Observation
The designer undergoing the project has identified several issues with the solution proposed. Further investigation in the Australian aged care setting is required to identify design opportunities in the caregiving and living environment for the elder.
Immersion:
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To observe the residents in the groups or individual and related daily activities
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To observe furniture and objects in the activity room/ quiet room/ living spaces and how people interact with these spaces
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To observe how care is given to people with mobility aids and visual and hearing impairment
Interview quotes (Lifestyle staff and Manager)
“The Tovertafel is a very good product because it is very easy to interact with residents, and they can just slam the table… Unfortunately, it is not used as much.”
“The projection is so real… there was once the residents moved the table, so the butterfly is projected to the floor, one resident bent down to try to catch the butterfly and fell down and injured herself.”
Calendar: The monthly activity calendar is found outside the clubroom, monthly newsletter, and website. Printed signs were posted on every pinboard to notify staff about events.
Activity spaces: Clubroom, chapel, arts and craft room, and men’s shed is the main activity spaces, empty when there is no lifestyle activity.
Lifestyle team: Staff were observed pushing a trolley with a sign that says join diamond art at clubroom along the corridor, to encourage residents to join the new activity. After new activities, the staff would send out surveys to ask for feedback. The lifestyle team uses the internet to find inspiration for new events.
