CREJ

July 2018 — Health Care Properties Quarterly — Page 19 www.crej.com S ummer is the perfect time to renew our attention on our health and wellness. For some of us, that may mean improving our diets or getting outside, or getting back to the gym. For aging populations, wellness takes on a special signifi- cance that is truly holistic – that is, focused on mind, body and spirit. When it comes to senior living, the most popular amenities involve holistic wellness, which plays a huge part when it comes to design- ing amenity spaces and coordinat- ing program opportunities with operators and developers. Here are a few topics to think about when designing for senior wellness during the summer or any time of year. Mind Seniors often focus on keeping the mind sharp. Whether in a 55-plus community or assisted living envi- ronment, we look at opportunities to implement spaces that accom- modate book clubs, continued edu- cation classes and group activities that allow seniors to connect. When it comes to a memory care environ- ment, we look at providing areas of respite that would allow for sensory therapy through music or imagery. These spaces not only aim to calm a resident, but also to allow them to connect back to past memories sparked by a song or image. Additionally, we’re seeing more technology in the senior living envi- ronment that’s elevating the ease of access to health care. One example is telemedicine. Seniors can simply connect to their doctor via smart- phone or tablet for a checkup or ques- tion, right within the privacy of their own home. Some even have the ability to set up appointments with on-site staff for physical therapy, training sessions or quick checkups. Even something as simple as a wearable device like a Fitbit can help track steps per day to keep seniors aware and engaged with their everyday activ- ity. Body A 55-plus or age-restricted com- munity might cater more toward an active adult or baby boomer coming in to the market. Amenities might include a cardio or fitness area, Pilates and yoga studios, or a pool for lap swimming and group exercise classes. In an assisted liv- ing community, wellness amenities also may include physical therapy and rehabilitation spaces, whirlpool spas and strolling paths outdoors. Wellness also is a driver in din- ing amenity design, since a lot of seniors are becoming passionate about fresh and organic foods, farm-to-table dining, gluten-free options and vegan or vegetarian preferences. As such, we’re design- ing a variety of dining venues that offer several options that cater to these particular food preferences. Spirit When it comes to caring for the spirit, we’re always thinking about meditative areas, both indoors and out. Indoors, we often design spa ame- nities to care for body and spirit. This may involve anything from massage and chiropractic therapies to physical and rehabilitative thera- pies. Whether it’s an assisted bath- ing suite, a lift track to get a patient from a wheelchair into a tub, or an aromatherapy room to calm the senses, it’s important to design these amenities to be as spalike as possible. We might build an assisted bathing tub into decorative tiled alcove, include towel warmers and radiant heated floors, and even integrate sound and light therapy to enhance the tranquility of the setting (the Soundwall is a great example of how art, sound and light intersect to create a sense of calm). Additionally, we try to create exterior views and access to the outdoors so there’s plenty of natu- ral daylight and connection to the exterior environment – especially in nice weather. One of the best ways to heal is to be outside and connect to nature. Having visual access from the interior is one step, but provid- ing a several outdoor amenities that allow residents to spend time out- side is even better. Exterior amenities might involve community gardens for planting vegetables, tending flowers and further promoting healthy eating and an organic lifestyle. Outdoor lounge areas, water features and fire pits also offer peaceful, calming amenities. In memory care settings, protected and private wandering gardens offer the chance to freely roam outdoors. When it comes to designing for aging populations, we con- stantly aim to bring wellness into the everyday experience through thoughtfully designed amenities that truly cater to mind, body and spirit. ▲ Wellness design tips for mind, body and spirit A B O U T B L U E P R I N T Blueprint is the leading advisory firm exclusively focused on seniors housing and healthcare real estate transactions. As a national firm with offices in Denver, Chicago, Los Angeles, Baltimore, and Salem, Blueprint has structured over 175 transactions in the space. G E T I N T O U C H (303) 770-0755 www.blueprintHCRE.com O U R S E R V I C E S Consulting When industry stakeholders encounter obstacles, we provide solutions through niche consulting services. Partnership Placement We form partnerships between operators and investors when there is no capital event (i.e. sale or refinance). Capital Solutions We recognize the growing demand for efficient capital. We guide clients through the debt and equity placement process. Exit Strategy Sell-side advisory is our core competency. We maximize value for sellers within the seniors housing and care industry. HAYDEN BEHNKE Senior Associate hayden@blueprintHCRE.com PAM PYMS Managing Director pam@blueprintHCRE.com Delivering Results. Focused On Solutions. Senior Housing & Care Julia Bailey Associate, senior living design team, OZ Architecture When it comes to senior living, the most popular amenities involve holistic wellness, which plays a huge part when it comes to designing amenity spaces and coordinating program opportunities with operators and developers.