Enhancing Health and Wellbeing Through Outdoor Communal Spaces in Hospitals and Care Homes

The role of outdoor communal spaces in hospitals and care homes has become increasingly vital in recent years. These landscaped areas offer more than just a break from the indoors—they significantly enhance the health and wellbeing of patients, relatives, and staff alike. As healthcare facilities strive for a holistic approach to care, integrating nature and communal spaces is proving to be a critical aspect of patient recovery and staff satisfaction.

The Importance of Outdoor Spaces

Outdoor spaces in healthcare settings serve multiple purposes, fundamental to promoting wellbeing. They offer patients a chance to connect with nature, an interaction linked to reduced stress and enhanced healing. For example, a 2015 study published in Health Environments Research & Design Journal found that exposure to natural light can reduce recovery time by 20%. Relatives benefit too; these gardens provide a calming environment to relax while awaiting updates on their loved ones. For medical staff, time spent in green spaces can alleviate burnout.

Research underscores how access to natural environments can lead to better mental health outcomes. Patients with outdoor space access show 41% lower levels of anxiety and stress during treatment. Furthermore, these environments can encourage necessary physical activity, which is vital for recovery.

Designing Effective Communal Spaces

Developing effective outdoor communal areas requires careful planning and design. Key aspects include:

• Accessibility: Ensure pathways are wide enough to accommodate wheelchairs and walkers. Seating should be located in quiet spots with shade to protect from harsh sunlight.

  
  

• Comfort and Aesthetics: Incorporating features like flowers, shrubs, and trees can enhance the environment's beauty while instilling a sense of peace. For example, planting bee-friendly flowers or fragrant herbs can attract pollinators and create a multisensory experience.

  
  

Additionally, water features, like fountains, not only beautify but also provide soothing sounds that enhance relaxation.

Benefits for Patients

For patients, outdoor communal spaces can dramatically enhance their experience. Access to fresh air and sunlight can uplift mood and energy. Research shows that spending time outdoors can lead to as much as a 15% reduction in hospital readmission rates. In fact, patients engaged in outdoor group activities, such as gardening or simple exercises, report a sense of belonging and community. This connection is especially beneficial for those dealing with feelings of isolation due to their conditions.

Support for Relatives

Family members of patients often face emotional stress and anxiety while waiting for updates. Outdoor communal spaces offer a calming retreat from clinical settings. A study showed that relatives who utilise these areas report a 35% decrease in anxiety levels.

By creating dedicated spaces for relatives, healthcare facilities can foster support networks. Families sharing experiences can transform a potentially lonely wait into a collaborative support effort, making the process of caregiving feel less daunting.

Enhancing Staff Wellbeing

Healthcare staff operate under significant pressure, leading to high stress levels and potential burnout. Outdoor communal spaces can be a sanctuary, allowing staff to unwind and recharge during their shifts. Research indicates that employees who spend breaks in natural settings experience a 25% boost in productivity. Prioritising staff well-being ultimately leads to better patient care; when workers feel supported, they can extend that compassion to their patients and families.

Community Engagement and Activities

Outdoor communal spaces can also host community engagement activities. Organizing events such as gardening clubs or wellness workshops allows patients, families, and staff to connect. These activities promote social interaction and strengthen the sense of community.

Involving local organizations can lead to richer, more interactive spaces, from vibrant gardens to art installations. For example, a hospital partnered with local artists to create a mural in its courtyard, resulting in increased use of the space and a reported 60% rise in community events.

The Path Forward

Incorporating outdoor communal spaces into hospitals and care homes is essential for the health and wellbeing of everyone involved. These areas provide numerous benefits: reducing stress, facilitating healing, fostering social connections, and enhancing staff morale.

As healthcare facilities continue to evolve, focusing on the design and upkeep of outdoor areas will be crucial. By creating environments that encourage interaction with nature and one another, healthcare providers can significantly improve experiences for patients, families, and staff alike.

Emphasising outdoor communal spaces is not simply a design choice. It is a fundamental element of holistic healthcare that acknowledges the critical importance of mental and emotional wellbeing alongside physical health.

How can we help?

We work closely with clients to maximise the available outdoor space within their budget requirements. We can supply a wide range of products including standard benches and seating options, wheelchair accessible benches, covered seating areas, verandas, raised planters and bespoke options based on customer designs.