When selecting a senior living community, the design of the community is important. A personal evaluation of what is important to you on a needs-and-desires basis will help identify the right fit for you or a loved one, whether you are looking for an independent living, assisted living or memory care community.
When it comes to the design of a welcoming senior living community, it’s about more than just upscale furnishings and on-trend amenities. Today’s prospective residents are looking for experiences and amenities that allow them to continue leading active, meaningful lives.
Senior living facilities have come a long way in a short period of time. Though changes in development and design concepts have been underway for some time now, the pace of innovation has accelerated in the past few years.
Today, design trends facilitate a more active and engaged lifestyle where experiences help to write new chapters in people’s lives.
Designed for Experiences. Centered on Dimensions of Wellness.
Designs that promote engagement, encourage social living and include plenty of spaces for both privacy and community are in high demand. Choice is important, and community designs should reflect that reality. When looking at options, you should consider an overall holistic design that provides experiences to promote different elements and dimensions of wellness, including:
Social Experiences
Communities should provide a neighborhood concept with best-in-class options for resident apartments, including an amenity- and service-rich environment that offers daily activity and interaction. Inspired artwork, finishes, materials, furnishings and colors should evoke comfort for residents. In addition, resident rooms should provide spaces for family and friends.
Physical Experiences
Residents have varying levels of mobility and medical needs. Safety should always be at the forefront of designs. Communities need to have intentional and purposeful design to accommodate residents whether they are looking for independent living, assisted living or memory care services.
Spiritual Experiences
Providing areas of relaxation, reflection and spiritual connection is important for residents. Introspection and spiritual respite can occur in multiple areas, such as a private alcoves, gardens, a chapel for prayer, public areas for music, access to nature or simply a place to sit quietly.
Interactive Dining Experiences
Residents should have access to a variety of nutritionally designed meal options in bistro, restaurant, pub and family dining venues enhanced by chef-prepared menus that offer classic dishes as well as on-trend options.
Active Lifestyle Experiences
It is important to understand the available amenities to ensure a holistic wellness experience. Amenities may include a game room, music studio, well-appointed library, gardening spaces, golf simulators, woodworking shops, education centers and fitness studios that have classes for Pilates and yoga. Well-landscaped outdoor areas are important for the mind, body and spirit.
Technological Experiences
Look to some of the latest technological innovations in senior living to help you meet and exceed your needs and desires. This includes health-monitoring technology that notifies caregivers of everything from vital signs to emergency situations.
Together, these experiences underpin psychological, social and physical health. After all, as the song goes, “Be it ever so humble, there is no place like a well-designed home.”