By: Liz Jensen

Clinical Director, Direct Supply 

Senior living is entering a new era, and care leaders are rising to meet the challenge with a renewed focus on human connection. 

The pressure on care teams has never been higher. The population of older adults is growing faster than the available workforce. Clinical needs are becoming more complex, and expectations from families, payors, and regulators are increasing. In response, senior living nurse executives are taking bold action. They are leading a digital care transformation built not around technology itself, but around people. 

These leaders are redesigning how care is delivered and documented. They are using data and digital tools to protect staff, improve resident outcomes, and ensure long-term sustainability. The goal is not to layer on more software. It is to align technology and clinical judgment into one integrated system that drives better care. 

Embracing newer technology designed for senior living 

Skilled nursing centers have been using electronic health records (EHRs) for 20+ years, but in Assisted Living/Memory Care communities, it’s relatively newer than technology. Early adopters had limited options available to them; modules adapted from skilled nursing solutions, or platforms built on features that were added to an existing CRM or billing system. Within the last 5 years, new solutions, built specifically for Assisted Living/Memory Care users, are giving nursing executives and leaders improved experiences and new ways of re-designing their care models with data not previously available to them.  

“They’re not just buying more software or signing new contracts. They’re redesigning how care gets delivered, coordinated, and documented in their communities.”  

Today’s forward-thinking executives are shifting their focus. Instead of chasing features, they are asking deeper questions. Does this solution help my team make better decisions? Will it reduce their workload or add to it? Is it built for our environment, or is it a generic tool trying to fit where it doesn’t belong? 

The answers to these questions are shaping investment decisions across the industry. Many providers are moving away from one-size-fits-all solutions. They are choosing systems built specifically for their care settings. These systems are easier to use, better aligned with daily workflows, and more effective in supporting real clinical judgment. 

Four strategies powering digital care transformation

Digital care transformation is not a single project or platform. It is a strategic shift happening across four essential areas of senior living operations.

1. Connected information

Data is only useful if it’s accurate, accessible, and aligned with how care teams work. That’s why nurse leaders are investing in systems that reduce redundancy and eliminate duplicate entry. This creates one reliable source of truth for resident information. 

Purpose-built platforms, like DS smart®,  ensure that the right data flows to the right people at the right time, helping staff respond faster and more effectively. 

2. Smarter workflows and clinical judgment

Smarter workflows and clinical judgment start with technology that truly supports the care team. Nurse executives are looking for tools that support both the knowledge and skills involved in clinical judgment-noticing changes, acting quickly, and communicating clearly with others. 

The Notice – Act – Communicate framework is core to clinical judgement. Technology can play an important role in generating and capturing data needed to inform platform algorithms and user insights for nurses. It reduces missed changes, and gives nurses and CNAs the confidence that their tools are helping, not hindering, care delivery. 

3. An empowered workforce

Time is the most valuable resource in senior living. Staff need tools that give it back. That’s why automation, robotics, and mobile documentation are gaining traction. These solutions take on repetitive tasks and reduce documentation burden, so clinical teams can spend more time where it matters most, with the people they care for. 

Technology is helping nurses and CNAs work at the top of their license. It is also helping organizations rethink roles, responsibilities, and workflows. By reducing the friction of daily tasks, providers are building more resilient care teams and reducing burnout. 

4. Better outcomes and long-term sustainability

Digital tools must deliver results. Nurse executives are focused on reducing safety events, lowering rehospitalizations, and preparing for new models of value-based care. But they are also thinking about sustainability. Every new investment must hold up to real-world demands, from training and implementation to long-term use at scale. 

Cost is more than a line item. It includes change management, staff readiness, and integration with existing systems. Providers are seeking solutions that reduce complexity instead of adding it. They want fewer devices and fewer logins. They are looking for a more unified platform that streamlines the entire care experience. 

Why it matters for the future of senior living 

This digital transformation is deeply human. The goals are clear:  
1. Make it easier for clinical teams to do their best work, caring for residents  
2. Help residents live with dignity, safety, and connection 
3. Build systems that will support the next generation of senior living 

Every nurse, CNA, and team member brings heart and dedication to their work. Our responsibility as their technology-driven solutions provider is to design technology that respects that commitment. When we reduce friction, build smarter tools, and lead with empathy, we unlock better outcomes for everyone.  

Why robotics matters in senior living 

Robotics is a proven model of workforce augmentation through filling gaps, not replacing caregivers. By automating repetitive, time-consuming tasks, communities return valuable time to caregivers so they can focus on what matters most: caring for seniors. 

