This summer, I had my first experience helping a family member move into a senior living community.
The entire process was a mix of emotions as we navigated the local landscape to find the right community, making sure we had all the details covered before finally moving my very reluctant aunt into her new home. It’s not an uncommon story—and it’s something many of our readers witness on a regular basis.
While I felt overwhelmed at times, I also remember the true joy and excitement when we knew we had found the right place: a community near her current home (so friends and family could easily visit), a pet-friendly policy (this was a non-negotiable for Oreo the cat), an updated unit on a campus with welcoming outdoor spaces, and a variety of engaging programs.
After a few weeks adjusting, my aunt has embraced much of what her new community has to offer, making friends and enjoying the daily activities.
Briefly switching “hats” and looking at this industry through the lens of a family member instead of an editor also provided an opportunity to see first-hand the importance of the senior living design sector’s work.
While my family was taking into consideration the location of the community, costs, and contracts, my aunt wanted to know how far her unit was from the elevator, how she’d access the dining room on her own, and if the bathroom could accommodate her walker—all details that I know senior living design professionals work through with the aim to deliver that “right fit” to current and future residents. I couldn’t be more grateful.
In Environments for Aging‘s Fall issue, you’ll find more examples of that meaningful work in our profiles of the 2024 Design Champions. This annual competition spotlights those having a positive impact on the lives of residents and staff through new strategies and approaches in senior living design. I’m sure you’ll be as inspired as I am by their work and ambitions to evolve this industry.
In our own efforts to stay fresh and relevant, EFA recently introduced an updated website. The redesign features new photo galleries, including larger images of the latest senior living projects, and improved search and navigation functions.
Check it out at efamagazine.com and let me know what you think!
