Why refresh now? 

1. Family visits & holiday events – First impressions matter. Updated furniture transforms lobbies, dining rooms, and gathering areas into welcoming spaces for visitors.
2. Maximize your 2025 budget – Use remaining funds on high-impact updates before year-end. 
3. Start the new year strong – Quick refreshes create a positive tone for residents and staff heading into 2026. 

Room-by-room inspiration: Holiday-ready spaces

Tips for a holiday-ready lobby 

• Walk through your lobby as a guest would and identify the furniture that looks most worn or outdated and prioritize those updates. 
• Arrange seating into cozy, conversational clusters where families can comfortably connect. 
• Use accent tables or consoles to add both convenience and design interest. 
• Choose finishes and upholstery in warm neutrals or wood tones for a timeless, holiday-ready look. 
• Always balance design with accessibility, ensuring pathways and seating options support residents’ mobility needs. 

Dining spaces: Celebrate in style 

The dining room is the heart of holiday gatherings — and one of the most photographed spaces. A refreshed, inviting dining area creates lasting impressions. 

Quick-Ship solutions 

• Tables that work for every occasion: Round tables create intimacy, while rectangular setups support larger gatherings. Mixing formats allows your staff to flex the space depending on the event. 
• Chairs that combine comfort and durability: Upholstered chairs with easy-to-clean fabrics balance style with practicality, keeping residents and visitors comfortable during long meals. The Direct Supply® Quick-Ship dining program offers both wood and faux-wood metal dining chair frame options, putting the power of choice in your hands. You shouldn’t have to compromise on quality when ordering furniture on a tight timeline. 
• Finishes that fit the season: Warm-toned woods or sleek, neutral laminates provide a timeless backdrop that feels festive without requiring seasonal décor. 

Tips for dining updates

• Identify worn pieces: Start by replacing the furniture that shows the most wear — it will instantly elevate the room’s appearance. 
• Maximize flow: Arrange furniture to allow smooth traffic patterns for staff, residents, and visiting families. 
• Create gathering zones: Designate areas for small family meals and larger community events, using flexible furniture arrangements. 
• Don’t forget accessibility: Choose seating and tables that prioritize resident mobility, ensuring comfort and safety for all. 

Tips for walkway refreshes

• Think safety first: Ensure seating and tables are appropriately sized so they don’t block hallways or interfere with mobility equipment. 
• Add comfort where it counts: Place seating near elevators or at corridor intersections where residents naturally pause. 
• Create visual flow: Choose furniture finishes that coordinate with your lobby and dining areas, tying your design together from entry to elevator. 
• Update high-wear pieces: Replace worn benches or outdated chairs with Quick-Ship solutions that ship in 15–20 business days. 
• Blend style & functionality: Opt for senior-designed furniture that provides sturdy support while enhancing aesthetics. 

Artwork: Add personality and warmth 

Direct Supply offers a variety of Quick-Ship artwork options designed for senior living communities, making it easy to update walls before the holiday season. 

Quick-Ship solutions 

• Framed prints & photography: Timeless imagery in warm tones that complement Quick-Ship furniture finishes. 
• Coordinated collections: Curated sets of artwork to create cohesive design themes across lobbies, dining spaces, and corridors. 
• Durable materials: Senior living–grade framing and finishes designed for long-lasting beauty and easy maintenance. 
• Flexible sizing: Large-scale pieces to make a bold statement in lobbies, or smaller works to enhance walkways and elevator areas. 

Tips for artwork updates 

• Choose warm & inviting tones: Select artwork with rich, warm hues to subtly enhance the holiday atmosphere without feeling overly seasonal. 
• Think scale: In larger areas like lobbies, oversized art can serve as a focal point. In hallways, opt for a series of smaller pieces to guide residents and guests through the space. 
• Complement your furniture: Match artwork tones to Quick-Ship upholstery or finish selections for a polished, cohesive look. 
• Update high-visibility walls: Prioritize walls behind reception desks, in dining rooms, or adjacent to elevators where artwork gets the most views. 
• Keep it timeless: Select art that feels festive now but maintains appeal throughout the year, avoiding designs that feel tied to a single season. 

