LONG TERM CARE portfolio
“Our long-term care homes reflect a growing commitment to resident-centered living—spaces that feel like home, celebrate diversity, and nurture both ability and dignity. Here, residents are empowered to thrive, and caregivers are supported to reach their fullest potential.”
When we design long-term care homes to reflect the changing realities of aging, we contribute to a cultural shift that places the individual, not the institution, at the heart of care. We recognize that today’s residents bring with them rich histories, evolving preferences, and a desire for autonomy, dignity, and connection. Design becomes a tool not just for function but for fulfillment, creating spaces that respond to sensory needs, evoke memory, and offer comfort in the familiar. As expectations shift from the 85-year-old veteran to the 60-year-old Baby Boomer, we must create environments that are flexible, affirming, and future ready. These homes must support not only the physical and emotional well-being of residents but also the operational needs of caregivers and the sustainability goals of our communities. At its best, long-term care design is not about buildings, it is about belonging.
Architecture49 is a key partner in delivering Nova Scotia’s vision for modern, sustainable long-term care. Working closely with the Department of Seniors and Long-Term Care, Architecture49 has led the design of new facilities that reflect the province’s updated standards—prioritizing small household models, energy efficiency, and resident-centered environments. From concept design to regulatory coordination, Our work supports the creation of dignified, climate-resilient spaces that meet the evolving needs of aging communities across the province.
The Birches Long Term Care Home (Conceptual Rendering, subject to change)
Central Aspects of Holistic Health in Senior Long-Term Care
The Future of Care
Throughout the country and abroad, we are increasingly aware of the growing and changing needs of our aging population, and as designers, are contributing to a shift in the culture and image of long-term care design. Emerging trends demonstrate a culture change being shaped by a more person-centered care philosophy—organizing care around the person and not the institution. New models of care are being explored with an emphasis on improving and enhancing the quality of life for residents and staff. It is an emphasis on the human experience: creating an atmosphere of autonomy, dignity, and fulfillment.
The design of The Birches reflects the voices of the community—prioritizing dignity, comfort, and connection. Through public input and thoughtful planning, this new home will offer a safe, inclusive, and empowering environment for residents and caregivers alike.
Reimaging aging through design
At Architecture49, our familiarity with current direction and our comprehension of long-term care design issues has resulted in improved home-like environments that allow a successful balance between functionality and person-centered care. We have become educated on growing trends for our care providers and continue to build on our strengths in pursuit of improved solutions for our local regions. The result of this work is beautiful, award-winning buildings demonstrating innovation and compassion that better serve our caregivers, residents, and communities.
Designing for Sensory Awareness and Emotional Connection
Our desires to live healthier, more affirmative lives can only be more significant for the individual who has a greater sensitivity to scents, drafts, or light, who is limited in mobility and appreciates a nice view, or who remembers when the new development on the outskirts of town was lush farmland or forest.
Evolving Expectations of Aging Adults
Furthermore, there is a recognition that the mature adult is changing. What suits an 85-year-old veteran may not appeal to a 60-year-old Baby Boomer—even when they are 85. New influences, attitudes, and ambitions must sway, and successful buildings must now allow for differing, flexible living environments.
Responding with Inclusive, Supportive Design
Growing trends in resident-centered design, aging-friendly design, and memory care have helped to create more diverse, supportive environments that respect independence, dignity, and choice—allowing our elderly residents to build upon remaining strengths and abilities.
Landscape design plays a vital role in shaping the quality of life for residents in long-term care. More than just aesthetic enhancement, thoughtfully designed outdoor spaces support physical health, emotional well-being, and cognitive unction—especially for older adults and those living with dementia.
Access to nature has been shown to reduce stress, improve mood, and encourage gentle physical activity. Therapeutic gardens and outdoor amenities offer residents opportunities for reflection, social interaction, and sensory engagement—whether through the scent of flowers, the sound of water, or the warmth of sunlight
For individuals with cognitive or sensory impairments, landscape design can also provide structure and reassurance. Dementia-friendly gardens, for example, incorporate clear walking paths, familiar plantings, and shaded seating areas to promote safety, orientation, and comfort. These environments are not only calming but also empowering—supporting autonomy and dignity in daily life
Incorporating landscape into long-term care design is about creating environments that feel alive, connected, and human. It’s about ensuring that every resident, regardless of mobility or memory, has access to the restorative benefits of the outdoors.
Planning for Complexity and the Future
Further to this, today and as we look further to the future, we also need to address more complex building needs including innovative technologies, environmental sustainability, long-term maintenance, and operational efficiency.
