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Create Spaces for Quarantine
While not always ideal, quarantining has proven to be an effective measure against infectious
diseases such as Coronavirus. However, it’s important to remember that quarantine does not always
have to equate to strict isolation. Incorporating different types of groupings – from private rooms
to “neighborhoods” within a unit – offers a variety of livable spaces for residents to use, and also
temporarily isolate when needed. The design should be flexible enough to create these groupings for
all residents; and, can be part of a larger scope throughout the facility and divided when necessary. We
suggest considering the following options:

■ Private Rooms – Provides the opportunity for all healthcare residents to isolate when
needed, and is necessary for any quarantine situation when the community will need to
find space for transferring well residents away from ill residents.

■ One-Bedroom Apartments – Provides a way for couples to isolate together within a
unit.

■ Neighborhoods – Create groups of units “The design should
or rooms in limited numbers to develop
neighborhoods which can be isolated from be flexible enough to
the community when needed to stop the
spread of disease. create these groupings

■ Mechanical Systems – Provide a way to for all residents; and,
isolate air flow within the neighborhoods and
units. can be part of a larger
scope throughout the
Design Common Areas that Limit Interaction
In addition to quarantining, limiting interactions facility and divided
with others – again, not always desirable – has proven
to be another effective defense against widespread when necessary.”
infectious disease. Providing socialization for
residents remains a priority within senior living
communities as it improves both overall health and
quality of life. However, common areas often create opportunities for contamination, so it’s important
to address how elements of these areas can be designed to respond to a potential outbreak:

■ Services – Address how services such as food delivery, linen changes, housekeeping,
and care-giving can be provided with minimal interaction with staff to deter the spread
of disease.

■ Common Areas – Provide intimate common areas within the neighborhoods that allow
for both socialization and social distancing.
■ Outdoor Areas – Create space that’s accessible from each living unit for fresh air and
sunlight during times of isolation.

BERNARDON | Designing Safer Spaces for Senior Living Communities Page 2