Samenvatting

A Dutch healthcare organisation modernizes its real estate portfolio to meet today’s requirements and acquired an office building for conversion into a nursing home for elderly with dementia. The purpose of the research has been to study the design principles for elderly with dementia, for innovative and smart application in work processes and the acquired building. Methods – Using multiple-method qualitative research design, bachelor thesis students of a university of applied sciences explored the reconstruction of the acquired building and related healthcare processes. Results – Application of design principles for the elderly with dementia were studied, among which were interior design, catering process, and connection with the neighbourhood. Feasible interior ideas were elaborated, intentions for change in the catering process were confirmed by stakeholders, and an action plan for neighbourhood connections was delivered. Elements are being used for a final design. Implementation has to be checked with close scrutiny. Originality – The application of design principles for elderly with dementia (design, favourable state, beautiful moments) together with changes in work processes of health care employees aiming at patient-centred care is a new combination. Practical or social implications – When a healthcare organisation chooses a new care concept, not only the surroundings change. Also, the processes around people and the way we take care of them change. In many ways a new concept can only succeed when the employees and the way they work change as well.