Design Guide for Long Term Care Homes

Robert Wrublowsky, MAA, OAA, SAA, AAA, LEED AP, EDAC
Principal, MMP Architects

This guide offers designers guidance for creating personal care homes for elders, particularly those with cognitive challenges. The author’s goal is to help designers provide spaces that encourage socialization, offer easier navigation, support better cognitive function, and set the stage for predictable care outcomes.

The design guide emphasizes the deinstitutionalization of these facilities and applies the process of evidenced-based design to their development, including practical explanations of a number of design issues. Use of the small household model to create environments in which elders can live out their later years with purpose and fulfillment is exemplified in six short case studies. Also included is a “master list of design interventions” for addressing basic design attributes.

The design guide is periodically updated. Posted here is the 2018 edition, version 2018.01.

About the Author

Based in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Bob Wrublowsky, has practiced architecture for more than 27 years and is a principal at MMP Architects. Over the course of his career, he has specialized in environments for aging populations, including specialty housing, personal care homes, adult PRIME centers, and special needs units addressing individuals with different neurocognitive disorders. Bob is an advocate for designing long-term care homes that support a quality of life that extends beyond the basics of nourishment, protection, and shelter. He has been active in organizations and research in Canada and the United States.

Design Guide For Long Term Care Homes