Healthcare Design Magazine Features Nelson Architects in their Annual Healthcare Design Showcase for Benefis Health System’s Eastview Senior Care Center Remodel

Nelson Architects was one of 55 projects selected globally to be featured in Healthcare Design’s coveted annual showcase, September 2015.

Visit our project portfolio to see more photos of the re-designed Senior Care Center – http://nelsonarchitects.com/portfolio-posts/benefis-advanced-care/

The goal was to create a warm, healing, patient-centered environment that resembled a household; moving away from the traditional institutional facility.

This project involved patients, care giving staff, and the families of residents. Their input influenced the choice of colors, resident identification doors, wayfinding pathway design, the tranquility room (Snoezelen Room), a day-lit forest solarium and a 1950s-themed dining room.

The Dementia Care and Extended Care Communities each include 32-single room residences. A visually-rich Main Street corridor connects these two communities, bringing the ‘neighborhood’ to life. Main Street services include: salon, library, community center, gym, bank, and event area.

One very popular element is the circular walking path that allows residents continuous, free movement within the community. Murals, reminiscent of resident’s childhood and early adult years, decorate the walking path walls acting as ‘memory triggers,’ proven to enhance patient quality of life. Other design strategies included the use of warm colors and images to help awaken positive emotional responses in patients. Color-contrasting design and lighting help residents navigate and orient which increases their sense of independence.

The resident’s and their families, as well as the care giving staff are thrilled with the outcome.

Staff tell us that “patient satisfaction and quality of life has increased significantly.”