Designers Offer a Sneak Peek into ‘Changing Perspectives’ on Senior Living

Hillary DeGroff: A significant shift in senior living over the past few years has been the recognition that bridging the community not only enhances the resident experience but also impacts the way in which staff is supported and celebrated in their work environments.

Samantha Belfoure: Technology has been an important influencer, not only when it comes to resident experience and staff support, but for how we’re implementing design as well. There are so many tools that communities are using now—from robots in the dining room to circadian rhythm systems in lighting—all of which we can consider when designing new spaces and making sure they are adequately supported.

How can architecture and design in healthcare/wellness impact one’s life–whether it be that of a resident, visitor or care provider?

HDG: The built environment has the ability to create experiences of socialization, solitude, warmth, comfort and, in some ways, become an extension of someone’s home (resident unit) or life (staff). Often, residents downsize when they move into a community. Offering flexible shared spaces for larger dinner party gatherings or more outdoor spaces for summer barbecues with family and friends can make a huge impact on how residents interact with their environments. Likewise, staff sometimes spend more hours at work than they might at home. Providing a variety of shared spaces that bridge community can impact staff’s comfort level to engage with the built environment. I love the idea of integrating opportunities for a quiet respite by a natural view or a private seating alcove for people to sit and socialize.

SB: Our senses have a huge impact on how we experience a space. Within architecture and design, utilizing all five senses is a tactic we often use when planning and programming a building. This can include things like incorporating an open kitchen in a dining room to entice residents with the smells and sounds of breakfast or dinner, making sure we’re incorporating as much daylight as possible, and connecting the indoor spaces with the outdoors.

What do you consider as your North Star—the driving force of your work?

HDG: Helping people discover the ways in which space can support and inspire is at the core of what I do. I always go back to my own experiences; watching my own loved ones going through the aging process inspires how I design for older adults and senior living staff.

SB: Our client’s clients! To see someone use and enjoy a space that you’ve helped to design is the ultimate feel-good moment in our industry.

What are some of the greatest challenges facing senior living design today?

SB: We are always challenged to be more creative when it comes to budget constraints and level of design. We want to provide the best for our clients and ensure they remain competitive while staying within budget. We have all felt the recent effects of the construction industry, and our teams work together to make sure we keep the goals for the project at the forefront, even if a large value engineering effort needs to take place.

Can you talk about the importance of designing healing spaces with equity and diversity in mind and the ways it can be strategically applied?

HDG: This is where flexibility and variety come into play on a whole new level. Being able to design smaller spaces within larger staff spaces that can cater to individual needs is critical. By providing phone rooms, wellness/quiet rooms, space for working, space for eating—just as you’ve seen in

workplace design over the past decades—it gives staff the assurance that they are being considered.

SB: I think we need to think back to the concept of Universal Design and how we can make sure we’re including all types of users in our senior living projects. Universal Design is meant to go beyond basic accessibility, allowing the design and program of a building to support everyone.

Is there a specific project you’ve been a part of that you find to be indicative of who you are and the impact you’re hoping to make?

HDG: I have loved watching the growth of the Frasier Meadows Community projects and seeing the impact they’ve had on the residents, staff and the entire community. They consciously designed an admin suite and staff lounge to be more inclusive and they’re seeing the benefits.

SB: Our Priya Living client has been very exciting to work with and is at the forefront of thinking outside the box in terms of senior living. They are not only considering the resident experience for their new building, but they make sure the outside community, extended family and visitors, and staff experience are always included in the conversation.