 “If people come in and they say, ‘Robotics is doing all of the dull, dirty tasks around the building and it’s freeing up caregivers to actually spend time interacting with residents’ That’s a building I’d be in.“

With the right tools, communities can: 

• Relieve staffing shortages. 
• Improve efficiency with floor cleaning robots and delivery automation. 
• Reduce burnout with smarter workflows. 
• Prepare for the future of senior living with scalable technology. 

Practical applications of healthcare technology today 

Technology in healthcare has rapidly advanced in the last decade, and robotics is a leading example. These are not futuristic prototypes, they’re available, proven solutions already delivering measurable impact in care environments. 

• Delivery robotics: Food service robots like Servi Plus transport meals, linens, and supplies, saving staff hours each week. 
• Environmental services (EVS robotics): Solutions like Whiz by SoftBank Robotics America reduce repetitive labor and reallocate time toward higher-value engagement with residents. 

As one staff member explained after adoption: “Whiz helps us keep the hallways and common areas clean so we can focus more on resident care.” 

Results in action 

Direct Supply partnered with Sabra Healthcare REIT to pilot cleaning robots in senior living communities. The results were clear: 

• Performance: Over 1.2 million square feet of space cleaned, saving nearly 300 hours of manual labor. 
• Consistency: Routine cleaning reduced debris and boosted confidence in daily hygiene. 
• Labor reallocation: Staff redirected time toward direct care and resident engagement. 
• Resident experience: One resident shared, “It’s nice to know the carpets are getting cleaned every day, not just when someone has time.” 

These outcomes prove that robotics is both a workforce extender and a resident-experience enhancer. And the impact didn’t stop there. What started as a two-community pilot quickly grew across Sabra’s portfolio. The investment proved its value, delivering consistent, reliable cleaning that eases the burden on staff, delights residents, and scales seamlessly across communities. Robotics is no longer an experiment; it’s a proven strategy to strengthen portfolios and create lasting operational value. 

Preparing for the future of senior living 

Adopting new healthcare technology isn’t just about solving today’s problems, it’s about preparing for tomorrow’s realities. Designing spaces ready for healthcare technology trends like robotics will be essential. 

 “By the time a new building opens, it might be too late to redesign for robotics. You have to make sure your building is ready for adoption, even if you’re not adopting yet, you probably will in the next 10 years.“

Forward-thinking providers will gain an edge by extending workforce capacity without adding headcount, enhancing resident satisfaction with consistent and reliable service, and reducing operational costs through scalable automation. At the same time, they will build a culture of innovation that attracts both residents and staff, positioning their communities as leaders prepared for the future of senior living. 

The bottom line 

The future of senior living will be shaped by providers who act today. Robotics allows communities to close the care gap, protect staff well-being, and elevate the resident experience. 

“We’re not asking you to change the world today, just try something. Because if you don’t, you are going to fall behind the people that are.” 

– Justin Smith, Senior Innovation and Technology Manager 

Robotics isn’t just about machines, it’s about creating communities where technology supports compassion, dignity, and human connection. 

Inpatient psychiatric care – prioritizing safety and compliance 

Inpatient psychiatric care delivers the most intensive level of support, with 24/7 clinical oversight in secure environments. Every design choice should focus on behavioral safety and meeting JCAHO behavioral health standards to protect individuals receiving care and the care team. 

Patient rooms at this level benefit from ligature resistant products, tamper-proof behavioral health beds, and durable mental health furniture designed to reduce self-harm risks. Shatter-resistant fixtures and easy-to-clean surfaces support infection control, while meeting behavioral health furniture requirements ensures long-term safety and performance. 

Incorporating trauma informed design principles, such as calming color palettes, controlled acoustics, natural light, and clear sightlines, creates an environment that feels safe without feeling institutional. This combination of behavioral health construction standards and healing by design strategies can enhance both safety and recovery. 

Residential treatment – balancing comfort and control 

Residential treatment provides structured care in a less restrictive setting than inpatient programs. Often part of behavioral assisted living or behavioral health assisted living communities, these environments must feel both safe and welcoming.  

Access to nature plays an important role in recovery. Gardens, courtyards, and walking paths are powerful tools in a healing environment, supporting emotional well-being and independence. Combining behavioral health design guide standards with personalized touches can make residential programs more effective and restorative. 

Partial hospitalization and day programs – designing for flexibility 

Partial hospitalization and day programs (PHPs) offer structured, intensive therapy during the day while allowing individuals to return home in the evening. These settings require behavioral health facility design that supports a range of activities, from large group sessions to one-on-one therapy. 

