Balancing Modernization with Comfort in Senior Living Buildings

With people in the U.S. aging better and living longer, older adults are one of the fastest-growing groups in the country. According to the National Council on Aging, by 2030, all Baby Boomers will be age 65+, and by 2040, roughly 78.3 million Americans will fall within that age group. Senior living buildings play a crucial role in providing a safe, comfortable, and engaging environment for these aging adults. Mowery specializes in helping senior living clients evaluate their existing buildings, considering future functionality and long-term community plans. By comparing costs and benefits, clients can make informed decisions about whether to renovate or build new.

Key Considerations for Senior Living Renovations

When considering senior living building renovations, our team has found that there are typically 5 primary considerations for these types of projects:

1. 1. Minimizing Disturbance to Residents: Strategic planning of projects ensures that work is scheduled during appropriate hours to minimize disruptions to residents.
   2. HVAC System Upgrades: Older buildings often require complex HVAC improvements for better comfort and energy efficiency, which often involve electrical coordination, ductwork access, and roof modifications.
   3. Finish upgrades: Flooring, paint, trim, lighting, and ceilings are updated to provide a fresh and modern look.
   4. Dining Facility Improvements: Senior living buildings are putting more focus on high-quality dining experiences, leading to bigger and better dining spaces.
   5. Envelope improvements: Exterior and perimeter renovations such as facades, window and roof replacements.

Minimizing Disruptions During Renovations

To help minimize disruptions for residents, Mowery implements strategies such as:

• Logistics Planning: Trucks are routed to limit traffic within the community.
• Phased Renovations: Work is completed in phases so as not to disrupt regularly scheduled events and activities.
• Off-Hour Construction: Noisy tasks are scheduled when residents are awake and active.
• Constant Communication: Regular updates inform staff and residents about project progress.

Trending Upgrades in Senior Living Building Communities

As seniors’ needs evolve, communities are requesting modern amenities to support residents’ active lifestyles. Popular upgrades include:

• Expanded dining facilities
• Theaters and art studios
• Pickleball courts and fitness areas
• Interactive technology spaces
• Outdoor patios, community gardens, and walking paths

These additions create a vibrant and engaging environment, catering to seniors who seek active and fulfilling lifestyles, Chief Strategy Officer, William Sutton, adds:

“At Mowery, we strive to deliver high-quality, cost-effective solutions that transform senior living buildings into vibrant, engaging spaces. These facilities are more than just places to live—they should offer opportunities for fun, activities, and meaningful connections among residents. We believe in creating environments that encourage both comfort and community, ensuring seniors thrive.”

Staying Ahead of Industry Trends

To keep up with the evolving needs of senior living building communities, Mowery collaborates with LeadingAge PA, a non-profit organization advocating for high-quality aging services across Pennsylvania. By working with architects and industry leaders, Mowery ensures its projects incorporate the most innovative and effective design solutions.

Sustainability and Energy Efficiency in Senior Living Construction

With senior living buildings designed to last 50+ years, sustainability is critical, not only for the facilities themselves, but also for the health and well-being of the residents. Since these communities operate around the clock, energy-efficient materials and systems help reduce operational costs while keeping residents comfortable.

Ready to learn how Mowery can deliver high-quality senior living renovations that seamlessly blend modernization with comfort? Contact us today to ensure your community thrives for years to come.