International design and architecture firm Perkins Eastman announced the publication of its latest white paper, “Centers for Healthy Living: Providing Whole-Person Wellness to Seniors,” co-authored by Associate and Senior Design Researcher Emily Chmielewski EDAC, and Associate Claire Dickey AIA, who are based in the firm’s Pittsburgh and Washington, D.C., offices, respectively. The report is the culmination of a comprehensive design research study, conducted by the firm’s in-house research group, which examines what existing centers for healthy living (CHLs) are doing today and how they may evolve to better serve the complex needs of seniors.
Centers for healthy living, a new building typology that supports seniors through all eight dimensions of wellness, are currently being developed all over the U.S. in various forms and serving a diversity of needs, either within Life Plan Community campuses or as stand-alone community centers. Rather than adhering to a one-size-fits-all model, today’s CHLs vary widely in terms of services offered, which in turn reflects the fact that there are many definitions of “wellness.” According to one survey participant, the COO of a prominent residential and care provider in a suburb of Washington, D.C., “With so many definitions of wellness, a successful CHL needs to be able to adjust and adapt to be all inclusive and participatory.”
With the number of older adults in the U.S. in need of long-term services and support projected to grow from 15 million to 27 million by the year 2050, there is a distinct need to explore where and how senior services are delivered.
“CHLs help bridge the gap between the senior living and healthcare sectors, yet they go beyond the typical provision of clinic and exercise spaces to address all eight dimensions of whole-person wellness,” write the authors.
While this holistic approach is optimal, research study findings suggest that some providers tend to focus more on residents’ physical and social wellness, and pay less attention to accommodating the other six. This white paper explores the causes behind this (e.g. certain dimensions of wellness are easier to support and quantify), among other things, and offers informed, research-based recommendations for how CHLs of the future and corresponding models of care can better meet the wellness needs of seniors.
This white paper was produced and edited under the guidance and design expertise of Perkins Eastman’s Senior Living leadership team. The release of “Centers for Healthy Living” coincides with this year’s LeadingAge Annual Meeting & Expo (October 30 – November 2), being held in Indianapolis, IN. The entire paper is available for free download at www.perkinseastman.com/white_papers.
Related Stories
Market Data | Aug 16, 2016
Leading economists predict construction industry growth through 2017
The Chief Economists for ABC, AIA, and NAHB all see the construction industry continuing to expand over the next year and a half.
Healthcare Facilities | Aug 9, 2016
Key strategies to reduce healthcare facility costs and maintain operations
The right approach during the planning, design, and construction of a new facility can yield a positive return on investment and lower the overall cost basis for ongoing operations, writes Steve Higgs, Senior Managing Director with CBRE Healthcare.
Laboratories | Aug 8, 2016
The lab of the future: smaller, flexible, tech-enabled, business focused
A new CBRE report emphasizes the importance of collaboration and standardization in lab design.
Industry Research | Aug 5, 2016
47 states experienced improvement in year-over-year construction unemployment rates in June
The drop in the construction unemployment rate from June 2015 extends the uninterrupted monthly sequence of year-over-year rate decreases that started in October 2010, according to Bernard M. Markstein, PhD, President and Chief Economist of Markstein Advisors.
Industry Research | Aug 2, 2016
Nonresidential construction spending declines again in June
On a year-over-year basis, nonresidential construction spending has fallen 1.1 percent, marking the first annual decline since July 2013
Industry Research | Jul 26, 2016
AIA consensus forecast sees construction spending on rise through next year
But several factors could make the industry downshift.
Industry Research | Jun 15, 2016
Survey: Americans avoid touching handles but use their phones in public bathrooms
Bradley’s 2016 Healthy Hand Washing Survey offers insights into restroom use.
Industry Research | May 11, 2016
Why corporate bathrooms stink and how good design can fix this
Despite their importance, bathrooms are often overlooked when it comes to building design. Gensler's Johnathan Sandler spoke with people in the industry and detailed some of the biggest gripes.
Big Data | May 5, 2016
The Center for Neighborhood Technology has launched the largest source of transit data in the country
AllTransit analyzes the social benefits of good transit service by analyzing data related to health, equity, and economic development.
Industry Research | May 5, 2016
National survey reveals offices aren’t built to benefit employees
A Saint-Gobain and SageGlass Work Environment Survey found insufficient access to daylight, poor air quality, and distracting noise at workplaces as the major issues experienced by employees
