Creating Great Communities Where Residents Live AND Work
Work is part of life, even as people age. While senior living communities are often thought of as places people go to retire, many residents couldn’t or wouldn’t think of retiring. Any builder/operator who wants to attract residents needs to think about providing amenities for working seniors.
Increasingly, seniors want workspaces in their communities. They got used to not going to an office during the pandemic, and many have come to love the idea of commute-free work. Still others have found new opportunities to do freelance and consultant work or create art and other items they can sell; and they need some space, tools, and resources to be productive. We understand these seniors’ needs and have a few ideas about the amenities that will win their praises:
Think business center. When people travel, they often count on hotel business centers where they have access to computers, printers, fax machines, mailing services, and office supplies. Senior communities can establish an on-site business center with similar amenities. This space should be large enough to enable social distancing between workspaces. At the same time, there should be partitions or screens that give users some privacy and safety.
Pop up tech stores. As space in most communities is at a premium, consider partnering with a local computer store or vendor to have a regular pop-up shop – for instance, in an event room or outside tent – where residents can shop for devices, software, and other high-tech tools, as well as service and support.
Technology infrastructure. Technology – from Zoom meetings to telehealth visits – became indispensable during the pandemic; and seniors and their families will expect these capabilities moving forward. This means initiatives like a cutting-edge media room, charging ports/stations and outlets everywhere, and reliable, fast bandwidth. Investing in technology infrastructure can be costly, but it is no longer a luxury; and when you weigh the costs with the marketing advantage it can give you over the competition, it could be more cost-effective than you think.
Lights, camera, action. Consider equipping a small room for use as audio or video recording studios. Movable stages give you more flexibility and make best of limited space. If you have the outdoor space, amphitheaters and outdoor stages are growing in popularity.
Growing space. Many seniors are embracing gardening and growing not only as a hobby but as a business venture. Consider enabling capabilities for fruit stands and flower shops/floral design centers. Arbors, gardens, greenhouses, etc. will attract residents with a green thumb and an eye for business.
Artist studios/creative centers. Increasingly, seniors will want more than a brightly lit room, a few easels, and even a small kiln. They will want fully equipped art and photography studios where they can create everything from paintings and pottery to photographic art, soap, candles, and jewelry.
Professional kitchens. Giving residents access to kitchens where they can produce baked goods and other items to sell or prepare catered meals will be a real advantage for senior living facilities. If it isn’t possible to provide this onsite, consider partnering with a local culinary institute or university. Consider giving residents access to spaces such as a coffee shop or bar during off-hours.
In designing for these spaces, it is important consider the flow of traffic in the community, how many people will be using various spaces at any given time, how multipurpose rooms can be equipped for different uses, and what changes and innovations are likely to have the greatest ROI. We can help.
Contact us here or call us at 512-231-1910.