Your holiday refresh checklist 

• Focus on high-impact spaces – Start with lobbies, dining rooms, and walkways. 
• Replace worn pieces – Prioritize seating and tables most visible to families. 
• Layer in artwork – Add warm, inviting visuals to complete the look. 
• Keep finishes cohesive – Choose coordinating options across spaces. 
• Order early – Quick-Ship products typically ship in 15–20 business days, ensuring updates are in place before the first guest arrives. 

What is experiential design in senior living?

Experiential design in senior living goes beyond aesthetics. It focuses on how a space feels, how it flows and how it supports physical, emotional and cognitive health. It’s a strategic approach that:

• Encourages physical activity and cognitive stimulation
• Supports autonomy, comfort and daily routines
• Uses sensory cues — light, texture, sound and biophilia — to enhance well-being

For baby boomers, who expect more from retirement living, experiential design is a key differentiator.

Wellness design ideas for senior living communities in 2025

Today’s wellness spaces are immersive and multi-functional. They’re designed to engage body, mind and spirit — not just provide services.

Plan for holistic wellness

Use your community’s mission and resident needs to guide amenity choices:

• Independent living: Tai Chi, yoga or Pilates studios
• Memory care: Sensory rooms, art therapy or podiatry clinics
• Across the board: Natural light, air quality and acoustic design for comfort

Offer amenities that support active senior lifestyles

Design multi-use spaces that promote engagement, movement and enrichment:

• Game rooms and music studios
• Garden courtyards and greenhouses
• Tech lounges and libraries
• Meditation or mindfulness spaces

In-room wellness tip: Replace unused desks with personal fitness nooks to encourage daily movement.

Create sensory, interactive senior dining experiences

Dining is a core part of community life. Experiential design can elevate the experience:

• Resident-accessible kitchens allow seniors to participate in meal prep — blending, chopping and baking
• Outdoor dining areas connect residents with nature, improving mood and cognition

These features promote independence, connection and a sense of purpose.

Integrate smart wellness technology in senior living design

Forward-thinking communities are using technology to improve both care and quality of life:

• Connected health monitoring for safety and transparency
• Medication reminders and alerts for better adherence
• Smart lighting and climate controls for comfort and energy efficiency
• Robotics in dining and floor care to boost engagement and streamline operations

At Direct Supply^®, our Innovation & Technology Center is where we test these ideas to help communities stay ahead.

Why experiential design matters for the future of senior living

Done right, experiential design can transform your community’s identity and performance. It helps:

• Increase resident satisfaction and longevity
• Attract new, active older adults
• Differentiate your community in a competitive market

A senior living bistro is your community’s welcome mat

Create a space that works as hard as your team. With one set of equipment, your bistro can start the day as a cozy coffee bar and seamlessly transition into a wine bar or pub by evening. This adaptability maximizes your investment and keeps your community engaged.

Infuse personality with thoughtful design details. Rustic finishes like natural wood and brick add warmth and longevity, while evening themes — from sports décor to speakeasy style — invite gatherings. Use zoning strategies to define café, lounge, and bar areas. Pair flexible furniture with lighting shifts to guide residents and guests intuitively, from morning coffee to evening connections.

Key considerations when planning a senior living bistro in your community

1. Versatile layout and design

Design your bistro to adapt throughout the day. With one set of equipment, the space can transition from a cozy coffee bar in the morning to a wine bar or pub in the evening. This day-to-night flexibility maximizes your investment and increases engagement.

Infuse personality and visual interest with: 

• Pub atmosphere: Local sports décor or speakeasy themes invite evening gatherings. 

• Rustic touches: Natural materials like wood and brick bring warmth and longevity. 

