Corridors

1. Oval shaped rails offer support which is easier to hold than circular railings. Rails are present on both sides of the corridor. Mounted to prevent limbs being stuck between rail and wall.
2. Baseboards contrast with floor surface decreasing confusion over where the floor ends. Baseboards should match walls not floors.
3. Nooks in every corridor allow residents a place to rest, converse, or observe current activities without being in the way.
4. Artwork adds residential flavor and color scheme matches rest of unit helping with wayfaring.
5. Corridors are well lighted. In addition to the obvious safety issues, poorly lighted corridors result in shadows and give the resident the feeling of being "followed".
6. Doorways can be restricted if required. Windows are high enough that residents cannot see through, which discourages random exiting, but can also be unsafe in that it prevents staff from seeing residents blocking door when opening.
7. If carpeting is used, it should be a solid color. Patterned carpeting can be disorienting and may appear to be "moving" as the resident walks. A tight weave is essential as residents in w/c will become fatigued moving over a thick padded carpet. Carpeting is more difficult to clean than alternative floor surfaces, but gives a more residential feel. It is softer than wood if falls occur.
8. Color scheme is coordinated throughout the unit. A resident may not remember the exact name of their unit, but they are likely to recognize what it looks like.
9. The length of corridors is relatively short in each unit. Each activity (dinner, group time, etc…) is only a short distance away, resulting in increased participation by residents across all physical abilities.
10. There are no anxiety producing dead ends. Corridors act as hubs connecting the various clusters. "Wanderers" can use the corridors as a walking track which will always return them home (provided they continue walking). Visual landmarks help identify each separate hub lessening confusion.
11. Width of corridors is sufficient to allow 2 residents in w/c to safely pass by.
12. Exits are not visible directly when walking down the hall. This unobtrusive door placement decreases residents desire to leave the unit merely because an exit door is in their direct walking route.
13. Curios hung outside of room display mementos and pictures of the residents to help them personalize and identify their rooms. Wedding, family, and vocational pictures are especially meaningful.