CREJ

Page 2 — Health Care & Senior Housing Quarterly — April 2021 www.crej.com T he impacts of living through COVID-19 and its repercussions will be studied for generations. While no two people’s experi- ence with the pandemic is the same, the fact that we’ve collectively experienced this past year’s hardships should bring us closer together – or, at the very least, should make us more empathic to one another’s plights. Those in the real estate com- munity who deal with senior hous- ing and care are acutely aware of how this pandemic has changed many folks’ lives. It’s been lonely, iso- lating and heart- breaking for many residents in senior living communities. I find that for someone whose life isn’t deeply intertwined with a senior housing community, it’s easier than I’d like to admit to compartmentalize those residents and their experience. However, after reading several articles in this issue, I’ve been reminded of the importance of not doing so. One way to do this is to change not only the buildings that house these individu- als but also the mindset of what these communities should accomplish. No one’s social circle tightened more than residents whose homes went into lockdown early last year as COVID-19 invaded. All of a sudden, the amenity-rich features and desirable locations took a backseat to health, safety and wellness. Now developers must determine how to embrace a balance that recognizes and promotes these new protocols, while still creat- ing environments that seniors want to live in. Jill Vitale-Aussem writes on Page 22 that this should prompt the industry to reexamine how we view retirement and seniors as a society and finally say goodbye to many outdated stereo- types. She argues that the appeal of easy living and no responsibilities isn’t the solution for thriving communi- ties. Instead, studies have found that people who find meaningful purpose in their daily lives stay healthier lon- ger. “To live long and healthy lives, we don’t need carefree lives of leisure, we need purpose and a reason for being,” she writes. While the pandemic left many feel- ing drained, overworked and strung out, it also has brought forth feelings of uselessness, boredom and loneli- ness for people of all ages. The recog- nition that a happy life requires a bal- ance couldn’t be clearer. Ben Seager addresses how real estate design can help on Page 18. Many of the amenity trends he identi- fies support creating a sense of pur- pose for residents. He writes: “The objective, therefore, is to design communities for older adults that facilitate stronger and more rewarding connections – con- nections to family and friends, con- nections to the outdoors, the neigh- borhood and the community at large – and have programming options that engage them.” This seems like a great goal for all ages, but especially for those who have been hit the hardest. Michelle Z. Askeland maskeland@crej.com 303-623-1148, Ext.10 4 Lessons from senior housing HEALTH CARE 3 4 6 8 9 A lack of density does not equal a lack of need Ed Anderson Products, services pivot for life after pandemic Stephani Gaskins Accelerate mental health care access in schools Stacey Root Rethink the function of campus wellness centers Taber Sweet Impact investing and social determinants of health Libby Park and Rene Larkin 10 11 12 13 18 19 20 The latest in senior housing design trends Ben Seager Senior housing observations after challenging year Hayden Behnke Pandemic reveals importance of strong partners Tom Finley 21 22 23 SENIOR HOUSING Letter from the Editor Contents User experience maps help with hospice design Katie Vander Putten Streamline ambulatory care but keep its appeal Mary Loftus Lasting facility construction practices & policies Tyson Graff Trend: Provider partnerships pave way for success David Martin Prioritize residents’ physical and mental health Matt Derrick Transform communities beyond brick-and-mortar Jill Vitale-Aussem 2021 offers many hopeful trends for senior living Margie Guerrieri