The COVID-19 crisis has influenced new trends in the design of senior living communities to help achieve requirements tied to both controlling the spread of infections as well as maintaining high design standards. In the EFA Spring Summit session “Senior Living Design for Infection Prevention and Aesthetics,” a speaker team from Thoma-Holec Design will review current best practices to implement as well as how to market a safer community going forward.
Insight will include how to balance design elements that fulfill basic needs tied to hospitality and life enrichment while layering on infection control solutions that don’t compromise design integrity. Issues tied to cleanability, effective spending, and technology will be covered, as well.
The session, scheduled for 2-3 p.m. EDT on Tuesday, April 27, includes the following speakers:
- Keith Stanton, director of design development, Thoma-Holec Design
- LuAnn Thoma-Holec, principal, Thoma-Holec Design
In this Q+A with Environments for Aging, the presenters shared a preview of what the audience will learn in the session.
Environments for Aging: What’s one common challenge you see on projects when it comes to balancing design and infection prevention needs?
Keith Stanton: Currently, it is the cost and availability of building materials. We are challenged to get the best looking, most durable products into a community, within budget and within the construction schedule.
LuAnn Thoma-Holec: Cost is certainly the number one challenge in today’s world of senior housing. The ability to provide amenities for social engagement similar to what residents have desired, chosen, and demand requires creativity and expertise. Just as restaurants have had to change and adapt, so has every culinary space in our communities. Thinking out of the ordinary requires research on how to help residents to be engaged yet safe. The safety precautions go beyond dining, and it applies to every social activity within a community, whether it’s a small or large group.
If pursuing a renovation geared toward resident safety, what are some design elements to consider?
Stanton: Appropriateness of the product. Commercial-grade furniture and fabrics allow the FF&E pieces to hold up under harsh cleaning chemicals. Transitions between flooring materials are always a huge resident safety concern. We want to avoid shuffling feet tripping on a transition strip. We also try to avoid high-gloss surfaces that would provide glare and affect residents’ vision.
Thoma-Holec: There are some simple fixes such as automatic battery-operated faucets in public restrooms, automatic doors, and introducing technology and robust WiFi to allow residents to participate in activities and telehealth. Existing communities have taken a beating this past year due to the harsh chemicals used for cleaning. Replacing finishes and furnishings with [a focus on] cleanability, longevity, and introducing them with a marketing appeal will differentiate a tired community into a competitive one.
Post-pandemic, how do you view the marketing value that a safe and stylish community will have for owners/operators?
Stanton: The trust that potential residents and their families have in a community can be greatly cultivated by marketing to their sense of design and well-being. Outlining the strategy used to keep residents safe during the pandemic can be a strong selling point [in addition to] the building amenities.
Thoma-Holec: Staff members have been the heroes this past year, and it is so critical that they are taken care of. Hiring and retention are on every owner and operator’s mind today, just as it was before the pandemic. Providing an updated and comfortable staff lounge or outdoor area for the staff to take their breaks in and mental, spiritual, or physical wellness support can make a difference in how well they endure the difficult days.
For more information and to register for EFA Spring Summit, visit environmentsforaging.com/summit.
