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. 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
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.
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
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.
Planning for Complexity and the Future
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.
Built for Dignity, Shaped by Evolving Design
BIOPHILIC DESIGN
Biophilic design brings natural elements into built environments to support resident well-being—especially in long-term care. By embracing our innate connection to nature, this approach promotes health, reduces stress, and enhances quality of life. Strategies include maximizing natural light, incorporating views of greenery, and using materials like wood and stone. These elements create calming, restorative spaces that support both physical and emotional health, helping residents feel more connected, engaged, and at ease.
LANDSCAPE DESIGN AND CONNECTION TO OUTDOORS
Outdoor spaces in long-term care are essential for resident well-being. More than visual appeal, they offer opportunities for movement, social connection, and sensory engagement. Access to nature improves strength, reduces stress, and supports cognitive health. Gardens, terraces, and walking paths become restorative extensions of the home—especially important in reducing isolation and fostering dignity and community.
BALANCE OF FUNCTION AND PERSON - CENTRED CARE.
Creating effective long-term care environments means balancing operational efficiency with the emotional and physical needs of residents. This is best achieved through collaboration with care providers, whose insights into daily routines and resident experiences help shape spaces that are both functional and compassionate. When service teams are engaged early in the design process, the result is an environment that supports autonomy, reduces stress, and fosters a culture of high-quality, person-centered care.
SIGNAGE AND WAYFINDING
Wayfinding is essential in long-term care, helping residents—especially those with cognitive or mobility challenges—navigate their environment with confidence. At Architecture49, we integrate wayfinding into the architecture itself, using layout, landmarks, color, texture, and lighting to guide movement naturally. By collaborating with care teams, we ensure these strategies are intuitive, empathetic, and supportive of independence, safety, and a sense of belonging.