• Consider zoning: Create distinct café, lounge, and bar areas with flexible furniture or lighting shifts. These subtle cues guide residents and guests to intuitively enjoy the space at different times of day — from morning coffee to evening gatherings. 

For inspiration, look to current senior dining trends or local landmarks to create a distinctive and inviting space.

2. Strategic location and accessibility

A bistro’s placement influences its success. Prioritize convenience and visibility to boost use and satisfaction:

• Outdoor connection: Position near patios or courtyards to encourage fresh-air dining and indoor-outdoor flow. 
• Central access: Locate near reception or staff hubs to simplify staffing, support residents with mobility challenges, and streamline service. 
• Community integration: Offer limited public access to nearby offices or medical campuses to generate ancillary revenue and reinforce your community as a neighborhood asset. 

3. Expand dining program flexibility with bistro equipment 

Modern bistro dining boosts your senior living foodservice with compact, efficient tools. Think beyond the kitchen:

• Ventless ovens and soup warmers allow for warm meals without full kitchen installs
• Grab-and-go refrigeration, POS systems, and menu boards improve service speed and convenience
• POS integration: Connect to your main kitchen’s point-of-sale system to offer made-to-order items without duplicating equipment.
• Digital menus: Electronic boards replace handwritten signs for effortless updates—perfect for weekly specials or themed events. 
• Barista-level coffee: Invest in high-quality machines or partner with a recognized brand to elevate the coffee experience and drive beverage revenue.

Balance variety and simplicity. A concise menu of three to five signature sandwiches, two soup options, and rotating pastries keeps costs manageable while satisfying diverse tastes.

4. Strengthen community ties and drive visibility

A bistro is more than a place to eat; it’s a hub for social programming. Encourage your life enrichment team to host: 

• Coffee chats: Themed discussions (current events, travel memories, creative writing) that foster connection. 

• Book clubs: Pair with light refreshments and comfortable seating for a relaxed literary setting. 

• Game nights: Card games, board games, or trivia nights encourage friendly competition and laughter. 

• Craft workshops: Small-group sessions such as cookie decorating, tasting flights, or wine-and-cheese pairings. 

These programs support both social and cognitive engagement, reinforcing resident well-being and enhancing the perceived value of your community. 

Case study: Foulk Living bistro remodel 

Foulk’s dining room before & after renovation

In 2024, Life Care Services partnered with Direct Supply Aptura to remodel the Foulk Living bistro in Wilmington, DE. The goal was to create a vibrant, multi-purpose lounge that aligned with LCS’s hospitality-focused vision. 

Changes made: Bold artwork, lively fabrics, and a modular layout allowed the space to shift from morning coffee shop to evening wine bar. A large bar with a big-screen TV now anchors the area for casual lunches, happy hours, and game nights. 

Results: The redesign of Foulk’s bistro earned a bronze American Society of Interior Design award in the specialty category. Resident satisfaction scores rose by 25 percent, and occupancy neared 100 percent within six months of opening. ³ Families returned more often, and staff reported higher morale thanks to the efficient, welcoming environment. 

Foulk’s bistro after renovation

Budgeting and ROI considerations 

When budgeting your bistro project, include costs for:

• Professional service fees and required permits (architects, engineers, designers)
• Equipment purchases or lease (coffee machines, ovens, display cases)
• Furniture, fixtures, and décor
• Technology (POS system, digital signage)
• Staff training and program development

Estimate a return on investment by projecting beverage and snack sales, catering for events, and potential public-access revenue. Most communities see payback on a modest bistro remodel within a reasonable timeframe, through increased occupancy and ancillary income. 

The bottom line

Bistros offer more than coffee. They create connections, boost resident satisfaction, and elevate your community’s marketability. When designed for adaptability, strategic placement, and efficient operations, they become high-impact spaces that support resident engagement, census growth, and positive brand reputation. 

Ready to transform your community? Contact Direct Supply’s senior living design experts today to plan a bistro that delivers lasting value, enhances daily life, and sets your community apart. 

