Looking After Grandma, Canterbury

We developed a masterplan for the home and garden, with short, medium and longer-term interventions that could support the evolving needs of our client.

We designed a sequence of small-scale interventions that introduced incremental alterations without instant, wholesale change. We also wanted to avoid excessive disruption during construction.

This strategy was sequenced as follows:

1. Preserve the familiarity of the existing interior, with minor adaptations to door handles, glass-fronted kitchen cabinets, walk-in shower and audio monitor.

Internal adjustments are necessary to ensure the home remains safe, while best-practice medical theory was followed in the consideration of furniture and cabinetry alterations.

2.  Convert garage into micro-apartment for short term carer stays and occasional Grandad respite.

Thermally upgrading and re-plumbing the garage creates an opportunity for outside care – be that family or professional – to provide short-term respite to the principle care-giver.

3. Introduce sleeping accommodation into the garden for longer-term live-in care.

Part of the challenge of providing dementia care at home is the need for round the clock assistance, particularly in less accessible parts of the country. This off-grid garden pod will enable carers to stay overnight without introducing undue confusion to the household.

4.  Maintain luscious and colourful planted garden for engaging visual and aromatic stimulation.

Throughout the process, it is important that the garden – both familiar and stimulating – is maintained for all to enjoy. There is plentiful evidence of the benefits of gardening.

Planning permission was obtained for all works. Garage retrofit works have been undertaken.