de Fiddes are excited to introduce you to our new blog page! This is a place where we plan to share our thoughts and reviews on design, architecture, products and the latest cutting edge research.
Our team will be posting regularly on de Fiddes projects, review new and exciting innovations, pass on to you the latest education, share and promote notes of inspiration and show you some fabulous photos from our interior fit outs. Keep up to date on latest products in the market, articles of interest and research findings from our Managing Director, Debbie de Fiddes.
Our blog will not only be an example of what keeps the team at de Fiddes committed to being at the forefront of innovation but a fun place to collect and seek ideas, advice for all things design and even just to share whatever is on our minds.
To be the first to receive our latest posts sign up to our newsletter inKIND here.
Enjoy!
In conjunction with project Architects Made Studio in Melbourne and in collaboration with Gary Batt Associates Architects in Perth we contributed to the successful re-model and fit out of Lady Lourdes House at St Bernadette’s Aged Care. Situated in Sunshine North, Vic., Lady Lourdes House is owned by Villa Maria Catholic Homes and is a Specialist Dementia Care Program (SDCP) project.
Read MoreHuman rights and dignity are elements we all hold dear and yet this is often not afforded for people living with dementia. There is many a struggle in fighting injustices whilst promoting competencies. Several international experts had much to say on this at the launch of the Alzheimer World Report 2020 - particularly when it comes to design…
Read MoreWith Australia’s rapidly ageing population wanting to live independently longer and aged care facilities seeking to improve resident livelihood it can become difficult to find a compromise when concerns of safety and wellbeing come into play.
One area which is fast evolving is artificial intelligence technology. Introducing Home Guardian. An ai device playing a vital role in keeping our seniors supported and connected.
Read about the future of senior technology and covid safe designs for aged care and beyond!
Read More"I never wanted to look young, I wanted to look great." - Joyce Carpati.
You can imagine the author of these words to never be anything other than dignified! Being a style icon Joyce Carparti puts purpose and consideration into her attire everyday. The result is a perfect fashion ensemble that would make even the most stoic of us swoon with envy - all tied together with the nonchalance of a 87 year old.
In these extraordinary times we are learning to slow down and enjoy the pure movement of life itself. Like in this artwork by Costa Rican-American Artist Geordanna Cordero with the vibrant, expressive colours and fluid paintwork, reminding us to always think big and bright, whilst constantly exploring new and different avenues in work and life.
Click on to see how this had the DF team looking ahead with excitement with our new services soon to be unveiled!
Read MoreThe World Alzheimer Report 2020 has just been released. Titled Design, Dignity, Dementia: dementia-related design and the built environment, the report includes design progress to date, best practice, pioneers and innovators, design principles, regional and cultural contexts, and case studies across two volumes.
We had the pleasure of visiting and evaluating Killara in Northam which was a GBA Architects project that featured in Volume 2 of this report. Of the 84 case studies presented, 14 came from Australia so congratulations to Gary Batt and his team at GBA Architects on this achievement!
Meeting the demands of modern acute, disability and aged care settings. Black Crow’s smart grab rails with complete integration of the nurse call control, provide flexibility, capability and ease of use. Find out why we like to use these Grab Rails in Aged Care fit-outs.
Read MoreWe are thrilled to announce that we have been awarded the Research Grant Scheme Project funding through the University of Notre Dame Australia for our project titled: “Exploring the design, construction and implementation of a regional residential aged care facility using a collaborative approach”.
In this time of separation, we find ourselves seeking new and interesting ways to come together and connect (whilst still social distancing of course). Enter Moove and Groove a fantastic lifestyle program designed for both in home and residential aged care. Click to read more about Moove and Groove benefits and what the lifestyle kits contain!
Read MoreWe are thrilled to announce our very own CEO, Debbie de Fiddes alongside the team at Evoke Collective are newly appointed associates of the Dementia Services Development Centre (DSDC) through Stirling University, United Kingdom!
An international centre of knowledge and expertise, the DSDC aims to improve the quality of life for people living with dementia for as long as possible, allowing them to be independent and live life to the full. Collaborating with like-minded clinical specialists, designers and architects, the DSDC are pivotal in assisting organisations to achieve excellence in the integration of care and services for people with dementia.
You may recall de Fiddes and RAAFA Meadow Springs Estate went green and collaborated on a refurbishment project with a difference. Our project has been nominated for an award!!
We are proud that our innovation, savings and outcomes have been recognised in the National Retirement Living Awards 2020 as the sole Western Australian finalist in the Interior Design category.
Residents at Sydmar Lodge Care Home in Edgware, England could very well be the next Madonna or Johnny Cash as they get creative after being in lockdown for more than 120 days! Seniors at the assisted living facility decided to recreate some of the most iconic album covers, transforming themselves into Madonna, Adele and Brice Springsteen in some amusing parodies. What a fun and interactive way to keep busy and get everyone involved! Click to see this amazing collaboration in detail.
Read MoreThere are so many stunning fabrics to choose from when making selections for furniture in health care settings but when we know that pathogens can survive for prolonged periods on textiles and can be transferred to and from the skin1, what controls can we put in place to minimise infection?
We discuss health care fabrics and checked with some popular fabric houses to see what they had to say. Click to read their answers!
"Our times require us to rethink not only what to create but also how we create"
We are constantly looking to the future and how we can better use technology to help ourselves and educate others to create spaces now where we would want to live when we are older.
We found this amazing collaboration between PUMA and Living Colour. This collection focuses on not only sustainability (through dyeing with bacteria) but also collaboration. - Which is something we believe in strongly!
Whenever new samples come in, there is always an exciting process of applying our specialised expertise to what can be used in our projects. Our Occupational Therapist is on hand, and our interior designers can see an appropriate (or inappropriate…) sample a mile away! This gives us the opportunity to look at the evidence and discuss as a team, what we love, how we can work with it, and what just has to be a fun swatch for a flat-lay! - Simply put, not all patterns and colours are equal when it comes suitability for older people’s living environments.
Read MoreAmongst all the chaos is the world, this incredible team is thriving!
Image: Doctor Sam Neylon! Congratulations on finishing your PhD! Our Clinical Director has truly levelled up!
Don't feel like you have something to celebrate? Don't worry, finding something to be grateful for, is part of all good mindfulness practices. Staying present and positive is important for your overall health especially as we age.
So join in the love and raise a glass with us as we list our achievements from this month.
We are back in the office! Things are the same, but different! Elbow bumps are common, as is hand sanitiser.
After taking a small break to refocus and reflect, we know the health and well-being of our entire de Fiddes family, colleagues and friends is central to us. Always seeking to improve and enhance quality of life is one of our core values.
How do we (Dementia Specialist Designers and Educators) do a Aged Care fit out from Perth, when the facility is in Melbourne?
Click to find the answer!
The joys of dance are known to many – exercise, freedom of movement and creative expression to name a few. It is an activity that may allow older people to improve physical and well being outcomes1 which is important when you consider people over 60 commonly experience a decline in physical activity2.
Click here to read more and to watch an inspiring 77 year old dancer’s zest for life!
Read MoreIs it a lamp, is it a purifier? It's both and a bit more! The Guilin Lamp by Sugo has got us thinking about this new future we find ourselves heading into.
Read about the future of furniture and covid safe designs for aged care and beyond!
