by Kim Schroeder

Designing for senior living has seen a significant change over the years. It is no longer the sterile hospital environment that you may think of when envisioning senior living. Nowadays, senior living facilities more closely resemble hospitality and residential design rather than healthcare design.

Typically, the common spaces have seen more of the shift toward hospitality. Dining halls feel more intimate and personal. Smaller café tables, or banquette seating for a few close friends, rather than a large cafeteria table, are the new trend. These facilities strive to make seniors feel like they are out on a night on the town rather than sitting in a cafeteria.