As people live longer, they are looking for living environments that promote independence, emotional and social health, and holistic health. Several of the educational sessions at the 2025 Environments for Aging Conference + Expo, April 26-29 in Lexington, Ky., will focus on the idea of resident well-being with discussions including design strategies, lessons learned, and recent case study examples.
Here’s a sneak peek at a few of those learning opportunities. For more on the conference program and to register, visit environmentsforaging.com.
E02 – Healthy Living: Trauma-Informed Design Principles in Support of Mental Health and Community Well-being
Sunday, April 27, 10:45-11:45 a.m.
Speakers: Amy Cheever, principal, executive director, Cuningham; Clare Hahneman, director, business development, Ecumen; Kristi Harris, associate, Cuningham; and Gaius Nelson, president, Nelson Tremain Partnership
In this session, speakers will explore how thoughtful design can alleviate stress and promote mental health.
Through case study examples, including veterans’ homes and affordable housing, attendees will discover how the built environment can create safe spaces that minimize triggers and foster positive experiences, provide inclusive environments that address different needs, and foster comfort and accessibility.
E04 – High Tech, Low Profile: Designing for Zen-inspired Living
Sunday, April 27, 10:45-11:45 a.m.
Speaker: Christophe Laverne, principal, HKIT Architects; Kurt Rahner, vice president technology, Kendal Corporation
Designing low-voltage technology to support the vision of any new senior living community can be a logistical challenge. Join members of the project team to discuss takeaways and lessons learned about the Zen-inspired continuing care retirement community Enso Village in Healdsburg, Calif., an affinity community conceived to focus on mindful aging, the joys of nature, environmental stewardship, contemplative care, and healthy life choices. The discussion will share how the project required an extremely high-tech platform and how the project team ensured that technology was invisible to those who live there.
E14 – Falls and The Built Environment: Buildings that Protect Residents and Staff
Monday, April 28, 9-10 a.m.
Speakers: Lucy Boxrud, president, Elysian Senior Homes; Joel Cormier, director of sales and engineering, Viconic; Steve Muller, COO, Garden Spot Communities; and Jackie Patterson, principal, Lenhardt Rodgers Architecture + Interiors
Senior care providers are challenged to protect residents and staff from falling, while preserving autonomy and quality of life. Traditional fall management programs rely on technology to predict, prevent, and/or report falls.
Presenters will share ideas, challenges, and examples from the field and offer best practices on how to make the built environment an actual intervention for falls in both existing buildings and new construction.
E17 – A Business Case for Evidence-Based Design
Monday, April 28, 9-10 a.m.
Speakers: Michael Peer, principal, healthcare and life sciences, CliftonLarsonAllen, and Larry Schneider, planner and partner, Plunkett Raysich Architects LLP
Research has shown that certain design elements can have a direct impact on health outcomes for seniors. For example, incorporating features that promote physical activity, such as walking paths and fitness centers, can contribute to improved mobility and overall health.
Evidence-based design can also help optimize operational efficiency and reduce long-term costs, including adding energy-efficient features such as LED lighting and smart heating and cooling systems to lower utility bills.
E25 – Balancing Care and Operations: Designing Remote Skilled Nursing Facilities for Resident and Staff Well-being
Monday, April 28, 3:45-4:45 p.m.
Speakers: Erin Anderson, principal, interiors discipline leader, SMRT Architects & Engineers, and Craig Piper, senior principal and board chair, senior living design expert, SMRT Architects & Engineers
Designing skilled nursing facilities in remote locations such as Northern Maine and Nantucket, Mass., involves balancing resident-centered care with operational efficiency. This presentation explores the unique challenges and innovative solutions in developing highly sustainable communities that prioritize the well-being of both residents and staff.
Presenters will explore how design can improve staffing efficiency, enhance recruitment and retention, and create a supportive environment for residents and staff. For a Q+A preview with the speakers, read here.
E33 – Enhancing Staff Performance and Resident Experience through Innovative Analytics in Elder Care
Tuesday, April 29, 10:45-11:45 a.m.
Speakers: Daniela Aguirre, design researcher, HKS Architects; Michael O’Neill, global practice director, enterprise research, principal, HKS; and David Turner, cofounder and chief technology officer, SpaceBot
By integrating new types of quantitative sensor data, human capital analytics, and qualitative approaches such as observational “sleepovers,” novel insights into the dynamics of senior living care can be uncovered. Together, these methodologies provide a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing both staff and resident experiences.
Attendees will learn how to leverage these insights to foster a supportive, efficient, and compassionate care environment, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for residents and the well-being of staff.
Find updates and additional information on the 2025 EFA Conference + Expo here.
