By Healthcare Facilities Today

Each year, the Environments for Aging magazine's Remodel/ Renovation competition provides a forum for providers to showcase renovation projects and to learn from peer endeavors. 

Senior facilities across the country are faced with growing pressure from changing care models, market competition, declining building stock, and regulatory requirements to update existing environments, many of which are more than 50 years old, according to an article in the magazine's fall issue.

This year’s category was “destination spaces.”  according to the article, these include a range of areas, all with the intent of creating an experience: one that promotes socialization, engagement, and a sense of community. The most successful spaces are those that not only address changes to the physical environment, but incorporate operational and programmatic changes as well. 

The areas include dining rooms. Some of the top designs highlight a new sense of “dining in community”— an experience that includes socializing and people-watching, having drinks with friends, connecting with the dining staff, and enjoying restaurant-style interiors with outdoor views, according to the article.

Other areas explored include activity and wellness spaces, indoor/outdoor spaces, and connection and flexible spaces.

Read the article.