Spaces must be adaptable. Rooms that can quickly transition from group discussions to private consultations improve efficiency and comfort. Incorporating healing spaces like sensory rooms, mindfulness areas, and art studios supports varied therapeutic approaches. Natural light, noise control, and visual privacy contribute to a trauma informed environment that helps individuals feel safe and respected. 

Because many PHPs operate in adaptive reuse projects, design must address safety retrofits, accessibility, and code compliance. Done well, these reimagined spaces can align with modern psychiatric hospital design trends while maintaining cost efficiency. 

Outpatient care – creating community-based healing spaces 

Outpatient care is the least restrictive level of psychiatric support and often serves as a step-down from higher levels or an entry point for individuals seeking help. These services are frequently located in adaptive reuse projects, such as renovated retail or office spaces transformed into behavioral health clinics. 

Design at this level should make care approachable and stigma-free. Mental health interior design should focus on comfort and accessibility, while integrating discreet behavioral safety features and secure mental health furniture. Warm colors, natural elements, and intuitive wayfinding all help create a trauma informed environment that welcomes individuals into care. 

Because outpatient programs rely on community integration, public-facing spaces like lobbies should feel open and inviting. Adding healing spaces such as quiet rooms or group lounges reinforces the idea that behavioral health care is collaborative, empowering, and built around individual needs. 

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. 

Why baby boomers aren’t moving in 

For decades, the industry has anticipated the arrival of baby boomers. And many communities are still waiting. COVID-19, rising construction costs, labor challenges and interest rates present real barriers, but the deeper issue remains clear: 

Baby boomers aren’t satisfied with what’s currently being offered. 

Boomers, and Generation X ,are redefining aging. They don’t view senior housing as a last resort. Instead, they seek vibrant lifestyles with meaningful experiences. If we as an industry keep building and designing for what worked for generations past, we risk alienating a generation that thinks differently. Instead, we need to value what our new audience values: independence and aspirational living. 

Moving from need-based to aspirational living 

Historically, seniors have transitioned into senior housing following a crisis: a health event, isolation, or loss of support. But what if we flipped that model? What if seniors chose to enter communities earlier, healthier, and enthusiastic about their future? 

This requires rethinking our value proposition as an industry. Instead of marketing communities as safe havens, present them as places for growth, where discreet technology supports proactive care, individuals pursue their passions, and personalized wellness plans promote health span, not just lifespan. 

 “People deserve dignity as they age. We need to shift the narrative.”

– Gaurie Rodman (Vice President – Real Estate Strategy and Development)

Designing communities for wellness and joy 

From culinary experiences to virtual travel and social engagement, expectations for senior housing are higher than ever. Communities must evolve beyond simply providing care. They need to become cultural hubs, wellness centers, and social connectors that focus on holistic wellness, including: 

• Effective, discreet physical health support 
• Emotional wellness through meaningful social connection 
• Cognitive engagement through purposeful activities 
• Purpose-driven opportunities to inspire individuals daily 

All of this must be integrated into environments that don’t feel like “nursing homes” of the past. Human-centric design should be intuitive, inclusive, and dignified, reflecting the lifestyle baby boomers want. 

“It doesn’t have to be the Taj Mahal of the world, but we can take the 40-year-old building in the heart of a community and actually looking at it with the right lens, transform it to serve the community that it’s trying to serve.” 

Leveraging technology and innovation to meet shifting needs 

To meet evolving consumer expectations while addressing operational and staffing challenges, operators must lean into technology, innovation, robotics, and AI. Embedded, invisible healthcare systems, predictive monitoring, and digital engagement tools can preserve dignity while proactively supporting health. Robotics and automation can help ease staffing pressures, while AI can anticipate resident needs and connect them with services, experiences, and community members in real time. 

“We need to make sure all the pillars, including health, wellness, affinity-based living, and meaningful experiences, align in the same community. Embedded technology and invisible healthcare should be the standard and a given in creating vibrant, purposeful living.” 

This approach not only enhances the resident experience but also enables the development of consumer-aligned, affordable housing models, ensuring communities remain accessible and competitive in a changing market. 

Time for a new narrative 

By listening deeply, designing with empathy, and building with purpose, we can create remarkable communities accessible at every income level. This new generation wants environments that feel like home and honor both independence and community. 

The future of senior care depends on operators reframing the approach to human-centric design. That future begins today. The most successful operators will lean into their community’s unique strengths to transform operating models, meeting consumers where they are and delivering what they truly value. 

