Enough space in closed accommodations?

Confined housing is a sensitive topic that is often debated. The issue is the need to temporarily house people who, because of their behavior or condition, pose a danger to themselves or others in enclosed spaces. But the question arises as to whether the facilities used for such purposes offer sufficient space.

The requirements for such facilities are high. On the one hand, they must ensure security, but on the other, they must also meet the need for living space and therapeutic rooms. This means that, in addition to adequate sleeping facilities, sufficient space must be provided for therapy, sports and recreational activities. But in many cases, space is limited and inadequate.

Questions remain about whether confined housing currently meets needs and what adequate housing might look like in the future. This will require a broad public discussion and constructive debate on the topic.

Accommodating patients in a confined space

The closed placement of mentally ill patients is a controversial issue in psychiatric care. A very important aspect is the question of sufficient space capacity in the accommodation rooms. This is because overly confined housing can lead to aggression and inappropriate behavior among both patients and staff.

That’s why it’s important to consider adequate space when planning psychiatric hospitals and clinics. Attention should also be paid to appropriate furniture in this regard to ensure the best possible use of space.

• The size of the patient rooms should be at least 12 square meters
• A bathroom should be available within the patient’s room
• Lighting should be sufficient to create a pleasant atmosphere

In addition, common areas such as lounges and gardens should be available to provide patients with a degree of privacy and freedom. Staff should also be adequately trained to de-escalate situations and respond to conflicts.

Overall, it is of great importance that housing for mentally ill patients takes place in sufficient space. Adequate space capacity contributes not only to the well-being of patients, but also to the safety and health of staff and patients.

Space requirements in closed accommodation

Space requirements in closed accommodation are a particularly important aspect in the planning and implementation of measures to secure and care for mentally ill people. It is important to ensure that there is enough space for the patients to meet their basic needs, such as movement, hygiene and privacy.

A large part of the space requirement is accounted for by the sleeping quarters. These must be of sufficient size and comfort to allow patients to sleep restfully. Adequate spacing between beds is also important to ensure patient privacy and avoid conflicts among residents.

In addition to sleeping areas, there must also be sufficient space for movement. It should be noted here that every patient is entitled to individual freedom of movement in the form of walks or sports activities. It is important that these can take place in the secure setting of closed housing.

• Good room design can help make the most of space requirements and provide residents with a comfortable living environment.
• In addition, sufficient sanitary facilities in the form of shower rooms and toilets should also be available.

Overall, the special space requirements of mentally ill people must be taken into account when planning closed accommodation in order to ensure appropriate care and accommodation.

Legal basis for closed accommodation

Placement of persons in closed facilities is an encroachment on personal freedom and therefore requires a legal basis. In Germany, closed accommodation is permitted under certain conditions in accordance with Section 63 of the German Criminal Code (StGB). These include a mental illness or disorder and a specific potential danger to self or others.

The decision on closed housing is made by a court based on a request from the prosecutor’s office. Consideration must be given to whether the placement is truly necessary and whether it is proportionate to the severity of the condition and the likelihood of endangerment. Housing facilities must comply with legal requirements and provide adequate housing and care.

An important factor in assessing appropriateness is the question of whether the premises are of sufficient size. Accommodation facilities must provide enough space to ensure adequate basic care for prisoners in terms of hygiene, nutrition and recreational activities. Mental stability and the possibility of participating in therapies also depend on the size and equipment of the facilities.

• Conclusion: There is a clear legal basis for the closed accommodation of mentally ill offenders or persons who may endanger themselves or others. Housing facilities must comply with legal requirements and provide sufficient space to allow inmates to receive appropriate care and therapy.

Criticism of the accommodation

There are always discussions about whether closed accommodation offers sufficient space. It is often argued that living conditions in facilities are too cramped, making residents feel confined and uncomfortable. Especially in situations where a long length of stay is required, this can lead to psychological distress.

The problem of space is particularly relevant to the closed accommodation of people with mental illness, as this usually requires a longer period of accommodation. Limited space can increase aloofness, confinement, isolation and other symptoms. Therefore, it is important that housing conditions in facilities are improved to allow residents to stay comfortably and thus recover better.

In principle, however, it should be noted that housing in closed facilities must meet certain criteria and should fulfill certain requirements. This concerns not only the aspect of room size, but also hygiene, equipment and staff qualification. Thus, there should be no overloading of structures and the minimum qualitative standards should be met. The needs of the residents should be taken into account in any case.

• Improvement of housing conditions can contribute to better recovery.
• The accommodation should meet certain criteria.
• Hygiene, equipment and staff qualifications should be considered.

Alternative to closed housing -Is there enough space available??

Closed housing is often an emergency solution to protect people from danger or to bring them to rest. However, it is not always the best solution. An alternative would be open housing, where the persons concerned have more freedom and space.

When it comes to available space, there are several options here. One option is to design the closed accommodation in larger rooms to give the cared for more space and freedom of movement. Another option is to create a less restrictive accommodation with a caregiver in the room to assist those affected as needed.

Furthermore, there are also services where those affected are housed in a closed environment in special rooms that offer enough space and are safe at the same time. Such spaces can be, for example, so-called “Snoezel rooms” be specially designed to stimulate the senses of the residents and calm them down.

• In general, alternative options to closed housing should always be explored and, at best, implemented to provide adequate space and room for those in care.
• It is particularly important to meet the individual needs and wishes of those affected and to create an environment in which they can feel safe and secure.
• In any case, it is important that caregivers always keep the safety of those in their care in mind and can act quickly in an emergency.