June 2018
Tool

Overview

Healthcare is moving beyond the walls of the hospital. This is partially due to a growing population of patients who require medical care but are stable enough to be treated at home (including older adults with acute and chronic conditions). Caring for these populations in their own home is more convenient and cost effective than providing that same care in a traditional medical setting. Home environments that support medical care can reduce unnecessary hospitalization, influence health and wellbeing, and help to maintain a person's independence.

The majority of design strategies in the Healthcare at Home diagrams apply to Universal Design U, Aging in Place A, and Healthcare at Home H. Strategies associated with only one or two of these approaches are indicated as such with icons.

Click on one of the dots or the thumbnails below to learn more

  • Pathways

    Desirable Outcome
    Accessibility; Ease of use
    Design Strategies
    • Smooth, level floor surfaces with minimal variations that allow freedom of movement, especially when navigating with mobility assistance or medical equipment citation
    • Minimize thresholds (less than ¼ inch vertical, or up to ½ inch beveled) citation
    • Provide wainscot trim that protrudes from the wall and is securely fastened to offer a frame of reference and a touchstone for balance for level surfaces. citation
    Desirable Outcome
    Caregiver safety; minimize risk of physical injury
    Design Strategies
    • Smooth, level floor surfaces with minimal variations that allow freedom of movement, especially when navigating with mobility assistance or medical equipment citation
    Desirable Outcome
    Safety; fall/injury prevention
    Design Strategies
    • Smooth, level floor surfaces with minimal variations that allow freedom of movement, especially when navigating with mobility assistance or medical equipment citation
    • Minimize thresholds (less than ¼ inch vertical, or up to ½ inch beveled) citation
    • Avoid glare and excessive contrast and patterns on floors, which can be perceived as or conceal actual changes in level which pose a potential trip hazard. citation
    • Provide wainscot trim that protrudes from the wall and is securely fastened to offer a frame of reference and a touchstone for balance for level surfaces. citation
    Desirable Outcome
    Safety; minimize risk of injury
    Design Strategies
    • Avoid glare and excessive contrast and patterns on floors, which can be perceived as or conceal actual changes in level which pose a potential trip hazard. citation
    • Provide wainscot trim that protrudes from the wall and is securely fastened to offer a frame of reference and a touchstone for balance for level surfaces. citation

