortable sitting areas with appealing views.

We need to embrace modern technology and this should be more readily used especially to make gardens more active. The use of ex-ternal garden speakers, lighting, sculptures, playgrounds, barbeque areas, natural amphitheatres to encourage use by local schools or

bands could be weaved into the design.


http://archistudentlifetoday.blogspot.co.nz/2011/03/vertical-gardens.html

http://www.archidir.com/garden-design/vertical-wall-garden-by-tournesol-siteworks/

Other areas may be more passive and be used to just sit and relax and smell the roses! They say that our olfac-tory system is the most powerful sense for triggering memory. Landscape designers and horticulturalists often

use fragrant plants in gardens for people with dementia precisely because they are so effective. When we think of fragrance in the garden, we often assume just flowers. If you’ve ever smelled freshly mown grass, or the crushed

leaves of just about any culinary herb, then you would know that flowers are just part of the story. There is a mass of new brain science on the links between smells, emotions and memories. It transpires that early, emotional

autobiographical memories are strongly related to smells due to the way the brain evolved.

Vertical Garden Panels are an exciting new way to create living walls.Living Walls are wonderful to use in courtyards and are easily accessible by everyone to pick herbs, vegetables,

flowers and just about anything that grows.

http://designboom.com/weblog/section.php?SECTION_PK=mjeahperbselxjjk&start

=2540&num_record_tot=8392

http://homedecorconcept.com/decorating-outdoor-spaces.html

A study completed by Susan Rodiek, PhD, NCARB & Chanam Lee, PhD, MLA finds

“…that well designed outdoor environments can have a major impact on health-related behaviour in long-term care settings, potentially leading to substantial therapeutic benefits. By better understanding specific features that promote outdoor usage, environmental designers may significantly impact the health and well-being of a

growing population of frail, elderly residents. Well-designed outdoors environments can have a beneficial effect on the health of older adults in residential facilities by encouraging them to spend more time outdoors. In a

rapidly ageing global society with diminishing resources, it is increasingly important to find cost-effective ways to promote and maintain health in older adults.”

Let’s encourage more people to stay healthy and enjoy outside living. Let’s give them choice.

Courtyard areas can be full of wonderful things to touch and explore. They don’t just have to be your traditional outdoor furniture. Pots and plants can be scattered with outdoor bookcases along with interesting outdoor acces-sories that are a visual feast for the eyes. Beautiful areas to sit and enjoy looking at the plants, sculptures, water features, bird baths, wind chimes, and objet d’art. Also correct planting can create gardens that encourage bird

life.


Baptist Care, Riverside Central

112 deFiddesign

A reflective journey with Linda

deFiddesign 115

Linda Jackson General Manager, RSL Care, WA

Linda has been involved in the aged care industry for a number of years and has seen many changes. She is currently the General Man-ager for RSL Care which provides a range of care options including Retirement Villages, Residential Care Facilities and Home Care programmes. Linda talks about her industry experience, importance of appropriate surroundings and the future of aged care.

Debbie – How many years have you been in the industry?Linda – My first experience of working in an aged care facility was in 1995 at Wattle Hill Lodge, Bunbury. At that time I didn’t really understand what was required to sell a bond room to residents. The government certainly didn’t give us capital to build 100% of the facility, so it became a share between residents that can pay and those that cannot, as most Not for Profit providers do when redevelop-ing. This was the first time I met you and started working with de Fiddes Design. Working with a designer, it soon became evident how lovely aged care facilities could look. Nothing like a cold, stainless steel hospitalized environment. With some wonderful décor and great accessories a facility would soon become very inviting. With the help of de Fiddes Design I realized it is possible to make people feel firstly very comfortable and secondly they had value for money. Value for money is really important to families.

Debbie – When was the next time we worked together and how had things changed?Linda – The next time I worked with you was in 2002 when I was working for RAAFA. I suggested to Bob Bunney, the then CEO, to use your services. This was a new build at Meadow Springs and I looked to you to guide me through the types and styles that would im-press!! It was apparent from the bond model that facilities had to be both practical, but also attractive to potential residents. By making intelligent choices, selections can last long enough and look good for 4 – 5 years before they need replacement. Even with fabrics under constant use. Furniture has to be appropriate, but this does not mean it should lack style. De Fiddes Design use products in tune with the needs of aged care; fit for purpose. We worked together on quite a few projects after that; Tuart Lodge, Karri and I think the project where you really excelled was at Bullcreek revitalising a very tired and dowdy facility at that time on a very limited budget.

