The design and layout of a building or community can go far toward reducing the environmental risks of falling. One of the design aspects of senior community design is fall prevention, as even minor falls can significantly impact residents' health and independence. Thoughtfully planned interiors can help reduce fall risks, promoting safety and well-being.

Senior living is much more complex, varied, and creative than ever, and residents and their families expect diverse and numerous amenities. Innovation and flexibility are keys to thriving in this evolving market, and both come into play with the successful integration of independent living into assisted living, the topic of a recent TALAHour webinar hosted by Misty Powell, Chief Program Officer/Co-Founder of Civitas Senior Living, and Greg Hunteman, President of Pi Architects. The two hosts, both TALA members and frequent collaborators on several projects, talked about the different models of integration, the advantages and challenges of each, and how to make them successful for the needs of residents, community operations, and cost-effectiveness.

Here’s the dilemma. We’ve seen firsthand how physically and mentally damaging social isolation can be on seniors, but—at least for the foreseeable future—we can’t go back to in-person visits, group activities, concerts, and crowded dining halls.

As senior living communities seek to address pandemic concerns and prepare for the new normal post-COVID, renovations are on their minds.