Before we say goodbye to 2025, Environments for Aging magazine invited its Editorial Advisory Board members to reflect on the year—sharing what stood out to them the most and what shifts in the industry had the biggest impact—good or bad.
Read on to hear what they had to say.
Where did you see the most noteworthy progress in senior living design in 2025?
“There has been more conversation, and implementation, of inclusive design in the past year that is creating more flexible and accessible spaces that support well-being. We continue to see a move toward urban locations that take advantage of the walkable environments and accessible amenities.”—Steve Lindsey, chief executive officer, Garden Spot Communities (New Holland, Pa.)
“I saw the most noteworthy progress made in repositioning older communities. Not necessarily by choice, but out of necessity due to the economy. But cup half-full, this meant many older communities that might have otherwise been ignored received an injection of new investments.”—Grant Warner, senior living practice leader, associate partner, BKV Group (Dallas)
What’s something that surprised you in 2025?
“Capital money is being released more and more, which is a good thing. Many existing properties are in need of this funding, especially if they haven’t been touched since COVID.”—Laura Busalacchi, senior director of interior services, Brookdale Senior Living (Milwaukee)
“I was surprised by how damaging the economy was to development. 2025 was virtually flat, with very little progress made, at a time when occupancy rates are sky high and demand is soaring.”—Grant Warner, senior living practice leader, associate partner, BKV Group (Dallas)
What project or shift in the industry has had the biggest impact—good or bad—and why?
“I’ve been amazed by the move away from skilled nursing. I’ve had clients with excellent physical environments and staff close their doors and are now looking to repurpose their entire skilled nursing communities. For some, this really seems a seminal moment of reflection on the required change away from services they have been providing for generations and for which they are known in the community. Some may struggle, while others lean into reinvention.”—Robert Simonetti, senior living studio leader, LaBella Associates (Rochester, N.Y.)
“Downsizing and/or eliminating skilled nursing facility units. Regulations and staffing challenges can be largely overcome with a resizing of on-site assisted living, external partnerships, and/or a more robust home services support system. Of course, there are financial implications with slowed resident entry fee churn, so strategies involving capital replacement and independent living growth/expansion will be critical planning considerations.”—Vassar Byrd, CEO, The Kendal Corporation (Newark, Del.)
What lessons did the industry learn from 2025’s challenges?
“For many, the mantra in 2024 was ‘survive ’til ’25.’ In 2025, we learned there is no going back on our economic and financial path; rates and prices didn’t drop; uncertainty soared instead of dissipated. I believe the lesson is that we can’t wait. We must move forward with planning, taking into best account possible that the headwinds to development aren’t going away and may be a permanent part of the landscape.”—Rob Simonetti, senior living studio leader, LaBella Associates (Rochester, N.Y.)
“Multiple sourcing, and a crazy amount of scenario planning!”—Vassar Byrd, CEO, The Kendal Corporation (Newark, Del.)
“I’m not sure if they are lessons learned or just learned lessons … meaning, cost of construction just keeps going up, whether that’s labor or materials. Unless you are working on a new construction project or a project that has a long lead time, materials continue to be a challenge. Projects that might take only 3-4 months are hard-pressed to get furniture delivered in a timely manner. With fabrics not being stocked, by and large, and furniture frames having limited inventory, it’s challenging to get furniture within that time window.”—Laura Busalacchi, senior director of interior services, Brookdale Senior Living (Milwaukee)
Anne DiNardo is editor-in-chief of Environments for Aging and can be reached at [email protected].