  • Layout - Overall

    Desirable Outcome
    Accessibility; Ease of use
    Design Strategies
    • Bedroom on main level (street level) or independently accessible by ramp, stair lift, or elevator citation
    • Three-fixture bathroom adjacent to bedroom with 60-inch turning radius or acceptable T-turn space and 36-inch or 30-inch by 48-inch clear space (minimum dimensions for independent use; additional space needed for caregiver) citation
    • Flexible layout and sufficient space for an individual to carry out activities of daily living while using/navigating medical devices/equipment citation
    • Adequate space for durable medical devices (e.g., hospital beds, wheelchairs, walkers) and medical equipment (e.g., oxygen tanks, home-dialysis units, infusion pumps, blood glucose meters, feeding tubes, catheters, commodes, ambulation aids, patient lifts/hoists and specialist equipment) near bed/chair/lounge/care areas to support changing levels of care citation
    • Accommodate independent and assisted toilet transfers by included fold-down grab bars on both sides of the toilet (14" from centerline [CL] of toilet, 32" above the floor, and extended a minimum of 6" in front of the toilet) with one side open and a sidewall 24" from CL of toilet on the other. A H citation
    Desirable Outcome
    Caregiver safety; minimize risk of physical injury
    Design Strategies
    • Adequate space for two people to provide caregiving assistance if using hydraulic patient lift/hoist (e.g., toilet, bed, car) citation
    • Three-fixture bathroom adjacent to bedroom with 60-inch turning radius or acceptable T-turn space and 36-inch or 30-inch by 48-inch clear space (minimum dimensions for independent use; additional space needed for caregiver) citation
    • Adequate space for durable medical devices (e.g., hospital beds, wheelchairs, walkers) and medical equipment (e.g., oxygen tanks, home-dialysis units, infusion pumps, blood glucose meters, feeding tubes, catheters, commodes, ambulation aids, patient lifts/hoists and specialist equipment) near bed/chair/lounge/care areas to support changing levels of care citation
    Desirable Outcome
    OUTCOME
    Design Strategies
    • Accommodate independent and assisted toilet transfers by included fold-down grab bars on both sides of the toilet (14" from centerline [CL] of toilet, 32" above the floor, and extended a minimum of 6" in front of the toilet) with one side open and a sidewall 24" from CL of toilet on the other. A H citation
    • Bedroom on main level (street level) or independently accessible by ramp, stair lift, or elevator citation
    • Three-fixture bathroom adjacent to bedroom with 60-inch turning radius or acceptable T-turn space and 36-inch or 30-inch by 48-inch clear space (minimum dimensions for independent use; additional space needed for caregiver) citation
    • Adequate space for durable medical devices (e.g., hospital beds, wheelchairs, walkers) and medical equipment (e.g., oxygen tanks, home-dialysis units, infusion pumps, blood glucose meters, feeding tubes, catheters, commodes, ambulation aids, patient lifts/hoists and specialist equipment) near bed/chair/lounge/care areas to support changing levels of care citation
    • Accommodate independent and assisted toilet transfers by included fold-down grab bars on both sides of the toilet (14" from centerline [CL] of toilet, 32" above the floor, and extended a minimum of 6" in front of the toilet) with one side open and a sidewall 24" from CL of toilet on the other. A H citation
    • Bedroom on main level (street level) or independently accessible by ramp, stair lift, or elevator citation
    Desirable Outcome
    Minimize undue strain during recovery
    Design Strategies
    • Bedroom on main level (street level) or independently accessible by ramp, stair lift, or elevator citation
    • Three-fixture bathroom adjacent to bedroom with 60-inch turning radius or acceptable T-turn space and 36-inch or 30-inch by 48-inch clear space (minimum dimensions for independent use; additional space needed for caregiver) citation
    • Adequate space for durable medical devices (e.g., hospital beds, wheelchairs, walkers) and medical equipment (e.g., oxygen tanks, home-dialysis units, infusion pumps, blood glucose meters, feeding tubes, catheters, commodes, ambulation aids, patient lifts/hoists and specialist equipment) near bed/chair/lounge/care areas to support changing levels of care citation
    Desirable Outcome
    Safety; fall/injury prevention
    Design Strategies
    • Adequate space for two people to provide caregiving assistance if using hydraulic patient lift/hoist (e.g., toilet, bed, car) citation
    • Bedroom on main level (street level) or independently accessible by ramp, stair lift, or elevator citation
    • Three-fixture bathroom adjacent to bedroom with 60-inch turning radius or acceptable T-turn space and 36-inch or 30-inch by 48-inch clear space (minimum dimensions for independent use; additional space needed for caregiver) citation
    • Adequate space for durable medical devices (e.g., hospital beds, wheelchairs, walkers) and medical equipment (e.g., oxygen tanks, home-dialysis units, infusion pumps, blood glucose meters, feeding tubes, catheters, commodes, ambulation aids, patient lifts/hoists and specialist equipment) near bed/chair/lounge/care areas to support changing levels of care citation
    • Accommodate independent and assisted toilet transfers by included fold-down grab bars on both sides of the toilet (14" from centerline [CL] of toilet, 32" above the floor, and extended a minimum of 6" in front of the toilet) with one side open and a sidewall 24" from CL of toilet on the other. A H citation
    Desirable Outcome
    Safety; minimize risk of injury
    Design Strategies
    • Accommodate independent and assisted toilet transfers by included fold-down grab bars on both sides of the toilet (14" from centerline [CL] of toilet, 32" above the floor, and extended a minimum of 6" in front of the toilet) with one side open and a sidewall 24" from CL of toilet on the other. citation

  • Caregiver/Clinical Staff Workspace

    Desirable Outcome
    Efficient delivery of care
    Design Strategies
    • Easily accessible storage and disposal for non-reusable supplies (e.g., medication, incontinence products, bandaging, etc.) citation
    • Easily accessible storage for cleaning supplies when needed immediately (e.g., incontinence on self/seating/floor) A H citation
    Desirable Outcome
    Safety; infection control
    Design Strategies
    • Easily accessible storage and disposal for non-reusable supplies (e.g., medication, incontinence products, bandaging, etc.) citation
    • Easily accessible storage for cleaning supplies when needed immediately (e.g., incontinence on self/seating/floor) A H citation
    Desirable Outcome
    Safety; medication safety
    Design Strategies
    • Easily accessible storage and disposal for non-reusable supplies (e.g., medication, incontinence products, bandaging, etc.) citation

