1. Embrace a Holistic Approach to Accessibility
“When we think of accessibility, it’s not just about mobility issues, wheelchairs, and walkers,” says Fiona Dutta, Senior Director of Design, at Amica Senior Lifestyles. “It's a much broader spectrum that includes cognitive limitations, hearing challenges, low vision, and even emotional hurdles that can affect a person’s ability to engage with their environment.”
Dutta and her team design spaces with a holistic approach that considers everyone from individuals with mobility challenges, to those experiencing memory issues or struggling with anxiety or social isolation. “When we talk about accessible spaces, it's about creating environments that invite our residents to use it to improve their quality of life.”
2. Incorporate Variety
Creating welcoming, dynamic spaces that encourage connection and spark curiosity is essential, especially for mobility-challenged residents who may find it harder to go out as often as they used to. “We don't just create spaces; we design experiences,” says Dutta. “A lot of time is spent in the residence, so we aim to have variety throughout.” As a result, Amica’s design team creates thoughtfully designed zones - both indoors and outdoors - that enable residents to naturally connect with others, get in some exercise, have moments of quietness, or connect with nature. “On some days, residents might feel energetic and enjoy an active social area. On other days, they may feel a bit low and need some quiet time. For those moments, we have cozy nooks where they can read a book, relax in the shade, or sit in the sun,” says Dutta. “It's about choice - being able to choose your experience each day.”
3. Focus on Physical Accessibility Features
While Amica goes above and beyond the necessary physical accessibility guidelines, the design team also thoughtfully blends aesthetics with accessible design. “We integrate handrails and features in ways that don’t feel institutional,” says Dutta. “For example, our handrails resemble chair rails, making them more appealing to the eye and comfortable to the touch, which can help soothe arthritic hands.” Other details, such as walking distances between amenity? areas, are also carefully considered. “If we feel the elevators are too far from the dining room, for instance, we'll introduce seating nooks so that someone can take a pause.”
To enhance mobility and ease of movement, corridors are designed to be wider, creating an inviting experience rather than a confining one. And (can we start a sentence with ‘And’?) features like wider doorways and lower countertops help to accommodate residents who use wheelchairs or mobility devices.
4. Prioritize Cognitive and Emotional Support
For residents with cognitive impairments, Amica embraces design that fosters familiarity and connection. On Amica’s memory-care floor, for example, “We have a central hub with all amenities, with two resident wings on either end,” says Dutta. “This shortens the distance residents need to travel while promoting social interaction.”
Natural light is also key: “By allowing light to fill our spaces, we enhance the overall positive atmosphere,” says Dutta, which is particularly important for memory care. Throughout Amica residences, artwork that resonates with residents—pieces they would keep in their own homes—creates a sense of familiarity. Not only are the pieces aesthetically pleasing, but they also serve as wayfinding tools.
Another important feature of the memory care neighbourhood is visual connectivity. “We incorporate strong sight lines, so if someone is in the dining room, for example, they can see what's happening in the fireside lounge and vice versa. And if an activity interests them or they see a friend, they can easily get to those areas. Keeping areas as open as possible helps ensure that no one feels lost.”
To create spaces that genuinely meet the community’s needs, the design team emphasizes empathy and actively learns directly from Amica residents. Dutta’s team conducts observational research, dubbed “Design Ignite,” to gather feedback. “We spend time in different spaces to observe how seniors use them,” she explains. The team rotates through different amenities and residences month-to-month, interacting with residents and taking photos and notes. They will even use implements such as low-vision glasses to better understand unique needs and challenges. Their design expertise, along with these observational sessions, inform choices about everything from paint colours to fabrics and finishes. “Every person on the design team is passionate about improving the quality of residents' lives,” says Dutta. “The design process is continuously evolving, and we will incorporate many of these learnings? into future projects.”
6. Enhance Outdoor Accessibility
Spending time outdoors can enhance mood, activity, and energy levels, making easy access to outdoor spaces essential for seniors' overall well-being. “Access to outdoors is a huge part of our memory care program,” says Dutta. The beautifully landscaped exteriors at Amica incorporate walking loops to encourage activity and exploration. At the same time, seniors can also choose from different seating areas and take in the scents and sights of plants and flowers.
7. Foster Home-like Environments
The ultimate goal for Amica’s design team is to create spaces that truly feel like home. “Space planning is crucial - making sure that it’s easy to navigate visually and physically,” says Dutta. “If residents can’t navigate easily, they won’t feel at home.”
Creating a cozy, yet luxurious atmosphere often comes down to the details. It involves careful curation of textures, colours, and furniture that contributes to an overall atmosphere of comfort. “Every element, from the wall coverings to the flooring, plays a role in creating a warm, inviting feel,” says Dutta. “For instance, in all of our amenity areas, we use wall coverings, which brings a sense of softness and texture.” Luxurious carpeting, (as opposed to institutional vinyl flooring), and welcoming sofas and chairs enhance the warmth of Amica’s spaces. “With our furniture and fabric selections, we balance texture and colour to create a harmony that invites residents to use the space. It’s about creating a family environment where residents feel they belong.”
For Dutta, accessible, inclusive design for seniors ultimately comes down to creating opportunity and choice. “People might believe that because someone has dementia, they no longer need choices or that they’ve lost their identity. However, this isn't true,” says Dutta. “While they may have lost some aspects of themselves, the key is to discover what remains and what still resonates with them. We should focus on how we can engage with and activate those parts.”