| Abstract [eng] |
Demographic aging and the health system reform in Lithuania that began in 2023 are driving changes in nursing and supportive care hospitals and departments. Starting in 2025, the requirements for providing palliative care services will change, and by 2030, the requirements for the facilities of de-partments providing care for people with dementia will also change. Therefore, the issue of palliative and supportive care nursing is currently very relevant, as all hospitals will need to adapt to the new requirements. Theoretical studies have revealed that a nursing and supportive care hospital, applying the principles of universal design, must meet not only the primary physical but also the psychological needs of individuals. Additionally, the hospital environment should be as surrounded by nature as possible, as nature and wildlife positively impact a person's psychological state. When direct contact with nature is not possible, various natural elements should be integrated into the environment of elderly people using biophilic design principles. To create comfortable conditions suitable for a dignified old age, it is essential to consider the needs of the elderly and their caregivers. Empirical studies determined that of the three departments (Panemunė, Vičiūnai, and Petrašiūnai) of the K. Grinius Nursing and Supportive Care Hospital, the Panemunė department is the most suitable for reconstruction and expansion. The need for new functions, services, and additional facilities in the hospital was also identified. The studies showed that individuals, especially the elderly, tend to choose to be closer to nature to draw strength. Therefore, when reconstructing the hospital or creating new spaces within it, it is recommended to integrate as many natural elements as possible into the environment of the elderly. An experimental project – the reconstruction and expansion of the Panemunė department of the K. Grinius Nursing and Supportive Care Hospital – has been prepared according to a conceptual model that takes into account: the primary needs expressed by elderly people, their relatives, and hospital staff; the main aspects of an age-friendly environment; the key interior aspects and colors of indoor spaces identified during the studies; the need for additional functions (animal therapy, volunteering frequency) and rest areas. The reconstructed hospital is located at Red Cross Street 1, Kaunas. The project for the reconstruction and expansion of the hospital, applying the principles of universal and biophilic design and considering the personal needs of elderly people, can become an attractive, cozy, and well-suited place for a dignified old age. |