  • Flooring

    Desirable Outcome
    Accessibility; Ease of use
    Design Strategies
    • Smooth, level floor surfaces with minimal variations that allow freedom of movement, especially when navigating with mobility assistance or medical equipment citation
    • Minimize thresholds (less than ¼ inch vertical, or up to ½ inch beveled) citation
    Desirable Outcome
    Caregiver safety; minimize risk of physical injury
    Design Strategies
    • Smooth, level floor surfaces with minimal variations that allow freedom of movement, especially when navigating with mobility assistance or medical equipment citation
    • Avoid deep pile carpet or loose/worn carpet; tack down edges of carpets and rugs; remove loose rugs/mats citation
    Desirable Outcome
    Minimize undue strain during recovery
    Design Strategies
    • Easy-to-clean materials to reduce surface contamination citation
    Desirable Outcome
    Safety; fall/injury prevention
    Design Strategies
    • Non-slip flooring, surface treatment, and/or mat in bathtub/shower citation
    • Smooth, level floor surfaces with minimal variations that allow freedom of movement, especially when navigating with mobility assistance or medical equipment citation
    • Minimize thresholds (less than ¼ inch vertical, or up to ½ inch beveled) citation
    • Smooth, non-glare, non-slip or slip-resistant flooring citation
    • Avoid deep pile carpet or loose/worn carpet; tack down edges of carpets and rugs; remove loose rugs/mats citation
    • Avoid flooring materials with intricate high-contrast patterns (especially for patients with impaired vision) citation
    • Install soft, resilient interior flooring materials (e.g., cork, rubber, or linoleum) that are gentler under foot than harder materials and can lessen the impact of falls. citation
    • Avoid glare and excessive contrast and patterns on floors, which can be perceived as or conceal actual changes in level which pose a potential trip hazard. citation
    Desirable Outcome
    Safety; infection control
    Design Strategies
    • Easy-to-clean materials to reduce surface contamination citation
    Desirable Outcome
    Safety; minimize risk of injury
    Design Strategies
    • Install soft, resilient interior flooring materials (e.g., cork, rubber, or linoleum) that are gentler under foot than harder materials and can lessen the impact of falls. citation
    • Avoid glare and excessive contrast and patterns on floors, which can be perceived as or conceal actual changes in level which pose a potential trip hazard. citation

