By Healthcare Facilities Today

As the "silver tsunami" begins to impact long-term care facilities, providers are noticing a growing demand for mixed-use, intergenerational housing that is built into the community, according to an article on the Long-Term Living magazine website.

Baby Boomers are less accepting of a retirement lifestyle removed from the community at large. They are seeking a lifestyle that allows them to remain an active part of their town or city, the article said.

AARP's 2011 Boomer Housing Study reported that 84 percent of those surveyed expressed a strong preference to stay in places and communities they have called home.

The three key words in the study are walkability, intergenerational and mixed-use, the article said.

Senior housing developments, whether independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing facilities or continuing care retirement communities (CCRC), have long been isolated sites that sought to provide everything their residents would need within their walls. Although such an all-inclusive design will still be the right fit for many seniors, others want an alternative living choice that provides closer ties to their community.

“I think it’s one obvious trend of the future,” said Dodd Kattman, a partner in MKM Architecture + Design in Fort Wayne, Ind., said int he article. “Recent statistics have illustrated that consumers’ preference for the traditional CCRC model has grown stagnant. In addition to existing all-inclusive campuses, providers should consider a pluralistic approach regarding housing style, location and alternative approaches to the delivery of services and care to these future residents.” 

Read the article.