CPD Webinar Summary – Interior Design and Occupational Therapy: Katie Whiteley
Presenter
The session was presented by Elaine Hollerhead, owner of Designate which is a health focused interior design consultancy. She is an Occupational Therapist and interior designer.
Introduction
Elaine developed her business as she found clients were often dissatisfied with the options available through statutory services, equipment wasn’t being used and some clients believed the adaptations would devalue their property. Her aim is to “make functional fabulous.”
Referrals for this service are directly from self-funding clients, case managers, solicitors and property developers.
An occupational therapy assessment and risk assessment are carried out and the adaptations are designed using a 3D computer program jointly with the client.
Examples of Good Interior Design and Alternatives to Provision by Statutory Services
Property Access
Metal rail with inbuilt planter instead of a standard white grab rail. In addition to being more aesthetically pleasing, it also does not highlight the client as being vulnerable
Home video intercom instead of a key safe. This allows the client more control over who enters their home.
Stairs
Stair lifts - alternative colour seat material can blend in with the colour scheme which makes the adaptation more acceptable
Through floor lifts - decorating the outside with wallpaper/stickers can make these look less industrial
Home lift - an alternative to a through floor lift which has a much smarter appearance.
Bathroom
Chrome rails or rails coated with a design of the client’s choice can be much more aesthetically pleasing than the standard white grab rails
Level access shower - changing the curtain to blend in with the colour scheme can be a cheap option to make it more acceptable. An alternative would be a wet room with tiled walls and a glass screen
Suitable height chair of client’s choice at the sink instead of a perching stool
Accessorise the room with plants, nice blind and pots to hide medicated creams.
Bedroom
Well-dressed hospital bed with client’s choice of bedding
Accessorise with client’s interests - pictures, posters etc
Projector for sensory stimulation
Bi-fold doors onto own patio area
Purifying paint to removed impurities from the air.
Lounge
Appropriate height furniture from high street stores to blend in with the décor
Bespoke sofa with built in postural support for client, to enable them to sit next to family
Consider alternative colours of specialist seating to blend in with the décor.
Curtains/blinds
Remote control to give client more independence and control.
Tableware
Use high street stores to find suitable items that the whole family can use to be more inclusive e.g. wide handled cups.
The Importance of Interior Design:
A clinical environment can continue the culture of being unwell
Aesthetics are important to people - they want something nice
To feel enabled rather than disabled
Clients want a home to be proud of
Can enhance a property rather than devalue it
Considers the clients personal preferences and décor choices.
Katie Whiteley