Layout Changes Coming to Senior Housing

IRVINE, CA-The next generation of seniors is using their homes in different ways than previous generations, making design alterations necessary, according to Manny Gonzalez, principal with KTGY Group Inc. New senior homes will look decidedly different than their predecessors, he points out.

As GlobeSt.com reported earlier this week, Gonzalez argues that there is no “one size fits all” prescription for senior housing today. There are definite trends, but there is no one model that works for all senior communities or all seniors.

Upcoming active adult homes “will incorporate new thinking in terms of special relationships,” says Gonzalez. “This homeowner is no longer doing laundry for five, so locating the 'domestic suite' (an oversized laundry room with extra storage and perhaps even a desk or hobby space) near the master suite makes much more sense than having it off the kitchen. Passing your laundry from the master suite through a horizontal laundry chute to the domestic suite is much more convenient than lugging it through the great room and kitchen to do the wash.”

John Burns Real Estate Advisors reports that Baby Boomers are looking for a better home layout, and 97% are putting a better kitchen at the top of their list. “A great kitchen will be a must in tomorrow's new homes and an oversized 'entertaining island' should be at its center,” says Gonzalez. “Just look the next time you host guests for a party: more people will be hanging out in the kitchen than any other part of the home.”

Gonzalez suggests that the island seating bar for the future will be an “L” or “U” shape, or even a half round to facilitate socializing better than the conventional straight bar top, where you have to look over your shoulder to chat. “If you are anything like me, you will want the kitchen to have a direct view of the big screen in the great room so that you don't miss any of the game action while preparing the snacks.”

Also important in the senior homes of the future are Universal Design principles that encourage comfortable aging in place. “Universal Design strives to support the lifestyle we wish to live in subtle ways,” says Gonzalez. “When it's done right, you don't notice it until you benefit from it. Incorporate zero-threshold or even 'snail showers' into your floor plans may not be something that stands out as dramatically different from a typical shower, but today's active adult homebuyer certainly will benefit from it.”