Senior Living facilities have become a more popular option for seniors over the years. In previous blog articles, we’ve explained why this is the case. We've also touched on ways assisted living communities have evolved and expanded their services, including creating safe and inviting outdoor spaces. With these added changes, it's no surprise that many of our residents have expressed their regret for not moving into a memory care community sooner.
So, what does the future hold for senior assisted living communities? Keep reading to learn more about the future of senior living.
A Survey From the American Seniors Housing Association
In a recent American Seniors Housing Association survey, 60% of the 7,300+ participants stated that they were considering a move (into a retirement community, assisted living community, or senior care community) within the next four years. The survey participants were older adults over 55 and did not live in housing designated for seniors.
What Living Situations Are Today’s Seniors Drawn To?
The survey determined that many seniors and their family members are drawn to flexible and adaptable housing solutions. For example, many homes have extra services that can be added when residents need them. These include palliative care, respite, short-term care, and hospice. Assisted living homes have more options than ever regarding care, food, and activities.
Additional survey findings stated that 83% of the seniors polled preferred the following amenities in a residential or independent living community:
- Maintenance of appliances
- Exterior home maintenance
- Lawn and outdoor landscaping
- Comfortable and well-maintained outdoor seating areas
- 24-hour security
- The following were the top five in-unit amenities desired by survey participants.
- Family room
- Full kitchen
- In-unit laundry room, including washer and dryer
- Windows to allow for natural light
- Additional storage in-unit or attached to the unit
Desirable or Essential Amenities
The following amenities were rated as desirable or as non-negotiables by at least 50% of those who stated they were still undecided or they were likely to move into senior living:
- On-site, easily accessible storage
- Walking and hiking trails
- Convenience stores - on-site or within reasonable walking distance
- Communal activity rooms and comfortable shared spaces
- Options for group activities
- Indoor, air-conditioned fitness centers with a variety of workout equipment
- Lounges tailored for family members of all ages
- ATMs
When Do Most Older Adults Opt for Senior Living?
Most older adults who move to senior living do so between the ages of 75 and 84, according to an online information resource managed by the American Seniors Housing Association. The “Baby Boomer” generation, born from 1946 to 1964, is turning 59 to 77 this year. Some Baby boomers are already moving into senior living, while many plan to move in the next decade or two. Industry leaders would do well to consider the results of this survey when planning for the future of their senior living communities.
HarborView Name One of the Best Senior Living Communities in San Diego
We are committed to quality, personalized care at HarborView Senior Assisted Living (as well as at our sister sites, MesaView Senior Assisted Living in La Mesa, BayView Assisted Living in Point Loma, and RanchView Senior Assisted Living in Encinitas). We’ve even been named one of the best senior living communities in San Diego for three years running! To find out what sets us apart, give us a call and schedule a tour of our one-of-a-kind assisted living home located in Bankers Hill, San Diego!
