Impacts of Housing Trends for Seniors
I am surprised by the economic deficiencies that some residential care facilities experience and by the slow pace of cultural change processes in these locations. Resources in both high- and low-performing organizations are continuously lacking for activities that improve the quality of life of their clients (Chisholm et al., 2018; Engle et al., 2017). This issue may stem from the transition period toward a personalized approach to care.
The second trend also supports this notion, as it reveals how positive changes are being implemented in such companies. Seniors’ perceptions of affordable and comfortable housing options remain partially unmet by facilities, which include support for independence and the reduction of aging consequences on one’s life (Ahn et al., 2020; Roberts & Adams, 2018). Residential care locations may struggle to incorporate individuals’ expectations into their operations at a sufficient rate.
The Impact of the Baby Boomer Generation on the Senior Housing Industry
The situation is about to shift with the Baby Boomer generation leading the change. The demand for high-quality services and living accommodations has been growing in recent years, alongside rising rental prices in senior housing locations (Sisson, 2017). Expenditures on such facilities are expected to increase to ensure that the expectations of Baby Boomers are met.
Furthermore, as older adults become more active, new requirements arise for communities designed for them (Khouri, 2017). Due to this trajectory, aging service providers will need to enhance their qualifications to adopt the client-centered approach fully. They must learn how to interact with senior residents to ensure that social connectedness is a part of the provided package (Ahn et al., 2020).
Thus, creating a space for newer generations of retirees will lead to a significant shift in the practices adopted by senior housing organizations. Nurse practitioners, whose focus is on medical assistance, will also need to adapt to this trend by ensuring that their health conditions do not hinder their lifestyle for as long as possible (Engle et al., 2017). Staff must prepare for the outlined challenges in advance.
Recommended Senior Housing Options
I would recommend people to consider assisted living facilities, as they appear to be in line with current expectations. These providers cover the majority of one’s needs, protect one’s health, and offer specialized services for people who require additional care (A Place for Mom, 2018). At the same time, they do not limit seniors’ freedom, nor do they invade their privacy.
In fact, ninety-three percent of residents report being satisfied with the conditions provided in such accommodations (A Place for Mom, 2018). This option also appears to be highly accessible among other accommodations, although it is not suitable for those who require specialized care. Memory care facilities and nursing homes may be more suitable for some individuals due to the supervision and comprehensive care they provide. However, their monthly rent is significantly higher (A Place for Mom, 2018).
Ultimately, neighborhoods specifically designed for older adults may be a viable option for some. Residential care homes offer more privacy and personal space than other options; however, one must extensively seek a location that can meet all their needs (A Place for Mom, 2018). This selection allows older adults to find a place that suits all their preferences.
The Role of Senior Housing in Offering Social Capital to Seniors
Senior housing offers residents the opportunity to remain socially engaged and ensures that each individual has access to a community that shares their generational perspectives and values. Older adults often use this opportunity to escape society’s perceptions of their status by being surrounded by peers in similar situations (Park et al., 2018). Thus, such locations become a beacon for people who seek to maintain their way of life without straining others, while also being able to converse with like-minded individuals. In conclusion, senior housing continues to evolve toward a personalized approach to care, providing a social network for older adults that incorporates generation-wide expectations from such facilities.
References
Ahn, M., Kang, J., & Kwon, H. J. (2020). The concept of aging in place as intention. The Gerontologist, 60(1), 50-59.
Chisholm, L., Zhang, N. J., Hyer, K., Pradhan, R., Unruh, L., & Lin, F. (2018). Culture change in nursing homes: What is the role of nursing home resources? INQUIRY: The Journal of Health Care Organization, Provision, and Financing, 55.
Engle, R. L., Tyler, D. A., Gormley, K. E., Afable, M. K., Curyto, K., Adjognon, O. L., Parker, V. A., & Sullivan, J. L. (2017). Identifying barriers to culture change: A qualitative analysis of the obstacles to delivering resident-centered care. Psychological Services, 14(3), 316-326.
Khouri, A. (2017). A new generation of senior housing is making ‘elderly islands’ obsolete. Los Angeles Times.
Park, S., Kim, B., & Kwon, E. (2018). The role of senior housing in hospitalizations among vulnerable older adults with multiple chronic conditions: A longitudinal perspective. The Gerontologist, 58(5), 932-941.
A Place for Mom. (2018). Caregiver toolkit.
Roberts, A. R., & Adams, K. B. (2018). Quality of life trajectories of older adults living in senior housing. Research on Aging, 40(6), 511-534.
Sisson, P. (2017). Luxe senior apartments target growing market of older, urban boomers. Curbed.