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58 Medical Construction & Design | M A RCH /A PR IL 2017 | MCDM AG.COM Royal Oaks, an upscale retirement community in Sun City, Arizona, has operated for more than 30 years, provid- ing independent living, assisted living, memory support and 24/7 nursing care for its residents. The facility was originally designed with semi-private rooms, making it diffi cult for residents to personalize their space. This especially impacted the 50 per- cent suff ering from Alzheimer's disease and dementia. Feelings of anxiety and confusion were magnifi ed because their personal space was compromised, and they could not display mementos to help trigger memories. To better meet the needs of these residents, Royal Oaks developed a separate memory care facility called the Friendship House. The 56-room, two-level building chal- lenged the planning and design team. They had to balance the desired open environ- ment with the need to ensure the safety and security of its residents. Additionally, they wanted an inviting outdoor area so residents could enjoy its therapeutic ben- efi ts and move safely in the space. "Safety of the cognitive impaired, while allowing them to make choices freely and move in their living environment, can be challenging," said Dina Capek, Royal Oaks director of health services. "We wanted to alert companions when residents walked outside." To do that, the facility manager needed door hardware that could accommodate memory care residents and caregivers' unique needs, and provide for highly con- trolled entry and exit traffi c. The Friendship House needed a solu- tion to: > Ensure all residents were accounted for > Integrate with the nurse call system > Provide delayed egress to better control access to certain areas Von Duprin rises to the challenge To address resident elopement concerns, Royal Oaks needed a delayed egress solution for the facility's stairwells, exterior and back-of-house doors and patio gates. The fa- cility manager worked with a planning and development committee to research a solu- tion that could integrate with their nurse call system, and turned to Von Duprin for a customizable device to meet their needs. Ideal for highly controlled areas, the Von Duprin Chexit delayed egress device provides a security and safety solution tailored for the memory care environment. The Chexit is UL 294 Listed and meets the National Fire Protection Association and International Building Codes delayed egress requirements. The Chexit reduces patient elopement by keeping the door secure up to 15 seconds while alerting staff of unauthorized attempts. The device can integrate with access control systems, working in conjunction with a fi re-detec- tion system to immediately allow residents to exit in an emergency. Results Friendship House now has delayed egress devices that integrate with its nurse call system, providing peace of mind for care- givers and ensuring residents' safety. Since opening in early 2015, a patient has not accidentally left the grounds. Friendship House's facility manager stated that "the locks [exit devices] have worked out great — everything is operating correctly." "The new building is sectioned into four 'neighborhoods,' with 14 private rooms in each. The rooms are surrounded with a 2,300-square-foot living area for media use, dining and more," said Capek. "The Friendship House is designed for this natural fl ow of activity, where people will enjoy their day in a natural and eff ortless way that feels stable." The greatest result has been the resi- dents' quality of life. Many are now able to better express themselves, more engaged and have greater mobility. With Chexit devices in place, residents are able to develop a routine, which provides a sense of independence and accomplishment, and ensures they stay safe. Visit allegion.com/us applications, case studies & best practices Door hardware balances design goals, security at Friendship House Looks, Safety on Lock Products The Von Duprin Chexit delayed egress device provides a security and safety solution tailored for a memory care environment. HARDWARE