An architectural plan for preventative care of the aged : addressing the need for a holistic centre for the aged, merging rehabilitation and well-being, in South Africa.

Abstract

The purpose of this research document is to understand the social issues that are generated from a globally ageing demographic, which relate to the aged identity and the current care environments available to them. Research will be conducted under the hypothesis that the design of a strategically sited care facility which, grouped with facilities that pertain to the care of the aged, could improve the quality of life for the elderly whilst promoting intergenerational connectivity. It is also hoped that ageist stereotypes could be abridged by lowering the dependency of the elderly on care providers by providing preventative and post operative rehabilitative care. The scope of the work is limited to the urban context of South Africa's ageing population primarily based on the current trend of mass urbanisation, after the abolition of the Apartheid government, which is creating a new family dynamic within South Africa where the care of the elderly is shifting onto medical institutions and care facilities. The demand for aged care facilities and the lack of resources in the field of aged care potentially create a situation where medical facilities are unnecessarily overburdened. An architectural response was generated through an investigation of current literature, case studies, precedent studies and personally conducted interviews with a number of aged care professionals. The research was conducted from a global standpoint and then focused towards issues that affect the aged individuals identity and care. The goal of this research was ultimately to inform the design of a care facility within Pietermaritzburg that is responsive to the needs of the elderly whilst being innovative towards its approach of aged care within a community.