  • Walls

    Desirable Outcome
    Accessibility; Ease of use
    Design Strategies
    • Grab bars including vertical grab bar at shower/bathtub entrance and diagonal grab bar on long side of bathtub citation
    • Light switches lowered to 44-inches off the floor citation
    • Wall support and provision for adjustable and/or varied height counters and removable base cabinets for wheelchair accessibility/roll-under counters citation
    • Provide wainscot trim that protrudes from the wall and is securely fastened to offer a frame of reference and a touchstone for balance for level surfaces. citation
    Desirable Outcome
    Caregiver safety; minimize risk of physical injury
    Design Strategies
    • Horizontal and vertical track system with adaptable products for various bathroom functions A H
    • Structural provisions for ceiling- and/or wall-mounted trapeze system(s) (for patients with adequate upper body strength) to hold on to for stability while walking and to assist when sitting up in bed (Note: not recommended for patients with long-term injuries ) H citation
    • Intercom system and/or voice-activated smartphone technology citation
    • Wall support and provision for adjustable and/or varied height counters and removable base cabinets for wheelchair accessibility/roll-under counters citation
    Desirable Outcome
    Communication/ interaction with care provider/ emergency care
    Design Strategies
    • Intercom system and/or voice-activated smartphone technology citation
    • Electric and internet outlets located at 24-inches (min) above floor [48-inchs (max) above the floor when located above countertops] and in close proximity to locations where telemedicine equipment will be used to ensure that cords will not obstruct walking paths citation
    Desirable Outcome
    Efficient delivery of care
    Design Strategies
    • Electric and internet outlets located at 24-inches (min) above floor [48-inchs (max) above the floor when located above countertops] and in close proximity to locations where telemedicine equipment will be used to ensure that cords will not obstruct walking paths citation
    Desirable Outcome
    Minimize patient stress/anxiety
    Design Strategies
    • Intercom system and/or voice-activated smartphone technology citation
    Desirable Outcome
    Minimize undue strain during recovery
    Design Strategies
    • Easy-to-clean materials to reduce surface contamination citation
    Desirable Outcome
    Patient control and independence
    Design Strategies
    • Grab bars including vertical grab bar at shower/bathtub entrance and diagonal grab bar on long side of bathtub citation
    • Light switches lowered to 44-inches off the floor citation
    • Electric and internet outlets located at 24-inches (min) above floor [48-inchs (max) above the floor when located above countertops] and in close proximity to locations where telemedicine equipment will be used to ensure that cords will not obstruct walking paths citation
    • Wall support and provision for adjustable and/or varied height counters and removable base cabinets for wheelchair accessibility/roll-under counters citation
    Desirable Outcome
    Patient satisfaction and comfort
    Design Strategies
    • Light switches lowered to 44-inches off the floor citation
    • Electric and internet outlets located at 24-inches (min) above floor [48-inchs (max) above the floor when located above countertops] and in close proximity to locations where telemedicine equipment will be used to ensure that cords will not obstruct walking paths citation
    Desirable Outcome
    Safety; fall/injury prevention
    Design Strategies
    • Bracing in walls around tub, shower, shower seat, and toilet for installation of grab bars to support 250-500 pounds (additional structural support for bariatric use) citation
    • Horizontal and vertical track system with adaptable products for various bathroom functions A H
    • Structural provisions for ceiling- and/or wall-mounted trapeze system(s) (for patients with adequate upper body strength) to hold on to for stability while walking and to assist when sitting up in bed (Note: not recommended for patients with long-term injuries ) H citation
    • Intercom system and/or voice-activated smartphone technology citation
    • Electric and internet outlets located at 24-inches (min) above floor [48-inchs (max) above the floor when located above countertops] and in close proximity to locations where telemedicine equipment will be used to ensure that cords will not obstruct walking paths citation
    • Wall support and provision for adjustable and/or varied height counters and removable base cabinets for wheelchair accessibility/roll-under counters citation
    • Provide wainscot trim that protrudes from the wall and is securely fastened to offer a frame of reference and a touchstone for balance for level surfaces. citation
    Desirable Outcome
    Safety; infection control
    Design Strategies
    • Easy-to-clean materials to reduce surface contamination citation
    • Multiple storage locations for gloves and other personal protective equipment throughout the occupied space, especially in care areas, to facilitate proper safety protocols (e.g. in the event of exposure to blood and other bodily fluids) A H citation
    Desirable Outcome
    Safety; minimize risk of injury
    Design Strategies
    • Electric and internet outlets located at 24-inches (min) above floor [48-inchs (max) above the floor when located above countertops] and in close proximity to locations where telemedicine equipment will be used to ensure that cords will not obstruct walking paths citation
    • Provide wainscot trim that protrudes from the wall and is securely fastened to offer a frame of reference and a touchstone for balance for level surfaces. citation

  • Ceiling

    Desirable Outcome
    Caregiver safety; minimize risk of physical injury
    Design Strategies
    • Structural provisions for ceiling- and/or wall-mounted trapeze system(s) (for patients with adequate upper body strength) to hold on to for stability while walking and to assist when sitting up in bed (Note: not recommended for patients with long-term injuries ) H citation
    • Track-mounted hoists in areas where space is tight and transfers occur frequently (e.g., bed, toilet) A H citation
    Desirable Outcome
    Safety; fall/injury prevention
    Design Strategies
    • Structural provisions for ceiling- and/or wall-mounted trapeze system(s) (for patients with adequate upper body strength) to hold on to for stability while walking and to assist when sitting up in bed (Note: not recommended for patients with long-term injuries ) H citation
    • Track-mounted hoists in areas where space is tight and transfers occur frequently (e.g., bed, toilet) A H citation

