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Chipman Design was tasked by long-standing client SLC with turning an existing skilled nursing facility, including all resident bedrooms, into a cozy memory care community. The process for such renovation was going to be extensive and included CDA assisting the client with navigating state rules and regulations for increased security.
Memory care communities are a special place, and it was important that the final environment be calming and comfortable but also functional for staff.
One of the initial challenges from an architectural standpoint was the low ceilings in public spaces - at 7’10” designers needed to find a way to make the rooms still feel spacious and open. Additionally, CDA team members wanted to make the spaces feel less like a medical facility and more like a home. This was accomplished by utilizing muted color palettes and neutral colors to create a cottage-style decor, focusing on texture rather than color or patterns to create interest. A focal point in the main room became the fireplace, which was faced with cobblestone, reminiscent of the field stone houses and fences found throughout the region, giving the space a familiar feel for residents.
The end result is a memory care facility that both clients and the community are extremely enthusiastic about.
