The United States’ population of senior citizens is set to double over the next two decades. And as this rapidly growing demographic consider their long-term housing options, one thing is clear: Senior living is moving forward into a new area.
Today’s aging population expects more customized living spaces that better suit their level of mobility and vivacity. And senior living facilities are moving housing forward by incorporating more consideration for the environment, facility caregivers, and residents’ wishes for higher living standards in late-in-life housing facilities.
How is the industry changing with the times? Read on to learn about some of 2023’s most prevalent trends in senior living design.
Amenities for Staff
The caregivers and staff in these facilities are the people who make them successful. Now, designers are adding more spaces designed for their comfort, like larger break rooms with great windows and access to the outdoors.
LEED Certified Buildings & Environmental Considerations
As adults value sustainability and LEED certifications more and more, it will be increasingly important that senior facilities are environmentally responsible in their building materials, their lighting and interior materials, their lawn maintenance, and their waste and recycling processes, among other factors.
Larger Rooms
Assisted living apartments are being built with more square footage – making these spaces feel like homey, quality apartments but with an added level of caregiving.
Urban Settings
Not all seniors want to live in the countryside with a babbling brook. Some seniors love city life and are looking for urban settings – not only to stay close to the action, but to be near family, friends, and all that the city has to offer.
Integrated Community Amenities
More and more, senior care facilities are the hub in a wheel of service-based businesses and walkable amenities, including on-location (or nearby) salons, fitness centers, shops, and coffee houses.
More Co-Living Spaces
Co-living has gradually grown in popularity in senior living facilities, and in 2023, it has become more prevalent than ever.
In this housing model, residents have their apartment (which typically encompasses a private or semi-private room and bathroom) and share common areas such as kitchens, recreational spaces, dining rooms, etc. with others.
More Personal Space
It’s no secret that COVID-19 made life difficult for senior living facility residents. And to help future residents better protect their health and overall well-being as they age, senior living facilities are now incorporating more personal space into their building design.
Shared rooms are being converted to private rooms with their own bathrooms, not only to control the spread of viruses and pollutants but also to give residents more of their own space.
The addition of more communal space still allows residents to interact and enjoy a strong social support network with the option of retreating to more comfortable, private quarters when the need arises.
Partnerships With the Community
Senior living communities are doing more to collaborate with the cultural organizations in their community.
Whether it’s a partnership with the local library, visiting speakers on financial planning, or performances by local college groups, the residents have a fuller experience and feel more connected to the greater community.
Whether urban or suburban, Senior Living Facilities are changing just as the generations they serve are demanding more. Contact the professionals at Miller Architects & Builders for more information.
More Dining Options
These days, retirement home communities are moving away from traditional cafeteria fare and embracing a more luxurious culinary style. Bistros and cafes are becoming more and more the norm – a norm you should consider in your new building or addition.
Who doesn’t feel good after a good meal?
Incorporation of Natural Elements
Spaces, whether indoors or out, that make room for nature can do wonders for resident satisfaction. All of us feel a little better about ourselves after a brisk walk outside, and numerous studies support nature’s mood-boosting effects.
If your residents aren’t the type to take advantage of the outdoors, consider bringing those outdoors in with a room dedicated exclusively to plants or that otherwise is decorated in lush green hues.
More Natural Light
All buildings benefit from natural light, and senior living facilities are no exception. There’s nothing like a warm sunbeam to bring a smile to anyone’s face. Natural lighting also helps add visual comfort and reduces the need for sharp lighting that can be disorienting to many residents.
If you’re undertaking a senior living build or addition, consider incorporating skylights or picture windows that’ll allow ample natural light indoors. Not only will more light help improve residents’ and staff members’ moods, but it can also cut down on your electricity bills too.
Architectural Design Services & Construction Project Management
You care for your residents, but you’ve got a lot on your plate. And that’s where our team at Miller Architects & Builders can help. As a start-to-finish at-risk commercial construction management company, we can handle every aspect of your senior living facility project, from design conception to construction completion.
Ready to discuss your upcoming project? Call our St. Cloud office at 320-251-4109 or contact us online, and we’ll be in touch.