Nestled within the grounds of Bolton Royd in Bradford, England sits a care home that has been outfitted with a suite of health and wellness technologies amidst thoughtfully designed spaces. The Priority Care Home, as it is called, is the result of a modest renovation, elevating the former Bradford College adult and community learning center into a 21 bedded care home designed specifically for those with dementia.
Nilesh Tailor, a man who already manages five care homes with a partner, bought the property in 2017 with visions of transforming the more modernized sections into wellness space seen today.
“We wanted to go for a luxury modern care home, because we feel that is something that Bradford is in need of. We’ve put a lot of gadgets and tech in this building to make it easier for our staff and to make things better for our residents. That’s our USP, if you like,” Tailor told the Telegraph & Argus.
Wellness Technologies Make Up the Modern Care Home
Upon entering the space, residents are greeted by the most unassuming, yet expected, of systems: the lighting. Human-centric lighting has been installed throughout the entirety of the facility, giving Priority Care staff the freedom to adapt environments as needed throughout the day. Members can balance the light to improve alertness and concentration during learning, activities and socializing and to enhance relaxation during downtimes.
The wireless callboxes have been embedded into the wall to minimize their profile on the surrounding space.
Wireless call boxes are also in place to ensure rapid responses to emergencies in a safe and timely manner. These advanced pieces of equipment have seen use in some of the UK’s top hospitals and assisted living facilities and ensure that the software being used is able to match the most rigorous needs for patient care.
A state-of-the-art ventilation system combined anti-bacterial paint that has been proven to halt the spread of MRSA and E-Coli, provides an extra layer of defense against the spread of dangerous infections throughout the facility, while also maintaining a fresh and colorful environment conducive to positive wellbeing and mental states.
Designing For Dementia
Speaking of color, the Priority Care Home has a large variety of artworks on display, supplied by artist Scott Naismith, to further elevate the atmosphere of the home. His strong use of block colors and imagery not only serve as highlights to his work, but also act as simulating visuals for those with dementia, according to research. “Each painting,” according to Priority Care, “has been carefully selected in accordance with the relevance and colors used on each floor.”
The storefronts, meanwhile, serve a variety of functions based on the needs of residents. Memory Lane, for instance is a location that allows residents to reflect on many of the historical wonders found within Bradford through a series of pictures. Elsewhere, there is an old-fashioned sweets shop, post office and haberdashery, featuring colorful yarns and tools available for resident use.
The quiet lounge features television and reading opportunities in a secluded space for residents.
There is even a wide selection of communal areas in place for residents to relax and socialize in, from the main lounge (used for activities and classes) to the dining room, to the quiet lounge, where residents can go to unwind with television and reading materials.
“We wanted to create something different in the industry and shake it up a little bit,” Tailor says. “We have such a great building – and we’ve put all these technical gadgets into the building.”