Download the eBook for More 

For more trends like this one, download the free ebook. Inside, Direct Supply’s design and construction experts walk through the top trends in Senior Living for 2025, including:

• Destination Living – Turning communities into vibrant retreats with hospitality-inspired design.
• Sustainability & Long-Term Efficiency – Designing for safety, health, and eco-conscious living.
• Authentic Living Spaces – Celebrating individuality, cultural heritage, and natural design elements.
• Wellness-Centric Design – Supporting wholistic health and well-being through thoughtful environments.
• Quiet Luxury – Blending refined aesthetics with versatile functionality.

Our Senior Living Experts

Transform Your Community with Resident-Centered Furniture Solutions

Looking to create spaces that stand out and make a meaningful impact? Download our Senior Living Furniture Guide for tailored insights into furniture designed specifically for senior living environments. Discover room-by-room solutions that not only enhance comfort, safety, and style but also meet the unique needs of your residents and staff.

This guide provides expert recommendations on high-durability, easy-to-clean pieces that bring together functionality and aesthetics. Plus, with options like supportive armrests and mobility-friendly casters, you’ll find choices that promote resident independence and streamline staff workflow. Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your spaces and boost community appeal—download the guide today to start planning for a more engaging, efficient environment.

Challenge

Crestwood San Jose faced challenges with dated aesthetics, mismatched furniture and general wear-and-tear that affected functionality and ambiance of their space and did not align with the organization’s trauma informed and homelike environments. Crestwood sought to revitalize its space to promote a healing environment and improve quality of care.

Solution

Streamlined Procurement Process

Direct Supply implemented a streamlined procurement process that covered everything from product selection to the final installation touches, including debris removal. The process was designed to ensure that every detail was meticulously managed, aligning with the facility’s needs and budget constraints.

Revitalizing to Follow Trauma Informed Design

Crestwood has been revitalizing their facilities to follow trauma informed design. This involved creating homelike and healing environments. Laura Valdivia (Crestwood, Project Manager), selected Direct Supply as a partner to achieve their vision. Our team was able to help her find the right durable, commercial-grade furniture in soothing hues that would help Crestwood achieve their vision. This partnership resulted in a refreshed space that is conducive to healing and care, leveraging the practices of trauma informed design. 

After

Aesthetic and Functional Upgrades

The upgrade included aesthetic and functional enhancements to various areas within the facility:

• Revitalizing Office Spaces: Reconfigured workstations and selected contemporary FF&E to improve efficiency and aesthetics.
• Crafting a Tranquil Oasis in the Common Area: Introduced soft, plush seating and warm hues to create a comforting and inviting space.
• Enhancing the Training & Conference Room: Designed this space with adaptive furniture and intentional space planning to facilitate both training sessions and client programming.

After

Outcomes

• Enhanced Patient Experience: The renovation efforts led to the creation of a homelike, healing environment that significantly improves the patient experience.
• Improved Staff Efficiency: The reconfiguration of workspaces enabled staff to perform administrative tasks more effectively, allowing them to dedicate more time to patient care.
• Strengthened Partnership: Crestwood’s continued reliance on Direct Supply for their procurement needs underscores the strength of their partnership and the trust in Direct Supply’s ability to deliver.

Overall, the Crestwood team was very happy with the outcome that will benefit their patients for years.

After

Conclusion

Direct Supply’s intentional procurement solutions have significantly elevated the care environment at Crestwood, illustrating the profound impact of thoughtful and comprehensive procurement practices in healthcare settings. The partnership between Crestwood and Direct Supply continues to thrive, bringing hope and healing to the facility’s patients and staff.

Let Direct Supply help you modernize your space and bring hope and healing to your buildings, today!  🌟

Schedule a Free Consultation!

Contact us to streamline your project from start to finish. Stop chasing POs and help eliminate stress. Our customers rely on Direct Supply for an unmatched assortment of products and superior project management horsepower.

