By 2035, the number of people 65 and older is expected to surpass that of children under the age of 18. The requirements for senior living are changing as the baby boomer generation ages. Senior managers are bringing hospitality to senior living.
Retirement is becoming luxurious.
One way they’re achieving this is by emphasizing upscale experiences. These communities provide a continuum of care, allowing people to age without having to worry about rising costs or relocating. These communities provide services comparable to those of a high-end resort, boutique hotel, or even a cruise ship. As a result, they are not suitable for everyone. Retirement is costly. These high-end services are out of most people’s budgets, but the standards remain high.
Regardless of whether your senior living community is upscale or not, there are several ideas that senior living communities can (and should) pull from boutique hotels. Being that we work with both, here are the trends to follow…
Elevated design choices
One of the most notable aspects of a boutique hotel is the design and aesthetics. Unfortunately, the trendier it is the more dated it will become later.
There is a fine line between being trendy and being timeless. The property will have a stronger brand identification if you discover a designer that can strike the appropriate mix. Even though it’s tempting to imagine that trendiness doesn’t matter in senior living communities, seniors still desire a location that they can call home. Their adult offspring are often decision-makers and will choose the slicker option. It’s time to get rid of those beige walls.
An improved dining experience
Another chance to satisfy resident needs arises during mealtimes. According to the Elderly Lifestyle article, senior residents are increasingly choosing restaurant-style dining over bland cafeteria-style meals. Instead of adhering to the rigid schedule of breakfast, lunch, and supper, many facilities are now including convenient bistros and cafes that serve healthful snacks and coffee options all day long.
Personalized care
Personalization is the hallmark of upscale service.
This can entail individualized services, packages, and amenities for a hotel. Unfortunately, there isn’t much of a distinction in elder life.
Standardized care will eventually become obsolete. Every community should take initiatives to support the specific interests of its residents. Whether they choose to remain socially active, pursue high degrees of independence, participate in specific programs, or attend events. Everyone has distinct needs, and your community should figure out how to provide them.
Everything is “convenient”
Outside of the advancements that communities have already started – like telehealth and smart technology, convenience technology is also rising. More and more boutique hotels have started using things like beacon technology to cater to their guests. Beacons use proximity technology to detect human presence and trigger automation that delivers informational and personalized experiences.
Location matters (more than you think)
Many retirees, like hotel guests, choose their community based on its location. Active seniors desire to travel and go on frequent outings. Throughout the week, the best senior living facilities provide transportation to sites of interest. Even if your neighborhood isn’t in a popular area, think about what will pull people in. Some people prefer the small-town environment. Others want to live near museums and stores.
If you’re looking for a senior living or hotel professional to elevate your brand and bring hospitality to your senior living orginization, reach out to one of our recruiters here.