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In planning for Gwynedd House, we became convinced that the environment plays a major role in the quality of life experienced by those living in a health care facility. In many ways, Foulkeways redefined long term healthcare. The environment of institutional care was shifted to an inviting residential focus. This focus created cluster neighborhoods, decentralized care, the elimination of carts in hallways, plus a new system of staff and resident interrelationships for all in this community. Foulkeways sought to create a program and building design that would positively influence the lives of those living and working in skilled care.
This environmental shift has been amazing to experience and enhances the quality of life for both residents and staff in ways that have gone far beyond what we anticipated. Comments from residents living in health care reflect a profound enhancement of their social interactions and enjoyment of life even with increased health limitations. We also documented the following:
- Many residents have increased weight and report greater appetite.
- Residents spend more time outside their rooms interacting with others.
- Noise levels in the halls have been greatly reduced.
- Staff and residents have reported increased social interaction from decentralizing care into small clusters of rooms.
- Dramatic change in the frequency and activities of family visits
Because meals are served in inviting residential-style dining rooms, rather than on trays in rooms, family visits more often and eats with their relatives in the family-style dining rooms.
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