Are You Ready for 2021?
We talk a lot about the “new normal” in health care and senior living, but no one really knows exactly what that means.
While no one can precisely predict the future, there are some trends to watch for that are very likely to shape the “new normal” of senor living. Among the trends we see coming:
Location, location, location. More than ever, we all know the value of home and the importance of having a living space that is convenient, comfortable, safe, and engaging. With this in mind, seniors and their families will want communities that give them easy access to dining, shopping, entertainment, and socialization. And they increasingly will want much of this onsite. This might mean a clubhouse with a coffee shop, bistro, and theater; pop-up stores, retail kiosks, or outdoor markets where they can buy everything from baked goods and gourmet foods to clothes and pet supplies.
“Successful communities will be those that create user-friendly platforms that employ technology to enrich the resident experience and appeal to a variety of needs and interests.”
Tech is tops. Even seniors who weren’t fans of high tech before the pandemic have used it and even learned to love it. Residents and families will want communities with bandwidth, 5G, and reliable, fast Internet access. They will expect outlets and charging stations everywhere. They will want special spaces for telehealth visits and Zoom rooms where they can hold virtual parties and events with state-of-the-art audio and video. Successful communities will be those that create user-friendly platforms that employ technology to enrich the resident experience and appeal to a variety of needs and interests.
Amazing architecture. Studies have shown that environment impacts mood, health, and overall happiness. The pandemic reinforced this and emphasized the value of warm, welcoming, comfortable spaces that are functional, easy to clean, and pleasing to the eye. More thought will go into how units and homes can be adapted to enable residents to comfortably spend more time at home (instead of in common areas or off-campus locations). Windows that bring in light and make smaller units seem more spacious are appealing. At the same time, in recent months residents and families have come to rely on outdoor spaces for visits, socialization, and recreation. Toward this end, patios, balconies, decks, courtyards, and porches will be in greater demand.
Design: It’s fundamental. Moving forward, more thought will go into building design that minimizes the amount of time residents and staff are in close proximity. This includes air conditioning and heating repairs and maintenance, as well as package and mail deliveries.
Greater focus on work and volunteerism. Increasingly, seniors are seeing the value of volunteerism on their physical, mental, and emotional health. Currently, 1 in 3 volunteers are age 55 or older. Communities will need to be amenable to such opportunities, such as creating intergenerational connections and providing gardening space for residents to grow produce they can donate. Pet-friendly communities may want to partner with organizations to enable residents to train service or therapy dogs or foster rescue animals. As for work, many seniors are still finding their skills in demand and want to continue working. Onsite office suites and business centers will be attractive to residents, especially younger boomers. With more people working from home, there will be a greater impetus to implement strategies to improve asset performance and indoor environmental quality, as well as reduce energy consumption and improve energy efficiency.
We’ve looked to the future with some other trends in several recent blogs:
Let us help you stay on top of these trends and create and maintain communities that attract new residents, keep them happy and engaged, and create a positive buzz that spreads to prospects and families members in the new year and beyond. Contact us at (512)231-1910 or send us a message here.
