Industry Voices

Adaptive Reuse Projects Present Massive Untapped Opportunity for Developers

by Jeff Shaw July 10, 2023

By James Kraft, Kraft Development The last time I appeared in this section in 2016, I complained in my article Developers Wasting Good Real Estate With Bad Design that same-old buildings were being replaced by same-old buildings with few new communities which I would be interested in moving into as I get closer to retirement. Now, at 66 years old, I will voice those same complaints. Considering that I have personally been responsible for the “dirt” sitting under more than 12,000 mostly seniors housing units, I hope my voice is finally listened …

July 10, 2023

Art is a Necessity, Not a Luxury

by Jeff Shaw June 28, 2023

Well-thought-out art can improve resident health and increase property reputation. By Rochelle Mills As the president and CEO of Innovative Housing Opportunities (IHO), a developer of affordable and permanent-subsidized housing, I’m passionate about the beneficial role that art can play in uplifting the communities in multifamily housing developments, especially seniors housing. When I joined IHO in 2006, then-board president Mary Watson-Bruce, a Ph.D. in geriatrics, emphasized to me the importance of the arts on well-being, mental health, sense of calm, blood pressure and more for the senior population. At the …

June 28, 2023

Industry Voices Operations

The SHB Interview: Caryl Ridgeway, CEO, Milestone Retirement Communities

by Jeff Shaw June 28, 2023

From baking to disaster relief, a diverse background and passion for senior care informs this operator’s decisions. By Jeff Shaw To say that Caryl Ridgeway has a diverse background, or that she got an early start on her career, would be an understatement. Currently the CEO of Milestone Retirement Communities, a Vancouver, Washington-based operator founded in 2008, Ridgeway became a certified nursing assistant (CNA) at age 15. She was inspired by her visits to the local nursing home in Oklahoma City with her grandmother. That same grandmother also inspired Ridgeway’s …

June 28, 2023

Industry Voices

Question of the Month: New Opportunities

by Jeff Shaw June 28, 2023

With so much disruption, where are the best opportunities for savvy seniors housing owners and operators? Keep your head down By Michael Hartman Principal, Active Living Capitol Seniors Housing The challenges facing development in seniors housing are largely the result of two factors that sit outside the normal supply/demand fundamentals that dictate the health of the sector: capital markets dislocation and construction cost inflation. While rents are higher across the board, they haven’t risen enough to compensate for the increase in construction costs. Eventually, the symptoms that caused the broader …

June 28, 2023

Development Industry Voices

Meet Evolving Demands of Residents, Staff with Mixed-Use Integration

by Jeff Shaw June 2, 2023

By Ray Yancey and Janice Sanada, LRS Architects The seniors housing industry is constantly evolving to meet the needs of residents. The baby boomer generation is quickly becoming the largest demographic of the seniors housing community, and their demands significantly differ from their predecessors. Whereas previous generations embraced designs where seniors housing communities were isolated from the broader community, baby boomers desire a melding of suburban and urban elements, such as entertainment venues, restaurants, professional business services and retail spaces. They also want these amenities to be closer. Blending these …

June 2, 2023

Industry Voices

Master Planning, Workplace Morale, Accessibility Will Define Future Success of Senior Living

by Jeff Shaw May 15, 2023

By Steven Leone and Richard Quinn, Senior Living Principals, Spiezle Architectural Group Perhaps no other sector has faced as many challenges throughout the pandemic as senior living. Providers in the industry have had to adapt to unprecedented circumstances and design new solutions to achieve success. As the industry enters a post-COVID environment, it is necessary to evaluate the state of the senior living market and continue to innovate in order to adapt to change. For the fifth consecutive year, Spiezle Architectural Group Inc. hosted the “Aging Forward: What’s Next?” roundtable. …

May 15, 2023

Development Industry Voices

You’re Never Too Old to Play Outside

by Jeff Shaw April 24, 2023

By Glen Collins, founder of Autside Encouraging active lifestyles for aging seniors is important to supporting their health and overall well-being. For residents in senior living communities, playing outdoor games is a stimulating way to stay physically and mentally active, socialize with others and enjoy nature — all of which can positively impact quality of life and even improve longevity. Sedentary seniors: A dangerous stereotype As people grow older, their bodies experience various changes that can impact the ability to stay active. There is a common misconception that aging seniors …

April 24, 2023

Industry Voices Operations Technology

Advancing Innovative Social Solutions with Design

by Jeff Shaw April 24, 2023

By Philippe Saad, Principal, DiMella Shaffer Mention senior living to people and the images evoked are often less than exciting, especially for those who value both an independent and connected life. The pictures that come to many minds are often ones of isolated living with marginal interactions beyond other residents and occasional family visits. Even in a multi-generational household with parents living with their children and possibly grandchildren, the loss of independence can lead to feelings of isolation and depression, even with the energy of three-generational living. It may sound …

April 24, 2023

Industry Voices

The SHB Interview: Thilo Best, Co-Founder, Bayshore Retirement Living

by Jeff Shaw April 24, 2023

Longtime, dynamic industry executive formerly of Holiday, Longview Senior Housing and Brookdale is ‘wired’ to build companies. By Jeff Shaw Thilo Best has worked for several heavyweight companies in the seniors housing industry, but the reason he never stays in one place too long is simple: If he’s not creating value and growing a business, he’s no longer interested. “I like to build companies and projects more than I like to run them,” says Best. “If I’m in building mode, I really enjoy it. If I’m just running the day-to-day, …

April 24, 2023

Industry Voices Operations

Question of the Month: Additional Revenue Streams

by Jeff Shaw April 24, 2023

What are innovative operators doing to create additional revenue streams? Impress the whole family By Jennifer Dixon CEO JD Solutions Group The most innovative operators are investing in creating curated experiences that reflect the interests and needs of not only their residents, but also their residents’ family members. From expanded dining choices and spa services to tech-enabled healthcare options, these operators offer standout communication, services and programs. Even better, communities with these enhanced offerings have stronger sales and occupancy performance. Across the continuum of senior living, from active adult to …

April 24, 2023

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