Transforming Senior Living: The Ruby Commons Story- A Story of Rejuvenation and Collaboration

Nestled in the vibrant community of Brookfield, Wisconsin, Ruby Commons (formerly Heritage Place) by Capri Communities stands as a testament to the beauty of rejuvenation and the power of meaningful collaboration. This Independent and Assisted Living Community boasts a perfect blend of comfort, safety and security, providing residents with environments that enable an active and social lifestyle. The journey of turning this outdated building into a bright and modern haven involved not just a renovation, but a partnership. 

A Partnership For Excellence: The Capri-Aptura Connection

Ruby Commons represents a noteworthy milestone in the partnership between Capri Communities and Direct Supply® Aptura®. Throughout their long-standing relationship, Aptura has predominantly supported Capri Communities’ new construction projects. Ruby Commons presented the opportunity for the two old friends to join forces on a different type of project: a renovation. 

Elevating Experiences: A Vision of Comfort and Resident Engagement

Ruby Commons was presented with a unique challenge: it needed to stand out in a market surrounded by new competitors. Schoenemann had a clear vision for the renovation project. The desired outcome was not just an aesthetic facelift; it was a revitalization that positively impacted the well-being and comfort of their residents.

Amy shared that the project aimed to revitalize the once-tired, outdated appearance of the facility. Residents were using the same spaces repeatedly and the areas lacked the individuality and character that Capri aspired to create. 

Resident Jeanie S. and her dog Cooper shared how the renovations have impacted them. 

The Beauty of Details: A Resident-Centric Approach

The attention to detail in Ruby Commons is a true testament to the care and consideration given to each aspect of every Aptura senior housing project. The project emphasizes the impact of crafting a meaningful living environment, evident in the thoughtfully designed hallways that honor local Milwaukee, Lake Geneva and northern Wisconsin landscapes. The innovative approach is taken in spaces such as the puzzle room, where careful attention to lighting and furniture arrangement revitalized residents’ interest in a beloved activity.

The Atrium, the center of the community, became a shining example of how design can change the ambiance of a room. The unique 26-foot high wall covering murals and the thoughtful use of natural light transformed it into a vibrant, welcoming hub that serves as the heartbeat of Ruby Commons. 

Ruby Commons’ Renovation Results: Increased Call Volume, Tours and Occupancy

The results speak for themselves. Ruby Commons, once outdated and surrounded by newer competitors, now shines as a beacon of modernity and comfort. The improved marketability, increased census and enhanced ROI show the tangible impact of the renovation. The community’s weekly call volume has increased from 1.2 to 11.4 calls per week and tour generation has increased from 1.2 tours to 3.2 tours per week. Cindy Robinson, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Capri Communities, has seen these dramatic changes firsthand:

Capri’s recommendation of Direct Supply Aptura isn’t just a professional endorsement; it’s a testament to the unique blend of design, attention to detail and ongoing commitment to service that is brought to every project.

2023 Design Trends in Senior Living

Planning for an Influx of Seniors

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, it is projected that the U.S. population over 85 years of age will more than double in the next 20 years. This is a glimmer of hope when contrasted with the current state of occupancy rates and related financial pressure.

With global supply shortages, rising labor costs, and heightened interest rates heading in to 2023; many Senior Living providers are looking for ways to relieve the pressure on direct care employees by incorporating purpousful design and integrated technology.  

Consider blending these design trends and technology systems into your interior design:  

• Robotics are an up-and-coming solution to combat rising labor costs and staff shortages. Automated technology promote on-demand delivery for resident and caregiver needs.  
• Intentional memory care design can increase resident engagement and decrease staff workload. Sticking to light colors, simple patterns, and visual prompts like the Artline Framed 3D Textured Panels can help guide residents and make home feel a little more like home

Download the eBook for More 

For more trends like this one, download the free ebook. Inside, Direct Supply’s design and construction experts walk through the top trends in Senior Living for 2023, including: 

• Enhancing Resident and Staff Well-being
• New Senior-Specific Furnishings
• Intentional Memory Care Design
• Reducing Resident Room Occupancy
• Integrating Technology and Design
• 70s-Inspired Decor
• Colors for 2023

Our Senior Living Experts

Success in Senior Living Renovation or New Construction Projects Starts With Effective Strategic Planning

Great project outcomes come with good project planning. We know that isn’t an easy task, but when embarking on a reposition, renovation or new construction project, planning helps reduce risk and accelerate project execution. Gaurie Rodman, Direct Supply Aptura’s Development Services Director and strategic pre-construction planning expert, shares her insight on how ensuring a proper plan up-front can greatly help improve your return on investment and boost census.