  • Doors

    Desirable Outcome
    Accessibility; ease of use
    Design Strategies
    • Easy-to-open doors (consider handle grip, mechanics, and weight of door)
    • Minimize thresholds (less than ¼ inch vertical, or up to ½ inch beveled) citation
    • Minimum 36-inch doors citation
    Desirable Outcome
    Minimize patient stress/anxiety
    Design Strategies
    • Efficient ventilation to minimize unpleasant smells A H
    Desirable Outcome
    Patient satisfaction and comfort
    Design Strategies
    • Efficient ventilation to minimize unpleasant smells A H
    Desirable Outcome
    Safety; fall/injury prevention
    Design Strategies
    • Easy-to-open doors (consider handle grip, mechanics, and weight of door)
    • Minimize thresholds (less than ¼ inch vertical, or up to ½ inch beveled) citation
    • Minimum 36-inch doors citation
    Desirable Outcome
    Safety; minimize risk of injury
    Design Strategies
    • Efficient ventilation to minimize unpleasant smells A H

  • HVAC

    Desirable Outcome
    Minimize patient stress/anxiety
    Design Strategies
    • Efficient ventilation to minimize unpleasant smells A H
    Desirable Outcome
    Patient satisfaction and comfort
    Design Strategies
    • Efficient ventilation to minimize unpleasant smells A H
    Desirable Outcome
    Safety; minimize risk of injury
    Design Strategies
    • Efficient ventilation to minimize unpleasant smells A H

  • Electrical

    Desirable Outcome
    Accessibility; ease of use
    Design Strategies
    • Light switches lowered to 44-inches off the floor citation
    Desirable Outcome
    Communication/ interaction with care provider/ emergency care
    Design Strategies
    • Electric and internet outlets located at 24-inches (min) above floor [48-inchs (max) above the floor when located above countertops] and in close proximity to locations where telemedicine equipment will be used to ensure that cords will not obstruct walking paths citation
    Desirable Outcome
    Efficient delivery of care
    Design Strategies
    • Electric and internet outlets located at 24-inches (min) above floor [48-inchs (max) above the floor when located above countertops] and in close proximity to locations where telemedicine equipment will be used to ensure that cords will not obstruct walking paths citation
    Desirable Outcome
    Patient control and independence
    Design Strategies
    • Light switches lowered to 44-inches off the floor citation
    • Electric and internet outlets located at 24-inches (min) above floor [48-inchs (max) above the floor when located above countertops] and in close proximity to locations where telemedicine equipment will be used to ensure that cords will not obstruct walking paths citation
    Desirable Outcome
    Patient satisfaction and comfort
    Design Strategies
    • Light switches lowered to 44-inches off the floor citation
    • Electric and internet outlets located at 24-inches (min) above floor [48-inchs (max) above the floor when located above countertops] and in close proximity to locations where telemedicine equipment will be used to ensure that cords will not obstruct walking paths citation
    Desirable Outcome
    Safety; fall/injury prevention
    Design Strategies
    • Electric and internet outlets located at 24-inches (min) above floor [48-inchs (max) above the floor when located above countertops] and in close proximity to locations where telemedicine equipment will be used to ensure that cords will not obstruct walking paths citation
    Desirable Outcome
    Safety; minimize risk of injury
    Design Strategies
    • Electric and internet outlets located at 24-inches (min) above floor [48-inchs (max) above the floor when located above countertops] and in close proximity to locations where telemedicine equipment will be used to ensure that cords will not obstruct walking paths citation

  • Lighting

    Desirable Outcome
    Accessibility; ease of use
    Design Strategies
    • Light switches lowered to 44-inches off the floor citation
    Desirable Outcome
    Patient control and independence
    Design Strategies
    • Light switches lowered to 44-inches off the floor citation
    Desirable Outcome
    Patient satisfaction and comfort
    Design Strategies
    • Light switches lowered to 44-inches off the floor citation
    Desirable Outcome
    Safety; fall/injury prevention
    Design Strategies
    • Light in tub/shower stall citation
    • Interior motion lighting/sensor-activated lighting without glare, and/or use nightlights A H citation
    • Smart home sensor technology to light path from bed to toilet A H citation
    • Night lighting system that provides both horizontal and vertical cues (e.g., under bed and around doorways) to support postural control and stability A H citation
    • Amber-colored LED lighting for night lighting so as not to disrupt circadian rhythms citation
    • Avoid glare and excessive contrast and patterns on floors, which can be perceived as or conceal actual changes in level which pose a potential trip hazard. citation
    Desirable Outcome
    Safety; minimize risk of injury
    Design Strategies
    • Avoid glare and excessive contrast and patterns on floors, which can be perceived as or conceal actual changes in level which pose a potential trip hazard. citation

