Designing Outdoor Spaces for Care Homes: Why the Right Surface Matters
- Jun 9
- 3 min read
Outdoor spaces play an important role in many care homes and assisted living facilities. They provide residents with access to fresh air, social interaction, and communal areas that improve quality of life.
Our expertise lies in designing and installing durable resin-bound surfaces. But when creating outdoor environments for older adults, we believe the choice of surface deserves careful consideration.
Why Accessible Outdoor Spaces Matter
Research suggests that well-designed outdoor spaces can support mobility, independence, and overall wellbeing for older adults. Accessible pathways, comfortable seating areas, and attractive communal spaces can encourage residents to spend more time outdoors and engage socially.
Equally, organisations including the NHS and Age UK highlight the importance of reducing common environmental hazards that contribute to slips and trips. Uneven surfaces and obstacles can increase the risk of falls, particularly among older people.
The Challenges with Traditional Surfaces
Over time, traditional paving and loose gravel can create problems for care environments.
Cracked slabs, uneven block paving, loose stones and standing water can all affect how easily residents, visitors and mobility aids move around outdoor areas. These issues also increase maintenance requirements and can detract from the appearance of the facility.
For care providers, the challenge is balancing safety, practicality and long-term durability.
Why Resin-Bound Surfaces Are Worth Considering
Resin-bound surfaces offer several advantages for care homes and assisted living facilities.
Smooth and Accessible
Unlike loose gravel, resin-bound surfaces provide a smooth, seamless finish that is suitable for wheelchairs, mobility scooters and walking aids. Their even surface helps create comfortable pathways and communal spaces.
Excellent Drainage
Because resin-bound systems are fully permeable, rainwater drains naturally through the surface. This helps reduce standing water and puddling, keeping outdoor areas cleaner and more usable throughout the year.
Low Maintenance
Weed growth and loose materials are common frustrations with many traditional surfaces. Resin-bound systems require minimal upkeep and are easy to keep looking clean and welcoming.
Long-Term Durability
High-footfall environments require surfaces that can withstand regular use. When properly installed, resin-bound systems are designed to provide many years of reliable performance.
Attractive Outdoor Spaces
First impressions matter. A well-designed entrance, courtyard or garden area can help create a more welcoming environment for residents, visitors and staff alike.
The Benefits of a Resin Outdoor Surfaces in Care Homes
For care homes and assisted living facilities, these are the benefits that matter:
Safety
Smooth, even surfaces reduce trip hazards
Slip-resistant finish can be tailored for wet conditions
No loose gravel or uneven paving
Accessibility
Ideal for wheelchairs, mobility scooters and walking aids
Comfortable and easy to navigate for residents and visitors
Drainage
Fully permeable surface prevents standing water and puddles
Helps create safer outdoor areas year-round
Low Maintenance
Weed-resistant
No loose stones to replenish
Simple to clean and maintain
Durability
Handles daily foot traffic and service vehicles
Long lifespan with minimal disruption and repairs
Hygiene
Seamless surface is easy to keep clean
Suitable for outdoor dining and communal spaces
Appearance
Creates a welcoming, high-quality environment
Enhances entrances, courtyards and garden areas
Can improve first impressions for residents, families and visitors
Resident Wellbeing
Encourages use of outdoor spaces
Supports accessible gardens and seating areas
Helps create calm, attractive environments for social interaction
Cost Efficiency
Lower lifetime maintenance costs
Fewer repairs and less disruption compared to traditional surfaces
Areas Where Resin Surfaces Can Be Used
Resin-bound systems are suitable for a variety of applications within care environments, including:
Entrance driveways
Drop-off areas
Accessible pathways
Courtyards
Seating areas
Memory gardens
Communal outdoor spaces
Built with Care. Designed to Last.
At everstone exteriors, we believe outdoor spaces should be safe, attractive and built for the long term.
If you're considering improvements to your care facility, we'd be happy to discuss your requirements and provide a free consultation.
References
NHS – Falls: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/falls/
Age UK – Falls Prevention: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/health-wellbeing/exercise/falls-prevention/
Healthy Active by Design – Outdoor Spaces and Buildings: https://www.healthyactivebydesign.com.au/healthy-active-ageing/active-ageing/evidence/outdoor-spaces-and-buildings
Systematic Review: Understanding the Barriers and Enablers to Using Outdoor Space in Nursing Homes: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7228458/
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