How Architecture & Access aligns with the new National Aged Care Design Principles
Written by: Stephanie Loria, Accessibility Consultant
In July 2024, the National Aged Care Design Principles and Guidelines were released, marking a significant step forward in shaping the future of residential aged care in Australia. Developed in response to the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, the guidelines aim to ensure aged care accommodation better meets the needs of older Australians—now and into the future.
The guidelines offer a new vision for aged care homes: one where safety, comfort, independence, and dignity are prioritised. Rather than clinical, institutional settings, the guidelines promote the creation of welcoming, home-like environments that enhance quality of life for residents while also improving working conditions for staff.
At the heart of the guidelines are four key principles. Our expertise ensures that each of the key principles is thoughtfully integrated into both new and existing facilities:
Enable the Person – Design with the individual’s independence and autonomy in mind.
This principle is about making the resident feel supported and safe. Architecture & Access can review the proposed designs and existing aged care facilities to ensure that this principle is incorporated into the design.
Some examples would include reducing visual clutter, taking down unnecessary notices or flyers on walls, providing clear identifying features at a resident’s door, making it easier for individuals to navigate their environment independently.
Cultivate a Home – Create environments that feel familiar, safe and personal.
Aged care should feel warm and welcoming, not clinical. We advise on materials, furniture and fittings that are both durable and homely. Features like domestic-style kitchens allow residents to maintain everyday skills – making a cup of tea or preparing a snack, fostering a sense of normalcy and independence.
Access the Outdoors – Ensure residents can easily connect with natural surroundings.
The core of this principle is to design a facility which encourages residents to view the outdoors and to have them want to exit and be outside. Connection to the outdoors is vital for wellbeing.
We review design elements that impact a resident’s ability to independently access outdoor spaces including:
- Door automation
- Thresholds
- Shading
- Accessible paths
- Building levels – interior and exterior
Architecture & Access review all of these design features, with the goal of creating inviting, navigable environments that encourage residents to step outside.
Connect with Community – Encourage social interaction and community engagement.
Design can either support or hinder a resident’s ability to stay connected. We consider factors like accessible parking and drop-off zones to facilitate outings with family and friends.
There are many design elements of an aged care facility that can support or hinder the engagement with the community.
Other intrinsic factors include the design of bookable spaces for visits and play areas for grandchildren – ensuring the facility remains a vibrant part of each resident’s social world.
Although voluntary, these principles were carefully developed in collaboration between Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care, the University of Wollongong, Constructive Dialogue Architects, Dementia Australia, Dementia Training Australia, and the Sustainable Buildings Research Centre.
Architecture & Access supports and adopts these principles as part of our review process. We believe integrating these recommendations into new and refurbished aged care settings promotes best practice and contributes to a more person-centred model of care.
By aligning design with the needs of residents and care staff, these guidelines pave the way for aged care homes that not only function better but truly feel like home.
For providers, designers, and care staff alike, these principles provide a valuable framework to help shape a future where aged care environments enhance wellbeing, independence, and dignity for all who live and work within them.
This is a impressive publication and one that Architecture & Access support the implementation of. Contact us to discuss how you can integrate these principles into your next Aged Care project.
