Retirement is becoming luxurious.
The U.S. Census projected that people age 65 or older will outnumber children under 18 by 2035. As the baby boomer generation ages, the standards of senior living are changing.
One of the ways they’re doing this is by putting an emphasis on upscale experiences. These communities offer a continuum of care, allowing people to age without worrying about fluctuating prices and relocation.
These communities offer services that are comparable to a high-end resort, boutique hotel, or even a cruise ship. Because of this, they’re not necessarily for everybody. Retirement is expensive. These high-end services can break the budget for most, but the standards remain high.
Regardless of whether your senior living community is upscale or not, there are several trends that senior living communities can (and should) pull from boutique hotels.
Keep your design up-to-date
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’s a thin line between trendiness and timelessness. If you find a designer that can strike the perfect balance, the property will have a stronger brand identity. With senior living communities, even though it’s easy to assume that trendiness doesn’t matter – seniors still want a place where they fill comfortable enough to call home. Oftentimes, their adult children are decision-makers and will opt for the sleeker establishment. It’s time to throw out the beige walls.
Offer personalized care
Personalization is the hallmark of upscale service. For a hotel, this can mean personalized services, packages and amenities. In senior living, there’s not a huge difference.
Standardized care will soon be a thing of the past. Every community should take steps to support their resident’s individual interests. Whether they chose to stay active socially, opt for high-levels of independence, join specific programs or attend events. Everyone has different needs and your community should find ways to adapt.
Invest in technology
Technology is a trend in literally every industry. Arguably, it’s not even a “trend” since it’s never going to go away. In fact, we have several articles that have reiterated the importance of updating your facility’s technology.
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.
Capitalize on your location
Just like a hotel guest, many retirees choose their community based off of the location. Active seniors want to make trips and enjoy frequent outings. The best senior living communities have available transportation for points of interest throughout the week. Even if your community isn’t based in a hot location, it’s important to consider what WILL draw people in. Some people prefer the small-town environment. Others are looking for a home near museums and shops.
If you’re looking for a senior living or boutique hotel professional to elevate your brand, reach out to one of our consultants here.