Debbie – About budget…Linda – It’s not always easy to provide the budget to meet the provider. De Fiddes Design work extremely hard at achieving this. They always deliver the product and always ask if we are happy with the results.

Debbie - Where did you go after RAAFA?Linda – I am now with RSL and there has been a continuous 8 year period of projects, which has included a number of new builds and refurbishments.We budget every year for refurbishment work, particularly chairs that are used 24/7. Furniture and carpets need to be changed or cleaned constantly. We like to freshen up our facilities as many of our residents could live there 3-4 years, so it is important to give them something new and also to spark up the staff.

Debbie – So Linda where do you believe the industry is heading? Linda - There will be large section of the population that is going to need care and the focus will be more on home care. The govern-ment is increasing community places and encouraging people to stay in their own home. This model seems to work particularly well if people have a partner and less well when it is an individual, loneliness can be an issue. The new reform isn’t really enough and it will be challenging for providers to build and change.

Debbie – There is only a small percentage of retirees who move into retirement villages, why do you think that is?Linda - I believe retirement villages don’t provide enough services. The average age of a person moving into our retirement village is 78 years. Therefore they quite often need someone to organize things for them such as packages and transfers. It’s a sad fact that the world has just become too busy and quite often they don’t have anyone to do those things for them. Sure it is a user pays system, but I believe we need to provide that extra service. We already provide this model in our extra services area of our residential care facility. For many, retirement villages that have a residential care facility on site are more attractive. Of course there is no guarantee of a place within the care facility, but you are better positioned if the need arises. For RSL the business model is such that if a person moves out of the retirement village and into the residential care facility the bond can be transferred. RSL are also looking at providing home care packages to residents of the retirement village, which will enable people to stay in their homes for as long as possible only moving into residential care when higher level care is exhausted in the home.

Debbie – Where do you see the future of design?Linda - The future of design will need to address the lack of mobility of residents in aged care facilities. There will be a higher level of frailty so the design needs to meet a very specific need. The challenge will be to provide facilities with a homelike feel and appearance whilst maintaining appropriate furnishings and equipment to provide all the necessary assistance to a less mobile resident.Technology needs to change and I’m sure it has in other parts of the world. Computers, I-pads and Skype are all great, but you need someone to organize it. Where’s the button?!

Debbie – What about staffing issues?Linda - Staffing issues will also need to be addressed as the industry seeks to employ more people. Staff training is vital, particularly as more and more staff will come from overseas. I have introduced more of a hospitality model. As you know my background is in the hos-pitality industry. Carers tend to look after the basic needs such as washing and grooming, but don’t necessarily look at the detail; small things like fresh linen on tables, a bunch of flowers to brighten the room. These things are not seen as essential. It is important to keep places fresh and clean for residents. We provide the best care we can in a well maintained setting, whilst provid-ing value for money to our clients.

Debbie - Where do you believe the future of RSL is heading?Linda - RSL are committed to giving quality care, quality accommodation, quality food, quality laundry, quality service. We are fo-cused on providing and maintaining a standard and the vigilance to maintain it. The future of RSL is in giving quality care alongside our boutique quality products.

Debbie – So what is Linda Jackson’s philosophy?Linda - I like to think I get up every day and it can be better than the previous day. I would say my philosophy is whether I am working in my restaurant or in charge of aged care; I want it to be better in someway than the day that has just passed.


