Edinburgh care home has designs on national award

Home news

Mar 03, 2014

One of Edinburgh’s newest care homes, Cairdean House, has been named as a finalist in a national design competition which recognises the very best care-related property developments and the difference design can make on the lives of those living in care homes.

The purpose-built care home has been open for almost a year and provides nursing, residential and respite care for older people, including those who are living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. The home features its very own cinema, hairdressing salon and coffee shop, along with a retro-themed kitchen, reminiscence room, and safe, landscaped outdoor spaces.

Cairdean House has been selected as one of three finalists in the ‘Care Homes for the Elderly’ category of the Pinders Healthcare Design Awards – a national awards programme, which has been running for almost two decades. 

Helen Kinnaird, home manager at Cairdean House, said: “The team here is very proud of Cairdean House, and of the warm, welcoming ‘home from home’ we have created. Living in a thoughtfully-planned and well-designed environment can have a hugely positive impact on the lives of older people, particularly those living with dementia.

“Care UK worked very closely with architects Burnett Pollock Associates to design a care home which enables its residents to live calm, happy and fulfilled lives. From getting the size and scale of each of the individual suites just right for forming close-knit communities and recreating a domestic, homely feel, to ensuring the home is easily navigable and maximises opportunities for independence, the greatest care has been taken to meet the needs of residents. 

“Every last detail has been considered – from selecting the right soft furnishings and items of furniture, to making sure the lighting scheme created a relaxing atmosphere with minimal glare. It is this painstaking approach to design which really does make a difference.

“We were thrilled to hear we had been named as finalists in the Pinders Healthcare Design Awards, because it means the design of Cairdean House and its impact on the quality of care we provide have been recognised at a national level.”

Jon Chapman, director of Pinders Professional and Consultancy Services Ltd, visited Cairdean House for the next stage of judging and to present home manager with a finalist’s award and a cheque for £500, which will be donated to the home’s chosen charity. Mr Chapman was joined on the day by fellow judges Professor June Andrews from the University of Stirling dementia design department and Julien Payne, managing director of Galleon Homes – a former award winner.

Helen continued: “The judging day was a nerve-wracking experience; however the team here enjoyed the opportunity to show off our care home to our very special guests. We are now looking forward to selecting a local charity to receive the cheque for £500 as we keep our fingers crossed for an invite to the gala presentation.”

Judging of the finalists is expected to continue until early March. The top three entrants in each category will be invited to attend a gala presentation in London on Wednesday 2 April, where the winners of each category will receive a specially commissioned award for display within the winning home.