As architects specializing in senior living, we increasingly hear from eldercare housing providers that are looking to convert units in existing facilities into spaces that provide specialized support and care. Most common is the desire to transform independent or assisted living apartments into ones that offer memory support or dementia care. Occasionally, the goal is to turn previously underutilized areas within a senior housing community to areas that offer more specialized care.

1. Vendome Group Presents…
Designing for the Care Continuum:
Adaptive Re-Use of Existing
Senior Living Real Estate
by James T. Moyer, AIA, LEED AP, Principal of SAS
Architects & Planners
© 2014 Vendome Group, LLC All rights reserved.

2. Designing for the Care Continuum
As architects specializing in senior living, we increasingly
hear from eldercare housing providers that are looking
to convert units in existing facilities into spaces that
provide specialized support and care.
Most common is the desire to transform independent or
assisted living apartments into ones that offer memory
support or dementia care. Occasionally, the goal is to
turn previously underutilized areas within a senior
housing community to areas that offer more specialized
care.
© 2014 Vendome Group, LLC All rights reserved.

3. Design Considerations
Depending on a building’s age and configuration,
converting existing senior living real estate
involves certain design considerations.
Following are issues frequently encountered…
© 2014 Vendome Group, LLC All rights reserved.

4. Challenge #1:
Creating Public Spaces in the Right
Configuration
In particular, memory support and dementia care
requires common spaces or “neighborhoods” that will
entice individuals to leave their individual apartments
and socialize with other residents and staff.
These common spaces often include group activity,
living, dining and therapy areas. Access to an outside
garden or terrace also is desirable and therapeutic for
the residents.
© 2014 Vendome Group, LLC All rights reserved.

5. Challenge #1:
Creating Public Spaces in the Right
Configuration (continued)
To develop these, we typically must creatively deal
with factors such as the building’s footprint,
circulation, space adjacencies, natural light, views
and outside access, as well as infrastructure obstacles
such as vertical plumbing/mechanical risers and the
building’s structure itself.
© 2014 Vendome Group, LLC All rights reserved.

6. Challenge #2: Maximizing Space
Many older buildings have inefficient interior floor
space with long corridors and groups of apartments
on either side.
We frequently find opportunities for usable space in
the building’s corners or intersections that can be
adapted to meet the needs of the resident and the
level of care to be provided.
© 2014 Vendome Group, LLC All rights reserved.

7. Challenge #2: Maximizing Space
(continued)
For example, a typical one bedroom independent or
assisted living apartment contains a lot of wasted
space for a resident with dementia, including a
kitchen that would actually make the unit unsafe for
them to occupy.
© 2014 Vendome Group, LLC All rights reserved.

8. Challenge #3:
Overcoming a Long, Double-Loaded Corridor
Redesigning dead-end corridors with circulation
loops and destination points (seating alcoves,
reading/desk areas) breaks up the long visual length
of the corridor, and enlivens the neighborhood
environment.
The new design also encourages residents to explore
the area and interact with others, bringing many
therapeutic benefits.
© 2014 Vendome Group, LLC All rights reserved.

9. Challenge #4:
Creating a Functional, Safe and Secure
Progression of Space
Depending on the level of care, a neighborhood
concept requires a secure progression of space (from
public to private) from the entry to the common
neighborhood areas and eventually to the private
resident apartment.
© 2014 Vendome Group, LLC All rights reserved.

10. Challenge #4:
Creating a Functional, Safe and
Secure Progression of Space (continued)
Entry should be to a secure supervised area–not into
an apartment corridor. Room relationships and
service areas are important. For example, we try to
create transitions from a secured entry to a
supervised dining, living and activity space.
© 2014 Vendome Group, LLC All rights reserved.

11. Summary
The senior care industry is continually evolving.
Whether created through conversion or new
construction, senior living facilities with simple
and logically placed infrastructure provide
owners and residents with the flexibility to
meet the aging population’s changing
demands.
© 2014 Vendome Group, LLC All rights reserved.

12. Mark Your Calendars for the
2014 Environments for Aging Conference
The Environments for Aging Conference offers the latest strategies
and ideas for creating attractive and functional living environments
that meet the needs of our aging population.
During this comprehensive three-day learning experience, attendees
network with peers while learning the latest innovations and best
practices in the design of long-term and residential care settings.
© 2014 Vendome Group, LLC All rights reserved.