Gone are the days of stale activity rooms with only a few entertainment items that also double as makeshift theaters, and no more dull cafeteria halls with equally bland food options. Senior living is transitioning from simply a place to retire into lavish environments sometimes envied by the younger generation. Upscale dining with chef-inspired cuisine, full-blown spas and outdoor havens are just a taste of what senior living communities feature today. This shift is backed by growing evidence that maintaining social activity in addition to physical helps promote well-being.
One key way senior living communities facilitate social interaction is through shared community spaces. These are more than just physical locations to gather; they are the heart of meaningful connections and engagement. Therefore, with every renovation, our team considers resident tastes and interests through methods like voting/surveys, all while breathing new life and innovation into each space.
Maximize Square Footage
Many communities opt to separate rooms for specific uses. However, to promote seamless connectivity, common areas in senior living should be versatile, accommodating a range of activities from social gatherings to quiet reflection. We accomplished this in our renovation of Franciscan Village, an established senior living community in Lemont, IL, striving for resident participation.
Our team created a multifunctional common area by removing and relocating walls to open and maximize the space available and specifying furniture that was easy to move for group activities. We also provided more storage for linens and games with full-height cabinetry and crafted niches for intimate conversation. Another exciting addition was the bright and welcoming grab-n-go center, which we designed to be accessible throughout the day so residents and guests could linger for refreshments or grab an afternoon snack. We ultimately transformed an under-utilized space into a purposeful and bustling hub for assisted living residents.
Accentuate Character and Take Advantage of Natural Light
Oftentimes, communities may feature unique architecture or history but aren’t using it to its fullest potential. For example, the Village at Victory Lakes in Lindenhurst, IL, had always been known for its timeless craftsman exterior but never quite carried it through the inside.
Our team kept the brick from the unused, dated day lobby and accentuated these pillars with warm fabrics, artwork and lighting to create an inviting Discovery Room. We also removed draperies from the windows and installed frameless doors and frosted glass walls, illuminating the room and adjacent corridors with natural light from the majestic, wooded scenery. By honoring the architecture outside and around the community and brightening rooms with natural light, the Village at Victory Lakes now welcomes more residents into its cozy, craftsman community.
Revitalizing common areas in senior living communities is about crafting environments that are as dynamic and engaging as the residents themselves. By focusing on multifunctional designs, embracing the beauty of natural light, and highlighting unique architectural and historical features, we can transform these areas into lively centers of activity and connection that feel like home.