Senior Living in Challenging Times: The Heroes, Hope, Inspiration, and Innovation
“The pandemic has changed much, but one thing that hasn’t changed is the pride we take in our beautiful communities.”
David Simon, partner at ISL Ventures, LLC, Integral Senior Living’s sister development company, is optimistic about the future of senior living, partly because he has seen so many heroic, inspiring, creative efforts and innovations happening in communities every day. He adds, “People have made incredible sacrifices, and we have seen an amazing outpouring of love for our heroes. These will be the defining moments of what it is like to be part of something so important and powerful. For most of us, our lives have changed forever.”
Stories of Inspiration
You only need to peruse the internet and social media to see many stories of heroics, inspiration, sacrifice, love, and joy. Here are a few:
·A senior care community in Pennsylvania has an in-house TV system and keeps residents informed and entertained with tai-chi classes, a comedy hour, sing-along and karaoke programs, a concert series, and more.
Two residents at a community in Florida had hoped to travel someplace exotic to celebrate their anniversary. When the pandemic lockdown made this impossible, they took a virtual trip around the world via videos and documentaries. They created virtual postcards and sent them to their friends and family.
A community in Connecticut has given discounts on entrance and service fees for retired pastors and other spiritual leaders so they can continue their ministries, hold services, and counsel residents.
One community in Illinois is using a new television system to arrange programming such as a live video cooking demo with Scotland’s national chef, a performance by ensembles from the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and a recital by a Scottish Highlands dance group.
A Texas assisted living facility let residents take ‘back to school’ photos, in which they held signs listing their hobbies, favorite foods, and what they want to do ‘when they grow up.’
Innovative ventures such as these are not uncommon in communities with a culture of vision and inclusion.
As Simon says, “Part of ISL’s culture is attracting leaders at the community level and letting them do what they need to do to serve residents and associates.” He adds, “Ultimately, you need to know your residents and prospects and not have a one-size-fits-all philosophy of living or design. You need a design that is adaptable and flexible.” Flexibility, he says, “is critical to match your brand with the expectations of doing the best job to meet the needs of residents.”
Surveying the New Frontier
While everyone is still struggling to understand the new normal, Simon observes, “Moving forward, I suspect a few things will happen. For one, there will be a new awareness by consumers about the products and services we provide.” They will be more aware, he suggests, about the dangers of physical isolation and living alone during a pandemic or other crisis. “That has been frightening for a lot of seniors and their adult children.” Those communities and operators that are innovative and flexible about preventing isolation and keeping residents safe, comfortable, happy, and engaged during these trying times will “wear a badge of honor and be able to distinguish themselves from their competitors.”
Looking ahead, Simon says, “We are bullish. We see senior housing continue to flourish as an opportunity to satisfy the needs of seniors, especially those related to preventing physical isolation.” Capital, he offers, will find opportunities in this industry and funding will favor high quality operators and developers, especially those that have a proven track record and demonstrated resilience and innovation during the pandemic.
Enjoying the Challenges
Of course, teamwork will be key; and builders and developers will need to work with architects and others to create and maintain communities that will attract both residents and capital moving forward. Simon explains, “Every time we build a new community, we have to challenge ourselves and collaborate to make innovations and improvements. We have to learn lessons with every community we build.” He adds, “We enjoy the opportunity to test ourselves.”
The next frontier along these lines, he suggests, is developing and investing in visitation rooms that are comfortable, safe, and attractive amenities in the new normal. He also emphasizes the need to thoughtfully include more health and safety technologies into community designs. Simon stresses, “We have to adapt and grow, or we will fall behind.”
Let us help you create a community that promotes your position culture and celebrates your residents all year long. Contact us here or call us at 512-231-1910.