Acknowledgements

deFiddesign 119

p. 15Image courtesy of http://www.rslcare.com.au/

p.19-25Story courtesy ofKaye Ireland,Village Manager RSL Menora Gardens Retirement Village

p.30Image courtesy of Sam Passante from BCY

p.35Image courtesy of Kim Oats, Executive Manager Masonic Care WA Solomon’s Rise Facility

p.38-49Story courtesyKim Oates, Executive Manager Masonic Care WA Solomon’s Rise Facility

p.40Personalised furniture & styling to image bottom right courtesy of Janice Dearman

p.60Images and text courtesy ofhttp://advancedstyle.blogspot.co.nz/

p.61Images and text courtesy ofhttp://www.toxel.com/

http://design-milk.com/weld-vases-by-phil-cuttance/

http://www.philcuttance.com/

http://www.coroflot.com/ruthvatcher

p.71Image courtesy of http://www.catholichomes.com/

p. 75-81Sonya Smart, CEO Catholic Homes, Western Australia

p. 86Images and text courtesy ofhttp://www.engadget.com/

http://projetromeo.com/index_en.html

Rodolphe Gelin of Aldebaran Robotics

p. 87Images and text courtesy ofDr Benny Lo,Hamlyn Fellow of The Hamlyn Centre

http://electronisam.blogspot.com.au/

p.88Images and text courtesy ofhttp://www.springwise.com/

http://tekrmd.com/

I would like to thank all my clients who agreed to be interviewed and have been so generous with their time. I thank them too for the opportunity to photograph their facilities and the finished results. Without them this book would not have been possible.

A very big thank you to my team, who undertake every job with passion, the desire to improve and make a difference; Erin whose style and attention to detail is extraordinary, Nicole who has done an amazing job putting this book together and has the courage to expand our company into New Zealand, Jacque for your ‘never give up’ attitude, Jean for your continuous help and care. I cannot imagine life

without you. Vanessa, who is my pillar of strength and keeps me breathing on a daily basis, Clara, your youthful talent is inspiring, Gus, who suggested the book and your fresh and creative ideas, Julie, who is always there to make sure our words make sense and Bella, who

is just there!

And finally I would like to dedicate this book to everyone in their third stage of life!!

p. 89Images and text courtesy ofhttp://techcrunch.com/

http://www.gizmag.com/

p.90-91Images and text courtesy ofhttp://panasonic.net/

p.101-109Story/Information courtesy ofKarin Eriksson, Swedish National Institute of Public Health

Kim Oates, Executive Manager Masonic Care WA Solomon’s Rise Facility

Sonya Smart, CEO Catholic Homes, Western Australia

Kaye Ireland,Village Manager RSL Menora Gardens Retirement Village

Linda Jackson, General Manager, RSL Care, WA

Susan Rodiek, PhD, NCARB & Chanam Lee

p.102Images courtesy ofhttp://www.herlongarchitects.com/blog/

http://www.braitmandesign.com/

http://unpretentiousstyle.blogspot.co.nz/

p.103Images courtesy ofhttp://www.moorelighting.ca/index.html

http://www.myyardrocks.com

p.104Images courtesy ofhttp://www.mistspecialties.com/index.ph

http://www.mistman.com/

http://www.hardwaresphere.com/

p.105Images courtesy ofhttp://i51.tinypic.com/2zho0o1.jpg

http://www.crocodilla.co.uk/

http://www.heatinggreen.com/

p.106Images courtesy ofhttp://maisondesign.com.au/

p.107Images courtesy ofhttp://jaxdoesdesign.blogspot.co.nz/

http://blindsrepair.net/outdoor-blinds/

http://recklessbliss.blogspot.co.nz/

p.108Images courtesy ofhttp://archistudentlifetoday.blogspot.co.nz/

http://www.archidir.com/

p.109Images courtesy ofhttp://homedecorconcept.com/

http://www.designboom.com/eng/

p.116-117Linda Jackson, General Manager, RSL Care, WA

ResearchEmma Levi

In-house photographyClara Carver-SmithErin TaylorNicole Wilson


‘Some day you will be old enough to start reading fairy tales again’

~ C. S. Lewis

deFiddesign 123

Perth

Suite 2, 144 Stirling Highway, Nedlands, Perth, WA

Tel: +61 8 9386 9733Fax: +61 8 9386 1869

Auckland

Tel: +64 9 482 0843

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/defiddesdesign

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/debbie-de-fiddes/48/251/456

deFiddesign 5

Documents

Universal by Design€¦ · Welcome to our 1st edition of Universal by Design. This book is motivated by my desire for ageing to be seen not just as a very normal part of life, but