Archived decisions

NMS 23

Individual accommodation: Space requirements

Outcome

Service users' own rooms suit their needs.

23.1

The home provides accommodation for each service user which meets

minimum space as follows:

See Regulation 23 (2)(f)

23.1 GUIDANCE

1. The outcome of this Standard is to ensure that Service Users' bedrooms suit their needs and lifestyles.

23.2

In all new build, extensions and first time registrations, all places are provided in single rooms with a minimum of 12sq m usable floor space (excluding en suite facilities).

See Regulation 23 (1)(a), (2)(e)(f)

23.3

Pre-existing care homes, with rooms which provided at least 10 sq metres of useable space for each service user as at 16 August 2002, continue to provide that amount of space in those rooms. Pre-existing care homes with rooms which did not provide that amount of space as at that date, provide at least the same useable floor space in those rooms as they provided as at 31 March 2002.

See Regulation 23 (1)(a), (2)(e)(f)

23.4

Single rooms accommodating wheelchair users have at least 12sq m usable floor space (excluding en suite facilities).

See Regulation 23 (1)(a), (2)(e)(f)

23.4 GUIDANCE

A wheelchair user is a person whose main source of independent mobility is a wheelchair.

23.5

Room dimensions and layout options ensure that there is room on either side of the bed, to enable access for carers and any equipment needed.

See Regulation 12 (1)(a)(b)

See Regulation 23 (1)(a), (2)(e)(f)

23.5 GUIDANCE

1. Regulations do not stop the inclusion of the space taken up by the door opening floor arc in making judgements about room sizes. However there remains an overriding need to ensure that room sizes are suitable for the needs of the occupants and this will vary. There could be rooms that meet the overall floor space specification but because of their shape or other factors may not be acceptable. The impact of the door opening arc could be a factor in this.