Japanese Care Design Lessons
I was fortunate enough to enjoy a lengthy sabbatical in the Land of The Rising Sun, and of course took the opportunity to visit many care homes too, in order to learn about any unique initiatives developed there. I was impressed by many which I am sharing here. Please bear in mind that the staff to resident ratio in Japan is likely lower than in most other countries due to the aging demographic there. As other societies face similar challenges in the future, these low staff interventions may prove very useful indeed.
Firstly, unlike the standard “pig’s ear” or broom stick handrails used here in England, or the more hospital-like versions I’ve seen in the US, here is a clean, attractive profile from Japan. The contrast levels used in other countries was not in evidence, (anywhere really), but this shape would work well in a contrast wood, or even painted with an LRV (light reflective value) differential of 30 points. It’s also easier to clean than the standard “pig’s ear” version.
While emergency oxygen is available in these homes, they have taken things to the next level and provide an oxygen room! At the time of this particular visit someone was on the luxurious L-shaped leather sofa which faces the wide screen TV, so I can’t show you this side of the room. But I can confirm that the lighting is fully adjustable, and there are a choice of relaxing videos to watch while the resident reclines in comfort while getting the oxygen boost they require.
Foot care, in general, is an important feature within Japanese culture. Here is an example of a window with a view at which they’ve positioned a simple foot massage bath, with a table where tea can be enjoyed at the same time. It is easy to see where a similar concept could be rolled out in other parts of the world, perhaps with individual foot spa baths for hygiene protocol. The exterior view is particularly important to this offering, and if using individual foot baths cards could be placed on the seat after use, alerting staff when they to when they needed to be changed, rather than the station needing to be constantly checked. If table ends are also used then this also provides an additional socialising area, as well as an inexpensive Resident pampering station.
For Care Groups there was another exciting Japanese initiative. This Ninja looking person shown here is actually a chef. The outstanding Les Ashyia Care Group in Kobe run a centralised kitchen where all meals are prepared in advance, based on nutritional requirements for all residents across the group, flash frozen on-site and delivered in small vans to all sites along with fresh sauces. The kitchen staff in each location is therefore limited to re-heating stations and plating.
The mixing of young and old is proving a huge success in many cultures. Indeed, two of our Park Grove Design client groups have on-site nursery schools. I particularly liked the direct link specifically between the nursery/kindergarten playground and one of the lounges in Kobe. Direct and safeinteraction, again without the need for lots of staff supervision. This home also had doors with direct access between the kindergarten and care home, allowing easy regular visits. The two facilities are extremely well integrated to the benefit of all parties.
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