Breakrooms can either restore caregivers or reinforce the stress of the workday. In this study of six long-term care communities, the most-used breakrooms were not always the closest ones, but the ones that created a sense of separation. Privacy, acoustic calm, natural light, and freedom from stored supplies all contributed to whether staff could truly step away and reset.

When I helped my son move into his university dorm last week, he looked around and said, “It feels like a prison cell.” That moment made me realize how powerfully design shapes our sense of home. From transitional housing to senior living, the same principle applies: thoughtful design often determines whether a place feels welcoming or institutional.
In my new article, I explore how choices around storage, lighting, corridors, and personalization can shape belonging across all kinds of temporary housing.