Remodel/Renovation Finalist 2017: Renaissance Memory Care Center
The Memory Care Center at the Renaissance, serving residents with Alzheimer’s and dementia, had not undergone any renovations or updates since it was first built. Multi-purposes spaces, such as this one, did little to inspire a sense of community or provide an enriching environment that could serve as a therapeutic resource.
The goal of the renovation was not only to modernize the common spaces with a fresh color palette and updated furnishings, but, to bring continuity to the décor found throughout the community. In this common area, the design team incorporated vinyl plank flooring, a variety of seating options, and decorative lighting to update the space. A life skills station was created to stimulate engagement. Plus, a beautiful divider focal wall was added, which not only provided visual interest, but, afforded some much-needed privacy for the adjoining resident rooms – offering residents a renewed sense of personal autonomy.
The Memory Care Center’s previous spaces did little to inspire enrichment activities or encourage residents to gather for friendship and engagement.
In addition to the gorgeous new furnishings and beautifully appointed spaces, such as this dining room, the renovated areas in the Memory Care Center also brought the community up to standard for the levels of care required by its residents. This dining room used updated decorative lighting; durable, contract grade chairs accented with fun fabrics; and a functional kitchen with modern finishes. The end result is a setting that encourages community gatherings and interactions among peers, families and staff, bringing a more holistic approach to memory care.
The previous multi-purpose spaces brought no design continuity, and created a more clinical feel for memory care residents.
The design team made use of beautiful porcelain plank flooring in a herringbone pattern, along with soft and playful fabric patterns on updated furnishings. Coupled with fresh Floridian hues in aqua and neutral tones, the Memory Care space was able to blend aesthetically with the rest of the community. The renovations also helped establish a warm, welcoming atmosphere apart from its prior sterile environment.
Built in the 1990s, Renaissance (Tampa, Fla.), had become a predominantly outdated community after more than two decades without any updates or renovations. The community also suffered from a lack of continuity in terms of interior and exterior design influences, as the various buildings were all constructed at different times. When the property was acquired by new ownership, it was apparent that a major renovation was necessary to revitalize the community.
One area that required a great amount of attention was the Memory Care Center, housed inside the Cove building. Originally, the community was arranged in an open layout format that allowed little privacy for the residents and their personal dwelling units.
Designers looked to renovate the space by creating a flexible, resident-centered care model that can accommodate the community’s Ensemble Program. The program focuses on rejuvenating the mind, body, and spirit of residents who have experienced memory loss by creating both meaningful and stimulating life experiences.
To accomplish this, the large, open room was turned into a multifunctional space complete with life skill stations and function-enhancing activities to prompt engagement. In the expanded space, residents can also dine with friends and family and have their therapy and rehabilitation needs attended to. The building comes with an outside sensory garden to stimulate brain activity.
Privacy was another area of concern for residents. In the original design, individual units were open to the large community room, making it difficult for residents to enjoy personal time and privacy. With this in mind, the design team incorporated a divider focal wall separating the main room from resident rooms. This helped protect individual patient rights and create a deeper sense of personal autonomy.
Finally, designers saw a need to create a sense of design continuity, and update common areas with a fresh, timeless design aesthetic that could be seen throughout the whole community. The design team researched the market to identify design elements that would help Renaissance feel like home to current and prospective residents. Through enhanced lighting, furnishings, and a warm, nurturing palette in “revitalized coastal” tones of Floridian aqua, sky blue, and fern green, designers were able to bring new energy and life to the Memory Care community.
The overall renovations were paramount in creating spaces that supported the holistic well-being of its residents, and brought it up to a higher standard of care than was previously available.
Cost per square foot: Not available
Photography: Michael Lowry (after images)
