At Aneka Interiors, our passion for designing senior living communities, particularly Memory Care spaces, goes beyond aesthetics. We deeply understand the unique needs of Memory Care residents and strive to create environments that not only provide comfort and safety but also enrich their daily lives. Our approach focuses on key elements that enhance well-being, including light, purposeful life skills stations, engaging tactile features, and thoughtfully selected furniture.
One of the most impactful elements we incorporate into our Memory Care designs is light. Natural and well-placed artificial lighting can significantly improve the mood, orientation, and overall well-being of residents. We strive to bring the essence of the outdoors inside their home, creating bright and inviting environments that combat feelings of isolation and confusion.
A prime example of our commitment to light is the MorningStar Senior Living of Applewood project, where we removed walls and introduced glass panels to flood the garden-level space with natural light. This transformation created an open and airy atmosphere, fostering a greater connection to the outdoors and enhancing the residents’ experience.
Memory Care communities have evolved over the years, and so have the design elements that support resident engagement. Unlike the basic life skills areas of a decade ago, we design our life skills stations with an upscale, adult-centric approach. Our stations offer a craft room feel, providing flexibility and opportunities for residents to engage in familiar activities that evoke positive memories and encourage meaningful interactions.
By incorporating life skills walls that reflect the hobbies and interests of residents, such as gardening, art, or music, we provide a dignified and stimulating environment that fosters a sense of purpose and independence.
Incorporating tactile features into Memory Care spaces is another essential consideration. Textured walls, interactive panels, and safe-to-touch surfaces provide residents with opportunities for sensory engagement, which can help reduce anxiety and improve cognitive function. These elements invite exploration and interaction, offering a comforting and reassuring experience for residents.
Tactile features not only serve as engaging focal points but also help residents navigate their environment with ease, offering sensory cues that support memory and spatial awareness.
Furniture selection in Memory Care communities plays a critical role in resident safety and comfort. We prioritize chairs with arms and durable materials, such as chairs that look like wood but are actually metal, providing enhanced durability and longevity. One of our favorites is a chair from Duracare that we love for its resilience and aesthetic appeal.
We also focus on fabrics that feel opulent and resemble high-end residential pieces while offering durability through specialty finishes such as Crypton. For ease of maintenance, we utilize vinyl on seats, offering a luxurious appearance that mimics fabric while being easily wiped clean with a damp cloth.
Seat heights, depths, and the inclusion of arms on all chairs and sofas are carefully considered to ensure accessibility and comfort for residents. We often customize some of our residential frames to fit the specific ergonomic needs of senior living residents.
Additionally, we avoid sharp edges and breakable items in Memory Care spaces to prioritize safety. We prefer tables with slightly rounded edges, upholstered ottomans, and upholstered back armchairs to provide both comfort and security. Ultimately, our goal is to create spaces where residents can safely navigate without assistance as much as possible.
Each of these design considerations plays a crucial role in the quality of life for Memory Care residents. A well-lit, thoughtfully designed space can:
At Aneka Interiors, we are dedicated to creating Memory Care environments that prioritize dignity, comfort, and engagement. By focusing on light, life skills stations, tactile elements, and furniture design, we help residents feel more connected to their surroundings and experience a higher quality of life.
