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Last week, Mowery Construction proudly sponsored and attended the 2025 Senior Living Forum—a gathering of industry leaders and partners focused on the future of aging services in Pennsylvania. The forum served as a platform for voices across the industry to share insights and address problems and solutions that are shaping the assisted living facility construction industry today and in the years to come.
Keynote Presentation – What’s Ahead for Assisted Living Facility Construction
The forum’s keynote presentation, delivered by Seth Anthony of LeadingAge PA, provided an in-depth look at the current state and future of aging services across the Commonwealth. Seth discussed the far-reaching impact of workforce shortages in both hospital systems and long-term care providers, highlighting critical issues such as increased emergency department wait times, capped admissions in skilled nursing facilities, and stalled expansion projects. He emphasized the urgent need for new workforce pipelines and creative partnerships, particularly in the realm of assisted living facility construction, to support the growing demands of the senior population. Seth’s insights also pointed to the ripple effects of healthcare instability, especially in rural communities, and how the construction industry can play a role in strengthening infrastructure and ensuring broader access to care.
Strategies for Successful Construction of Assisted Living Facilities
Next, John Houck and Dustin Julius of RLPS Architects presented “Paving the Path Ahead,” a thoughtful look at how design can support the evolving needs of senior living communities. Drawing on multiple case studies, they shared practical insights on everything from enhancing resident engagement to navigating the architectural challenges of renovation and expansion. Their projects, including Wake Robin and Lancaster Country Club, showcased how purposeful planning and community involvement can drive meaningful outcomes—whether it’s creating dynamic amenity spaces, addressing aging infrastructure, or integrating long-term growth strategies.
Sustainability in Assisted Living Facility Design and Construction
Building on the keynote’s call to action, Joey Shea from Interface took the stage to discuss the role of sustainability in assisted living facility construction. His presentation, titled “Designing for the Future,” focused on the importance of circularity in design—emphasizing the potential for reusing materials and reducing waste through practices like selective replacement and repair. Shea also stressed the need to foster regional economies to reduce reliance on global supply chains, ultimately lowering carbon footprints. He highlighted the significance of designing with longevity in mind, particularly when it comes to materials such as flooring and furnishings. His talk provided valuable insights into how thoughtful, sustainable design can support both the environmental goals of senior living communities and their practical needs.
Case Study: Cross Keys Village, Lifespring
Finally, a discussion panel featuring Jay Rohrback, Jennifer Holcomb, and Melissa Destout explored the development of Cross Keys Village’s Lifespring facilities. The panel provided a behind-the-scenes look at the design and construction challenges they faced, including budget constraints, site adjustments, and optimizing the facility’s layout to serve both memory care residents and the greater community. The team emphasized the value of collaboration, particularly with Mowery Construction, in navigating design modifications, selecting cost-effective materials, and ensuring the facility met the needs of residents with dementia. They highlighted the importance of integrating acoustics and lighting considerations, as well as the ongoing evaluation of the space post-occupancy to ensure it continues to meet the evolving needs of its users.
Looking Forward
The 2025 Senior Living Forum proved to be an invaluable experience for all involved, offering a wealth of knowledge and actionable insights into the future of aging services and assisted living facility construction. From workforce solutions to sustainable design and construction strategies, the forum showcased the collective effort required to navigate the challenges of senior living and create spaces that truly serve their residents.
To dive deeper into the discussions and hear from the experts, click here to watch the full presentations on our YouTube channel.
