WBA gathered together some trends in Senior Living Architecture. Join us as we explore the must-have's and see if you agree! More: http://goo.gl/IBBPzW

1. ARCHITECTURE IN SENIOR LIVING:
A SHIFT IN DESIGNPrepared by: Julia Allen

2. THE TRADITIONAL DESIGN
Traditional senior living architectural design brings to mind a hospital style nursing
home, filled with ageing individuals and bingo games in a quiet room. Most of the
interior design includes corporate or hospital square rooms, thick carpet, cold tiles,
shared rooms, perhaps with a curtain divider, and not a lot of room for visitors or
belongings. Perhaps you even stop to think, “Where is the yard? Where is the walking
spaces or outside areas?”

3. THE NEW DESIGN STYLE
Ageing individuals and their families spend a good amount of money on assisted living care and are starting to say
no to the traditional nursing homes and their caregiving styles. The new standard for Senior Living Design is
changing dramatically and quickly. Backed by research, and individual preferences, there is a shift in thought
regarding the design and building for Senior Living.
Science proves that memory is improved by exercise, light, being outdoors and feeling a sense of community. These
features are exactly what individuals and loved ones are seeking out and demanding.

4. Hospitality-style design is in: Gone are the days of a cold institutional looking
building with small windows and carpeted common room. Individuals are looking
for open, bright spaces with hardwood floors, bright colors and a contemporary
hotel feel.
Privacy and Options: Individuals are looking at the facility as a ‘home for life’ and
desire options. They want a choice between an apartment, semi-shared “executive
suite” style living or private condo homes on-site. They are also seeking fee
options at different price points for services. For example, full care or minimal care
or a private condo home with access to activities and care on-site.
Technology: Ageing individuals are looking for a facility that will meet the
technological requirements for wireless health equipment, monitors that manage
medicine dispensers and other technology that can be applied to their units.
Activities: Families are looking for a sense of home and community for their loved
ones and individuals want more than bingo. Facilities should have amenities such
as pools for aerobics, fitness rooms, walking paths, courtyards and community
rooms that are very bright and inviting for group activities.
Sustainable Design: To assist with the cost, owners are seeking out sustainable
designs that will lower costs overall and improve the quality of life at the facility.
Using sustainable ideas for improved air quality, lighting features, gardens and
fountains on-site.
TOP 5 DESIGN MUST-HAVE’S
Source: http://www.bdcnetwork.com/