Designing Therapeutic Spaces: The Role of Mental Health Beds in Improving Patient Outcomes

For individuals struggling with mental health conditions, the right environment can make a world of difference in their treatment and overall well-being. 

That is why it is so important to create spaces that support mental health recovery in hospitals, clinics, and even home care settings.

While every aspect of designing a therapeutic space plays a vital role in promoting a person's healing, many experts believe the most critical component of them is actually the bed.

In this post, we'll explore this thought in more detail by highlighting the role of mental health beds in improving patient outcomes.

 

What is Therapeutic Design?

In relation to mental health, therapeutic design is a concept that is based on the idea that the environment can help with a person's mental and physical therapy.

It revolves around creating a space that helps to reduce a person's stress, enhances their mood, and improves their overall engagement in their treatment.

Spaces that have been therapeutically designed should feel safe, welcoming, and calm. At the same time, they should also provide a welcome retreat from triggers or overwhelming stimuli that can often contribute to mental health struggles.

• A well-designed space can:
• Lower anxiety levels by offering a sense of security and stability
• Encourage better sleep, which is crucial for mental health recovery.
• Minimise risks of self-harm.
• Improve therapeutic interactions by making patients feel more comfortable and at ease.

 

The Importance of Mental Health Beds in Patient Recovery

As mentioned, many factors contribute to a well-designed mental health space. But one of the most essential is the choice of bed.

Mental health beds, as opposed to standard hospital beds, are specifically designed to meet the specialist needs of individuals receiving psychiatric care.

By prioritising safety, comfort, and functionality, they help to create an environment that is conducive to healing.

Key Features of Mental Health Beds

For a mental health bed to serve its main purposes well, it needs to provide the following:

 

1. Better Safety

Mental health facilities require beds that eliminate the risks associated with self-harm. 

An anti ligature bed is an excellent example of a mental health bed specifically designed to ensure patient safety.

These beds are crafted with rounded edges, sturdy construction, and tamper-proof fittings that prevent patients from attaching anything that could lead to suicide attempts.

 

2. More Comfortable

Patients recovering from mental health conditions often struggle to get good quality sleep. However, it is essential they do this because this function plays a significant role in affecting recovery.

All mental health beds should have quality mattresses that are comfortable, supportive, and can improve a person's sleep quality.

Ideally, they should have a perfect balance between firmness and softness, as this is important to help patients relax and reduce their levels of agitation.

3. Durable and Hygienic

Mental health beds must be sturdy and easy to clean to help maintain a hygienic and safe environment for all patients.

This means they should be made from materials that are resistant to spills, stains, and bacteria. 

 

4. Flexible

It is vital that the beds are adjustable and have reclining and elevation features because such flexibility will provide comfort and help them best cater to patients who have specific medical conditions or physical needs.

 

Creating a Calming Atmosphere

Selecting the right mental health bed is one thing, but to help patients relax in it and sleep better, it is important to create a calm ambience around it that is conducive to doing both.

Here are some key design elements that will help you to do this:

 

1. Colour Psychology

The colours of a room play an important role in setting its mood.

For instance, soft, neutral tones like greens, blues, and pastels can create a calming effect that can reduce a person's anxiety.

2. Lighting

The more natural light that floods into a room, the more beneficial it is for mental well-being during the day.

At night, warm, dimmable lighting can make it easier for people to relax.

 

3. Acoustics

Quiet environments help create a peaceful space, which reduces a person's level of stress and helps them sleep better.

A good way to achieve a sense of quiet is to soundproof the walls or use white noise machines that can drown out external noise without being too invasive to your ears.

 

4. Personalisation

It is advisable to allow patients to personalise their mental health bed where possible.

Choosing their favourite pillow or blanket or adding small décor elements to a bedside table can provide them with a greater sense of control, familiarity and comfort.

 

5. Natural Elements

Things like indoor plants, natural textures, and calming scenic artwork can create a soothing environment within the space that supports emotional healing.