Environment

PEARS - Model of Care for the care of older people

The environment in which care is provided plays a significant role through the following five principles:

CAL PEARS Model Icon Familiar Homelike Setting RGB
Familiar and or homelike setting
Homelike and or familiar (or normalised environment) are embraced where medical equipment is hidden where possible and there is a focus on maximising patient, client or resident independence and quality of life. Create a familiar space and ensure space is culturally safe and welcoming.
CAL PEARS Model Icon Outdoor Connection Nature RGB
Outdoor areas and connection to nature
Access to a safe and comfortable outdoor environment that optimises patient, resident or client experience and enables social connections and access to nature.
CAL PEARS Model Icon Personal Belongings RGB
Space for personal belongings
Space is available for patients, clients and residents to store and display personal belongings and important items. Personal items and familiar items can support a patient, client or resident sense of belonging and feeling like they are at home.
CAL PEARS Model Icon Safe Comfortable Surroundings RGB
Safe and comfortable surroundings
The environment provides safe surrounding which aim to reduce risk to patients, clients and residents and provide protection for harm.
CAL PEARS Model Icon Way Finding RGB
Clear wayfinding
Spaces are designed or support knowing where a patient, resident or client is physically and how to get to where they want to be is clear.

Monitoring: evidence and measures

The key tools used to monitor are:

  • National Aged Care Quality Standard 5

  • BEAT D Score ( (Built Environment Assessment Tool – Dementia)