“Planning is fundamental. In this industry, we do not have the luxury to make mistakes. When embarking upon a capital investment, one must be very thoughtful about what the priorities of that investment are, since we know that cost is going to be a challenge of that construction or renovation project. Decisions must be clear and must also allow for flexibility. The trick is, you cannot be flexible without first thinking through what your exact priorities are.”

Download the Q&A with Director of Planning and
Senior Living Expert, Gaurie Rodman

The Senior Living industry is seeing acquisition activity bounce back. Senior housing occupancy in the United States reached a record low in the beginning of 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Strategic planning is essential to improve occupancy rates. Planning as a risk management tool will allow you to manage any execution, timeline and budget risk. Planning is another tool in your arsenal that ensures your investment is sound.

As you begin reinvigorating your renovation projects, construction projects or acquisitions, you can rely on Direct Supply Aptura. Backed by 300+ renovation and new construction projects completed each year and over 35 years of Senior Living experience, we offer award-winning planning, design, procurement and construction services to help you boost census, safety and operational efficiency, providing unparalleled return on investment.

In this Q&A, Rodman answers commonly asked questions about the planning process and suggests what to consider upfront so that your Senior Living project stays successful for years to come. 

Who is part of the Senior Living caregiver team in your community? 

1. Senior Living Caregiver Team: Staff

Obviously, the staff who work in your community are the point people on your caregiver team. They work tirelessly to care for residents 24/7. Most Senior Living providers are paying their staff overtime hours and some are relying on agency or temp staff. Staff are quickly becoming burnt out and overworked. 

Equip your communities with the right technology to ease the burden on your caregiver staff. Robotic technology is no longer a future solve – the future is now. Rely on robotics for final mile delivery in your senior housing dining rooms. Physically cut down on the steps you require staff to take, ultimately saving time, money and reducing burden, by using a robot to bring food from the kitchen to the dining room. Communities that are piloting these systems are seeing great results; even residents are enjoying them. 

In the kitchen, robots can be used to fulfill repetitive movements and simple tasks like flipping burgers, making pancakes or filling salad bowls. High-tech robots exist to complete custom orders of salads or smoothies. Learn more about technology for the future of Senior Living. 

Contact our technology design experts to learn how these systems can future-proof your communities and reduce the burden on Senior Living staff. 

DS smart® technology helps staff optimizes the vitals documentation workflow. This tech lets bluetooth-enabled equipment wirelessly transfer EMR data to your EMR software instantly.

The mental and physical health of your staff directly impacts the mental and physical health of your residents. Keep your Senior Living community caregiver team healthy by caring for your staff properly. The needs of staff must be met to adequately meet the needs of residents. Like a parent putting their oxygen mask on first in an airplane, for optimal resident care staff must be cared for first. Read more about senior living design tipes for the heathcare worker shortage. 

2.  Senior Living Caregiver Team: Residents 

Residents in your communities play a large role on the caregiver team. Senior Living resident engagement starts with resident to resident interactions. Design spaces that allow for residents to commune together. Read about engagement spaces that foster memorable experiences for seniors. 

Residents serve the caregiver team in a more tangible sense, too. There are numerous jobs residents can take on – giving them purpose and reducing the work for Senior Living staff. 

Consider putting out a resident survey to determine which residents are interested in taking on a job at the community and offer them simple tasks. 

