Colorado Real Estate Journal - March 18, 2015
Transformation. No other word can describe senior care more succinctly. At every level of senior care there are new trends, new technical and medical advances, and new consumer-driven requirements developing daily. Some providers will adapt to the new market of choice, while others will be conquered by it, but for consumers it means more choices and a better quality of life. Currently, there is a shift from designing facilities for senior housing to designing facilities for senior living. Baby boomers account for approximately 25 percent of the population, and all are now over 50 years old. Recent studies show that 80 percent of baby boomers who are relocating want affordable recreational opportunities, along with strong local senior care services when deciding on their relocation destinations. Seventy-five percent of baby boomers agree that arts and cultural activities are important to them and 70 percent prefer a midsize city to smaller towns. For many baby boomers, urban facilities are an appealing option because they offer theaters, restaurants, shopping, financial services, art, museums, parks and healthcare all within walking distance or close proximity to public transportation. Creative ways to develop and operate senior living facilities are continuously evolving. The longstanding assisted living archetype based on filling rooms and providing an in-house menu of services is being replaced by virtual assisted living. The facilities of the future will partner with providers to offer care to residents when and where they need it. This model gives residents the option to venture out when they are active and healthy, but also allows for in-house care as needed. So how do we design for the future senior? Mixed-use buildings. Mixed-use buildings can include residential space, but also can provide public, senior-focused service and retail options, such as fitness and therapy centers, adult daycare centers, medical or dental offices, pharmacies, urban grocers and restaurants. These public amenities attract seniors to the community and allow for independence with a sense of security but can also provide home health care as residents lose their ability to maintain their health or homes. Mixed-use facilities provide a win-win situation for residents and families as well as for developers who benefit from higher occupancy levels for longer periods of time. Engaging seniors in urban neighborhoods provides enormous emotional stability and a sense of belonging. Consider all areas of the site as opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to engage with the outdoors. For example, make the journey from the parking lot comfortable, safe and pleasurable by providing sidewalks wide enough for two people to walk side-byside. Place landmarks that can be used to measure progress but also provide support and interactivity. Use all available outdoor space, including rooftop decks, to incorporate accessible flower and vegetable gardens, and be sure to include a plant palette that will provide year-round interest. When programming mixed-use facilities it is essential to consider building support spaces, adequate staff spaces, administrative offices, marketing offices, required circulation space, and parking and delivery areas. Consultation with the local health department regarding guidelines for health care spaces is highly recommended. Design your facility to provide ample amenities for residents and staff, but remember, not everything has to be built at the same time. Budgets and resident interest inevitably will fluctuate over time, so plan for a tactical approach to change. The best tool for this is a well thought out master plan that can be reviewed annually. It is time to design more flexible and engaging facilities for senior living. While we are designing for those in their 80s, we must remember that our buildings need to be adaptable in order to minimize the work required to renovate and transform for future generations.