CREJ

Page 16 — Health Care & Life Sciences Quarterly — April 2022 www.crej.com SENIOR HOUSING RISK MANAGEMENT, INSURANCE, CAPTIVES, AND EMPLOYEE BENEFITS, EXCLUSIVELY FOR OPERATORS AND DEVELOPERS OF SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITIES DENVER CHICAGO DALLAS BOISE JACKSON 303.466.1392 www.srlivingins.com L ike everything in our lives, COVID-19 has made us think, and now behave, in different ways when it comes to our work, living and recreational spaces. We’ve seen rapid and signifi- cant change in the ways we design, lay out and use the space around us. With changing priorities and require- ments from residents and their fami- lies, senior living communities are at the forefront of that adaptation, working to identify and deliver the personalized health and living envi- ronments needed by an aging, yet highly active, senior community. The evolution of senior living com- munities has been significant over the past decade. Today’s communi- ties often are vibrant spaces filled with residents who desire a height- ened level of social, educational and physical activity in a safe, healthy and aesthetically exceptional envi- ronment designed to enrich their experience and overall quality of life. That includes full-service fitness centers with state-of-the-art equip- ment, technology and instructors; life enrichment directors; on-site aquatic centers; yoga studios; salons; upscale dining venues; as well as grab-and- go dining options, lighting systems designed around the biological and behavioral needs of residents and so much more. There is no denying the need and the opportunity to provide this ele- vated standard of living and care for our seniors. With one of the fastest growing populations of people 60 or over in the nation, according to the Area Agency on Aging for the Denver Regional Council of Governments, Colo- rado needs addi- tional communities that provide that full scope of senior housing options and care. In the next 10 years, Colo- rado will see nearly 40% growth in its over-60 population, and by 2040, one in four Colorado residents will be over 60 years old, according to the agency. So where will they live, and what are they looking for when choosing that home for what may be the rest of their lives? n Location. Like any residential real estate decision, it starts with loca- tion. Many of us hope to age in place as best we can, and often that means at least staying in our community, a loved one’s community, or find- ing a community that still looks and feels like home. In addition, it means access to shopping, arts and cultural attractions, event locations, outside dining and public transportation. n Health care. From independent living residences, to assisted living and memory care suites, today’s senior living communities deliver the comforts, well-being and desired lev- els of independence for each resident to live a full life. That expectation is founded in the access to health care and health services needed to lead those enriched lives – regardless of age, health or mobility. When health and safety become the issue, senior living communities become the answer. n Environment. Beyond the location and access to health care services, environment plays a critical role in the health and happiness equation for any senior. In Colorado, architec- tural design that takes full advantage of our annual 300-plus days of sun- shine; superb dining with award-win- ing culinary professionals working in exhibition kitchens; residential floor plans thoughtfully designed around functionality, privacy and personal touches; and stunning, open-format places to gather both inside and out, and countless opportunities for mul- tigenerational mingling are critical attributes to today’s communities. n Technology and safety. Technol- ogy devices are giving residents, their families and caregivers a wider range of options when it comes to staying connected and informed. From pro- grams, events, activities and menus to health and safety, trackable devic- es and connectivity are growing fac- tors for tech savvy seniors and their families. Today’s communities also must offer the latest, fully integrated, eco-friendly health and safety fea- tures, including bipolar ionization air purification systems to eliminate indoor airborne pathogens, antimi- crobial surfaces, touchless fixtures, automatic doors and state-of-the-art emergency response systems. Roof- top solar arrays convert Colorado sunshine into electricity deposited back into the power grid. Adapting senior living communities for the future Tom Finley Founder and principal, Ascent Living Communities Please see Finley, Page 17 With urban amenities, refined architecture characteristic of the neighborhood, and a focus on luxury, location and lifestyle, Hilltop Reserve offers independent living resi- dences as well as assisted living and memory care suites.