Modern Touches: Construction Trends for New Senior Living Facilities in Westchester County, NY
As senior living facilities develop around the world, the requirements are constantly changing and even facilities still in their prime can quickly become outdated. New trends in construction of senior living facilities are marked by an increase in the concern of wellness, a healthy lifestyle, and a homelike atmosphere. With so many moving parts, make sure when you’re in the design process you consider these modern touches: construction trends for new senior living facilities in Westchester County, NY.
Natural Light
Gone are the days of cavernous dormitories filled with fluorescent lights. One of the most common trends in new construction is emphasizing natural light throughout a building, not just on the outer peripheries. This will help create a calming factor and improve sleep cycles by allowing for better natural circadian rhythms. With increased natural light, you’re guaranteed to see more smiles in the hallways and suites.
Indoor Plantings
Make sure every section hallway, lobby, and common area of a senior living facility is designed for ease of housing and maintaining various plants. This should include ample natural light as well as access to drainage systems and water spigots. The increase of plants indoors will have immediate effects on everyone’s mood. Plants purify the air while adding a vital natural sensory experience missing in increasingly urbanized areas.
Natural Spaces
As the design should pay close attention to the inside, it should also pay close attention to the outside. Of course, not all facilities have the option of outdoor space but those that do will be well served to utilize them to improve morale and support healthy lifestyles. Add a wide variety of gorgeous shrubs and trees to provide shade and place plenty of tables and chairs underneath for gathering with friends and family. If possible, include a community garden with raised garden beds to give your residents the option of gardening without getting on their hands and knees.
A Home-Like Feel in Suites
Each resident in your senior living facility should feel like they’re at home when they are in their suites. The rooms should be a far cry from feeling like a sterile hospital recovery room or a hotel room with kitschy decor. Every room should have a comfortable feeling that’s designed for relaxation and giving everyone their own private space. Be sure to blend this friendly design with the necessary features that allow for more accessible senior living as well as easy-to-clean surfaces, bright lighting, and easily accessible communications devices.
Secluded Visiting Areas
With the lasting effects of the current pandemic, there are considerations to take in for the future. Communal gathering spaces will always have a place in senior living facilities, but often some more secluded visiting areas where families can visit in private, will be advantageous. Keep these areas close to the front lobby so that it decreases the possibility of contact with other residents.
Increased Security
Several issues pertain to seniors. Some of the memory care residents may be prone to wandering, so it’s important to create secure areas without feasible exits in order to prevent accidents, injuries, or missing residents. Likewise, elder abuse is a recurring problem in the industry and it’s important to keep everyone accountable. Strategically-placed security cameras around communal areas and outside private suites will help prevent theft as well as abusive circumstances. Make sure to keep the lobby secure as well in order to increase visitor management and enable quick communication between sectors.