Embracing the Future of Elderly Care:
How Innovative Planning and Design are Shaping the Care Home of Tomorrow

As the world continues to evolve, the care industry is undergoing an exciting transformation, driven by the changing needs and expectations of an ageing population. This shift is underscored by recent projections from Savills, which anticipate a significant surge in demand over the coming decade. With the UK’s over-80 population expected to increase by 1.1 million between 2022 and 2032, reaching 4.5 million, the sector faces unprecedented growth. An estimated additional 144,000 care home beds will be needed in the next 10 years – equating to 14,400 new beds annually. At the forefront of this revolution are pioneering care homes that are redefining the way we approach elderly care, rising to meet this substantial challenge by combining modern facilities with personalised care. 

Such advances are reflected in new care schemes that we have achieved planning permission for. At Trent Bridge Care Home, with its person-centred approach to resident care, and Standish Care Village which implements a “household model of care” approach, enhancing well-being and further highlighting the industry’s shift towards enriching, community-centred environments. For the operators of these homes, improving the standard of care and the lives of residents is a personal mission.

Digging deep into our experience of planning for the care sector, Planning and Design Group have applied a similarly innovative approach to planning applications, utilising a comprehensive ‘whole team’ approach to focus on the narrative around need and creativity (backed by solid evidence). The results –  achieving multiple planning permissions, quickly, in high value, prominent and sensitive locations – speak for themselves.

Porritt Care Village & The Buurtzorg Model

With over 25 years of experience, P&DG Director, Bob Woollard, has observed significant advancements in care home design. A recent project exemplifying this progress is Porritt Care Village , for which P&DG successfully secured planning permission, in the Green Belt, on behalf of Millennium Care. By adapting the Dutch Buurtzorg Model, which prioritises holistic, person-centred care, this care facility will consist of compact, ‘household’ clusters that feel more like home rather than an institutional setting. Its design philosophy recognises the importance of maintaining residents’ dignity and individuality, and proximity to nature, ensuring their “next phase” of life is filled with comfort and fulfilment, placing the individual at the heart of the care experience.
This globally recognised household model of care has been adopted across 24 countries, resulting in 40% cost savings and 87% staff satisfaction. Its success lies in empowering staff to deliver comprehensive personal care, more efficiently whilst simultaneously enhancing care quality.

Model depicting statistics from Buurtzorg.com

Trent Bridge Care: A New Benchmark in Elderly Care 

Another care home for which P&DG not only secured planning permission but also provided strategic advice and identified the site is the Trent Bridge Care home in Nottingham, which opened its doors this September. This care home exemplifies the latest advancements in care home design. Tanglewood Care approached us for expertise in planning and design, and we have helped them to deliver a state-of-the-art facility that combines modern amenities with a homely atmosphere. This development further demonstrates the industry’s shift towards more personalised, resident-focused care environments.

Engaging Activities: Preserving Identity and Purpose 

One of the standout features of these innovative care homes is their unwavering commitment to activities and engagement. Valuing people and the individual at the heart of what they do, residents at these homes can indulge in their passions, whether it’s birdwatching in picturesque grounds or delving into extensive libraries. A recent report by the Care Quality Commission (2024) found that care homes offering diverse activity programmes saw a 35% increase in overall resident well-being scores compared to those with limited engagement options.

Lavender Hills resident author, Brenda Flavell, sourced from InYourArea.co.uk

The importance of maintaining an individual’s sense of purpose and identity, even in the later stages of life, cannot be overstated. Lavender Hills Care Home, another of Millennium Care’s facilities, provides a touching example. As reported by In Your Area, a resident at Lavender Hills authored a book about the historic care home itself. Staff dedicated time each month to facilitate the project, culminating in a heartwarming book signing event. This level of personalised attention sets a new standard for the care home industry.

Industry Recognition and Future Outlook 

The modern and people-centred approaches of care homes like Trent Bridge and Porritt Village have garnered significant attention in the news. Recent coverage in Lancashire Business View, Place North West, and The Care Home Environment has highlighted these pioneering efforts, recognising their profound impact on residents’ lives and the broader care industry.

As we look to the future, it’s clear that innovative planning and design are at the forefront of a new era in elderly care. However, the industry faces substantial challenges. “According to a 2024 survey by Lottie.org, it now takes an average of 4.8 weeks to find a suitable care home – two weeks longer than in 2021. This increase in search time underscores the growing demand for high-quality care facilities.”

Many recent reports highlight the critical need for forward-thinking design and planning in the care sector. By blending cutting-edge design with a deep understanding of the needs and aspirations of the ageing population, the industry is paving the way for a future where care homes are not just places of respite, but vibrant, nurturing communities that empower and enrich the lives of those they serve.

Get in touch

At P&DG, we’re committed to driving this positive change in elderly care. If you’re interested in learning more about how innovative planning and design can help to transform the lives of elderly people, we invite you to explore our portfolio projects. or get in touch to discuss your project: info@panddg.co.uk.

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