The initial concept developed by New Dawn Assisted Living Corporation was to create freestanding Alzheimer's communities that based on exterior imagery, would blend into the existing fabric of their respective communities.

 

Furthermore, these environments should promote independence and freedom of choice for the residents while compensating for losses experienced as a result of the disease. Additionally New Dawn wanted the ability to group residents in separate households based on differing behaviors and activities.

 

As Lantz-Boggio Architects proceeded through the design stages of this project the following strategies for meeting New Dawn's goals emerged.

 

• Divide communities of 48 residents into three households of 16 residents, each contained within

• their own separate building.

 

• Each individual building containing a household is designed as a freestanding residence, thereby

• appearing as traditional houses in a neighborhood.

 

• In addition to the exterior design, the interior organization of each household is based on traditional

• space relationships of single-family residences, utilizing familiar imagery and patterns.

 

• Visual connection of spaces allows "preview" of spaces, thereby encouraging choice and

• independence for the residents.

 

• “Participatory” design of kitchens, family and laundry spaces promotes traditional household

• activities as part of residents’ daily lives.

 

• Varied scale/size of spaces accommodates individual and group activities.

 

• Bed/bath/closet designs support independence through visual cues and reminders.

 

• Traditional residential elements (fireplace, kitchen, and porch) are used as landmarks

• for wayfinding.

 

• Through the design and execution of this project, a few of the lessons learned are:

 

• Balance number of residents per household and staffing ratios to create environments similar in

• size and scale to traditional single-family residences.

 

• Analyze and understand the routines surrounding preparing, serving, eating and cleanup of

• meals since many of the activities and patterns of both residents and staff revolve around

• these activities.

 

• Listen to providers and caregivers. The most valuable design tool in the design of Alzheimer’s

• environments is to understand the firsthand experiences of the people working directly

• with residents.