The incorporation of natural elements and sustainable design into healthcare facilities can support the health and recovery of patients, according to an article on the McKnight's Long-term Care News website.
Sustainable design elements can also benefit staff and visitors, and ultimately increases a facility’s return on investment.
For instance, within the design itself, focusing on materiality is a direct way to enhance the healthy qualities of the environment.
Resident access to nature also has been shown to, among other things, reduce stress and depression and increase pain tolerance.