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CONSULTATIONS
Lincolnshire, Illinois
Architect: Behles & Behles, Architects
Consultants: Institute on Aging and Environment
The Wealshire is a residential facility tailored to the specific needs of Alzheimer's patients and those with related dementia. Situated on a wooded, 20 acre tract in Lincolnshire it also offers day and respite care. It is designed to accomodate 144 in-residence patients in all stages of Alzheimer's disease, and is the first facility in the Chicago area to provide a complete continuum of care.
Important Design Principles
The design establishes a non-institutional image and consists of individual households of 16-22 people (all in the same stage of the disease), each household is designed to function like a single family home, creating a home-like ambiance for the patients, families and visitors. A single story structure avoids spatial confusion due to stairs. The patients will be involved in everyday living tasks in the seven households with regional themes. The themes are designed as orientation devices, reinforced through colors, fabric and furniture in each of the households. Built-in doorway curios to display memorabilia and things from the past encourage reminiscence. Privacy curtains separate the bathrooms within each bedroom to avoid confusion. Looped wandering pathways in the gated yards bring back the patients to where they started, allowing a safe outdoor experience.
Elevation
Plan showing different spaces in a household
