6 Renovation Ideas a Commercial Builder Could Implement for Assisted Living Facilities in Manhattan, NY Area
With an aging population, well-designed assisted living facilities are becoming more and more important. Here are 6 renovation ideas a commercial builder could implement for assisted living facilities in Manhattan, NY.
Assisted living shouldn’t be institutionalized. It’s hard enough to grow old, without living out one’s remaining years in a cold impersonal institution. Giving seniors a 5-star hotel experience can be accomplished with these design approaches.
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1. Amenities for Physical Fitness and Health
A pool, fitness club, spa, outdoor track, and yoga/tai chi studio will contribute to residents’ physical wellbeing.
2. Amenities for Emotional, Social, Mental, and Spiritual Health
A performing arts center, art studio, movie theater, woodshop, computer lab, classrooms, spiritual center (a multi-faith chapel), and a library can turn an ordinary senior center into a thriving and vibrant community where residents have plenty of stimulation and opportunities for social interaction. These facilities could even be opened up to the community at large, to encourage social interaction for residents who would otherwise have few visitors.
3. Resident Privacy/Homelike Settings
Semi-private rooms are not what most seniors want, and facilities that offer only semi-private rooms are at a significant disadvantage. Sharing space with a stranger can be difficult under the best of circumstances. Showering in the same space with a bunch of strangers can be even worse. Complicating the situation is the need for wheelchairs. Modern facilities are opting for private rooms, usually with a sink, toilet, and shower.
Small, home-like environments are a big trend. Most seniors do not want to be in institutions. They want to feel that they are living at home with the convenience of skilled nursing. A smaller facility with fewer than 10 private suites with common living and dining rooms gives people the option of dining and relaxing in their own space, or among other residents - without the impersonal feel of a large facility.
Of course, this is difficult in an urban environment where space is at a premium. However, even larger institutions could be broken down into “blocks” with a smaller community feel, where residents feel comfortably at home.
4. Green Spaces
It’s well-known that green spaces improve moods and lessen depression. Given that depression is rampant among seniors, it makes sense to provide as much greenery as possible. Larger windows open to natural views and skylights make the interior spaces brighter and more appealing. Ground-level or rooftop gardens (including a community garden), park areas with walkways and benches, water features, and pergolas for shade encourage residents to go outdoors and enjoy fresh air and sunshine.
5. Intergenerational Housing
A new trend is mixing young people of college-age with seniors in the same facility: a brilliant way to infuse senior living with vibrant youthful energy while providing affordable housing as well as exposure to elder wisdom to the younger generation. Keeping the community spirit alive could include private suites with common areas where residents of all ages can mingle.
6. Hospitality-Inspired Spaces
Many hospitality-inspired ideas could be applied to make assisted living facilities feel more homey. Carpeted areas instead of vinyl flooring; attractive wall coverings; and furniture that is attractive while meeting the needs of the very frail. After all, our seniors have contributed so much to the world… and if they need assisted living, why not reward them with the amenities, comfort, dining facilities, and amenities that look like they could be in a 5-star hotel?