  • Fixtures / Furnishings / Appliances / Equipment / Accessories

    Desirable Outcome
    Accessibility; ease of use
    Design Strategies
    • Accessible moveable seat/chair/bench (e.g. swivel seat, high-low seat) for use in tub or shower citation
    • If a shower is used, it is curbless and a minimum of 36" wide citation
    • Adjustable/handheld showerheads, 6-foot hose citation
    • If bath is used, wheelchair maneuverable bath on main level with 60-inch turning radius or acceptable T-turn space and 36-inch or 30-inch by 48-inch clear space (minimum dimensions for independent use; additional space needed for caregiver) citation
    • Toilet seat at 17-19 inches above floor or height adjustable citation
    • Lever handles or pedal-controlled faucets with hand-held sprayer citation
    • Wall-hung sink (or other wheelchair accessible sink) to provide space for wheelchair use
    • Bathtub transfer bench
    • Accommodate independent and assisted toilet transfers by included fold-down grab bars on both sides of the toilet (14" from centerline [CL] of toilet, 32" above the floor, and extended a minimum of 6" in front of the toilet) with one side open and a sidewall 24" from CL of toilet on the other. A H citation
    • Bracing in walls around tub, shower, shower seat, and toilet for installation of grab bars to support 250-500 pounds (additional structural support for bariatric use) citation
    • Transfer lifts (portable or ceiling mounted) and other repositioning devices that support safe ergonomic conditions for patient handling and movement, if needed. H citation
    • Accommodate independent and assisted toilet transfers by included fold-down grab bars on both sides of the toilet (14" from centerline [CL] of toilet, 32" above the floor, and extended a minimum of 6" in front of the toilet) with one side open and a sidewall 24" from CL of toilet on the other. A H citation
    • Accommodate independent and assisted toilet transfers by included fold-down grab bars on both sides of the toilet (14" from centerline [CL] of toilet, 32" above the floor, and extended a minimum of 6" in front of the toilet) with one side open and a sidewall 24" from CL of toilet on the other. A H citation
    • Easy-to-clean materials to reduce surface contamination citation
    • Non-slip flooring, surface treatment, and/or mat in bathtub/shower citation
    • Accessible moveable seat/chair/bench (e.g. swivel seat, high-low seat) for use in tub or shower citation
    • If a shower is used, it is curbless and a minimum of 36" wide citation
    • Bracing in walls around tub, shower, shower seat, and toilet for installation of grab bars to support 250-500 pounds (additional structural support for bariatric use) citation
    • Transfer lifts (portable or ceiling mounted) and other repositioning devices that support safe ergonomic conditions for patient handling and movement, if needed. H citation
    • Accommodate independent and assisted toilet transfers by included fold-down grab bars on both sides of the toilet (14" from centerline [CL] of toilet, 32" above the floor, and extended a minimum of 6" in front of the toilet) with one side open and a sidewall 24" from CL of toilet on the other. A H citation
    Desirable Outcome
    Safety; infection control
    Design Strategies
    • Easy-to-clean materials to reduce surface contamination citation
    Desirable Outcome
    Safety; minimize risk of injury
    Design Strategies
    • Accommodate independent and assisted toilet transfers by included fold-down grab bars on both sides of the toilet (14" from centerline [CL] of toilet, 32" above the floor, and extended a minimum of 6" in front of the toilet) with one side open and a sidewall 24" from CL of toilet on the other. A H citation
    • Install anti-scald water devices that limit the temperature to 120 degrees Fahrenheit maximum. citation