Do a few residents want to water the plants in the common spaces? Is there a committee of residents who would like to plan your next social activity? Is one of your residents a retired art teacher or history buff? Would they enjoy leading a class for their peers? Get creative when considering how your residents play a part in the caregiver team.

3. Senior Living Caregiver Team: The Surrounding Community 

There are various was to engage the surrounding community. Community volunteers for Senior Living facilities are an extension of the caregiver team that should not be overlooked. Start first with your resident’s loved ones and family members. They are already invested deeply in the success of your community. 

If your community has a bistro or café, opening it to the public will boost resident enjoyment of the space. The buzz of a busy coffee shop would increase Senior Living resident engagement. 

Invite a local art teacher or yoga instructor to your community to lead a class. Encourage students in your community to volunteer in the kitchen, during craft time or during other community activities. 

“My dog, Holmes, and I volunteer at local senior housing communities. I am one of many types of volunteers that visit. Being in the pet program, I meet with residents who enjoy animals. Other volunteers include musicians, readers and friendly visitors. I’ve noticed that incorporating various types of volunteers to meet residents’ interests helps create a sense of agency and connection. It’s really heartwarming to see the extension of the community through volunteers.”

Discover other tips for resident engagement and community volunteers opportunities.

4. Senior Living Caregiver Team: Your Building Itself

In the COVD-19 pandemic, whole building health was emphasized more than ever in the Senior Living industry. Trends exposed by the pandemic have lead to buildings themselves being a necessary part of the Senior Living caregiver team.  

When you think of your building as a caregiver, first consider the layout of your building.

• Is your space set up in a way that helps or hurts the people living and working inside?
• Does the flow of your entrance way lend to efficient guest check in or package delivery services? 
• Are staff entering your building into a shared resident space? 

All of these questions, and more, should be considered to make the most effective use of your space. 

Our interior design experts recommend taking note of all staff workflows that occur in a space when renovating. That way, you are able to keep efficiency front of mind when laying out the flow of each room. 

Your visitor’s entrance is a great place to implement time-saving technology that boosts infection prevention. Technology supports the visitation experience and promotes staff efficiency, infection prevention and safety. Automated screening kiosks using temperature scanners or biometric screening devices allow visitors to passively have their temperature taken and complete required screening questions, minimizing the need for a staff member to conduct these checks. 

“Creating a separate locker room with showers, very similar to something you might see at your gym, would allow the employees to decontaminate and store their personal belongings away from residents. Uniforms could also be provided as an extra added safety measure. These uniforms could be laundered and hung in the locker rooms for staff at the start of their shift.”

There are endless ways to optimize your building as a caregiver. Along with a good ventilation system, ensure clean air is always flowing through your space with Needlepoint Bipolar Ionization (NPBI™). NPBI reduces certain viruses, bacteria and odors. Studies show that Needlepoint Bipolar Ionization technology inactivates up to 98.33% of SARS-CoV-2.³ Users experienced up to 41% reduced risk of COVID-19 infection in their buildings with NPBI.⁴ 

TELS Building Services offers tailored building health with 24/7 live support from our specialists. Leverage TELS Platform to request services and quotes, record service history and provide consolidated visibility into services spend. Access local technicians specially coached to service Senior Living communities. Learn more about TELS. 

Direct Supply is dedicated to innovative solutions to optimize your Senior Living caregiver team. Located in downtown Milwaukee, the Innovation & Technology Center (ITC) is the dedicated arm of Direct Supply where improving existing technology and developing forward-thinking innovations related to senior health is the top priority. Visit the ITC. 

The Bottom Line:
Senior Living Engagement: Everyone in the Community Plays a Role

There are more caregivers in your building than just your staff members. Incorporate labor saving technology that optimizes whole building health. Tap into your residents and the surrounding community to achieve optimal resident engagement and total community success.

Contact our Senior Living architect, interior and foodservice design experts to help you get started implementing these strategies in your community today.

For more trends in Senior Living design, download the 2022 Design Trends in Senior Living eBook.