Trends in Senior Living Design

by Kim Schroeder

Designing for senior living has seen a significant change over the years.  It is no longer the sterile hospital environment that you may think of when envisioning senior living.  Nowadays, senior living facilities more closely resemble hospitality and residential design rather than healthcare design. 

Typically, the common spaces have seen more of the shift toward hospitality. Dining halls feel more intimate and personal. Smaller café tables, or banquette seating for a few close friends, rather than a large cafeteria table, are the new trend. These facilities strive to make seniors feel like they are out on a night on the town rather than sitting in a cafeteria. There are manufacturers, like the Global Furniture Group, that even offer products such as a height-adjustable tablet arm that attaches to the end of a table surface. This “ergonomically designed tablet” has the ability to move up and down. It is perfect for dining and activities where a wheelchair will be utilized.

Also, dedicated spaces are going to be a lot more common because of Covid concerns.  We will see an uptick of areas where families can meet with their loved ones.  Safe, outdoor, spaces will be much more common.  Separate lounge areas with seating that is accommodating to the elderly individual are highly desirable - nothing cumbersome or soft.  Sturdy seats with arms are needed so that the individual does not sink into the seat and can get in and out of the chair with ease. 

As far as residents’ spaces go, a feeling of being at home is highly desirable.  Residents want to feel comfortable and safe.  Designing a space that reflects “home” helps set them at ease and is less stressful for them.  The phrase “bringing the outdoors in” is slightly overused, but has some definite relevance here.  Having enclosed patios with lots of plants makes for happier residents. Furniture with that feeling of being home is a must.  Long gone are the uncomfortable and unsightly hospital beds - they have been replaced with furniture that has been crafted to look like residential furniture.  Look at this beautiful console table and bedroom set by H Contract Furniture.

Further, designing “neighborhoods” with colorful exteriors and welcoming landscapes emulates that at-home feeling and bestows on residents a sense of ownership and comfort.

Photo credit: Model 55

Header Photo: Maplewood Senior Living Facility