  • Casework/ Storage

    Desirable Outcome
    Accessibility; ease of use
    Design Strategies
    • Upper wall cabinetry three inches lower than conventional height citation
    Desirable Outcome
    Efficient delivery of care
    Design Strategies
    • Easily accessible storage and disposal for non-reusable supplies (e.g., medication, incontinence products, bandaging, etc.) citation
    • Easy-to-access storage for first-aid supplies
    • Easily accessible storage for cleaning supplies when needed immediately (e.g., incontinence on self/seating/floor) A H citation
    • Maximize space for medical supplies when needed A H citation
    Desirable Outcome
    Minimize undue strain during recovery
    Design Strategies
    • Easy-to-clean materials to reduce surface contamination citation
    Desirable Outcome
    Safety; fall/injury prevention
    Design Strategies
    • Easy-to-access storage for first-aid supplies
    • Maximize space for medical supplies when needed A H citation
    Desirable Outcome
    Safety; infection control
    Design Strategies
    • Easily accessible storage and disposal for non-reusable supplies (e.g., medication, incontinence products, bandaging, etc.) citation
    • Easily accessible storage for cleaning supplies when needed immediately (e.g., incontinence on self/seating/floor) A H citation
    • Easy-to-clean materials to reduce surface contamination citation
    • Multiple storage locations for gloves and other personal protective equipment throughout the occupied space, especially in care areas, to facilitate proper safety protocols (e.g. in the event of exposure to blood and other bodily fluids) A H citation
    Desirable Outcome
    Safety; medication safety
    Design Strategies
    • Easily accessible storage and disposal for non-reusable supplies (e.g., medication, incontinence products, bandaging, etc.) citation

  • Patient Handling / Movement Equipment

    Desirable Outcome
    Caregiver safety; minimize risk of physical injury
    Design Strategies
    • Adequate space for two people to provide caregiving assistance if using hydraulic patient lift/hoist (e.g., toilet, bed, car) citation
    • Avoid deep pile carpet or loose/worn carpet; tack down edges of carpets and rugs; remove loose rugs/mats citation
    • Structural provisions for ceiling- and/or wall-mounted trapeze system(s) (for patients with adequate upper body strength) to hold on to for stability while walking and to assist when sitting up in bed (Note: not recommended for patients with long-term injuries ) H citation
    • Transfer lifts (portable or ceiling mounted) and other repositioning devices that support safe ergonomic conditions for patient handling and movement, if needed. H citation
    • Ceiling-mounted trapeze hook(s) (for patients with adequate upper body strength) to hold on to for stability while walking and to assist when sitting up in bed (Note: not recommended for patients with long-term injuries). H citation
    Desirable Outcome
    Safety; fall/injury prevention
    Design Strategies
    • Adequate space for two people to provide caregiving assistance if using hydraulic patient lift/hoist (e.g., toilet, bed, car) citation
    • Avoid deep pile carpet or loose/worn carpet; tack down edges of carpets and rugs; remove loose rugs/mats citation
    • Structural provisions for ceiling- and/or wall-mounted trapeze system(s) (for patients with adequate upper body strength) to hold on to for stability while walking and to assist when sitting up in bed (Note: not recommended for patients with long-term injuries ) H citation
    • Transfer lifts (portable or ceiling mounted) and other repositioning devices that support safe ergonomic conditions for patient handling and movement, if needed. H citation
    • Ceiling-mounted trapeze hook(s) (for patients with adequate upper body strength) to hold on to for stability while walking and to assist when sitting up in bed (Note: not recommended for patients with long-term injuries). H citation

  • Technology / Monitoring Equipment / Internet

    Desirable Outcome
    Caregiver safety; minimize risk of physical injury
    Design Strategies
    • Intercom system and/or voice-activated smartphone technology citation
    Desirable Outcome
    Communication/ interaction with care provider/ emergency care
    Design Strategies
    • Toilet seat with integrated technology to measure weight, temperature, and urine content A H citation
    • Intercom system and/or voice-activated smartphone technology citation
    Desirable Outcome
    Minimize patient stress/anxiety
    Design Strategies
    • Intercom system and/or voice-activated smartphone technology citation
    Desirable Outcome
    Safety; fall/injury prevention
    Design Strategies
    • Intercom system and/or voice-activated smartphone technology citation