The essentials of JCAHO behavioral health accreditation 

The Joint Commission evaluates behavioral health programs against rigorous criteria that promote patient safety, quality improvement, and regulatory compliance. Key focus areas include: 

• Environment of care: ensure ligature risks are removed, exits stay secure, and approved ligature resistant products are in place
• Safety and security: deploy behavioral safety products such as break-resistant fixtures and tamper-proof hardware
• Patient rights and ethics: support dignity with private rooms, clear signage, and trauma informed design choices

Adhering to these standards safeguards accreditation and positions your organization as a leader in patient-centered care. 

Designing for compliance: from construction to furnishings 

Adaptive reuse

Convert existing structures faster by adding biophilic elements and flexible room typologies that meet JCAHO criteria. 

Materials and finishes 

Use non-glare lighting, calming color palettes, and continuous surfaces to reduce stress triggers. Install recessed shelving, concealed hinges, and rounded-edge countertops to eliminate hazards without compromising aesthetics. 

Integrating trauma informed design 

Apply a trauma informed design checklist to boost compliance and wellbeing: 

• Choice and control: offer adjustable lighting, temperature controls, and bedside privacy shades 
• Predictability: use standardized layouts and clear wayfinding to lower anxiety 
• Sensory considerations: add acoustic panels, soft textiles, and nature-inspired art for a healing atmosphere 

These strategies support the continuum of care from inpatient psychiatric units to behavioral assisted living environments. 

Levels of care & JCAHO requirements 

Different levels of care require tailored design strategies: 

Key JCAHO focus areas

Ligature resistant design, rapid egress, advanced monitoring 

Homelike environment, supervised autonomy, communal spaces

Flexible multipurpose areas, private counseling spaces 

Monitoring, maintenance, and continuous improvement 

JCAHO surveys are ongoing. Build a quality management plan that includes: 

• Routine safety audits: inspect ligature resistant products, test door hardware, review escape routes 
• Staff training: coach teams on behavioral health risks, equipment use, and emergency protocols 
• Individual feedback: collect input on care environments to guide design updates 

A robust plan keeps your facility compliant and responsive to evolving behavioral health strategies. 

Emerging trends in behavioral health design 

Stay ahead with innovations that enhance care and compliance: 

• Smart room technology: integrate environmental sensors for air quality, temperature, and movement 
• Modular and prefab construction: deploy mental health units that adapt to changing volumes 
• Biophilic and healing-by-design: maximize natural materials, daylight, and views of greenery 

By weaving these trends into your behavioral health design guide, you reinforce compliance and foster transformative patient experiences. 

 “As of 2025, we are housing our most vulnerable senior population, in facilities of which 60% are over 30 years old. The aging infrastructure of these communities, compounded by an increase in more impactful weather situations (forest fires, flooding, hurricanes, tornadoes or ice storms), has seen a rise in government mandates requiring facility upgrades. The safety and security of elders is critical; the challenge becomes how we plan, execute and pay for required and necessary improvements.”

Understanding the regulatory landscape 

Regulations often follow crises like hurricanes, floods, wildfires, and ice storms that expose vulnerabilities in aging facilities. After Hurricane Irma, Florida’s mandate for 96 hours of backup generator power for skilled nursing facilities became a blueprint now echoed in other states. Likewise, new assisted living facility regulations are emerging nationwide, aimed at fortifying disaster preparedness and ensuring uninterrupted resident care. 

The realities of implementation 

1. Underestimated costs & capital expenditure

Many state legislators undervalue the true scope of capital expenditure needed for compliance. California initially projected $20,000–$50,000 per facility for emergency power, but actual costs frequently approach $200,000–$500,000 when factoring in engineering, permitting, and installation of multiple backup generators.

2. Supply chain constraints

When thousands of communities race to meet new backup generator regulations, demand outstrips supply. Equipment shortages and labor scarcity delay projects, undermining both compliance and disaster preparedness efforts. 

3. Tight timelines & permitting

Regulatory compliance timelines often don’t align with providers’ maintenance and capital-expenditure schedules, which typically allow only 12–18 months to comply. That window is insufficient for a multi-phase rollout, site surveys, design, permitting, and commissioning, creating a compressed schedule that elevates risk and can lead to costly fines.

Funding challenges & Medicaid reimbursement 

Most mandates arrive without dedicated funding, leaving operators to shoulder the financial burden. Only a handful of states, California among them, integrate certain capital expenditure into their Medicaid reimbursement models. Even there, providers must navigate complex Medicaid reimbursement rates that vary by facility size, acuity level, and service mix. For the majority of communities, securing grants, loans, or alternative financing becomes essential to move projects forward. 

How Direct Supply is responding and what we can do to help 

Operators face significant challenges balancing mandated upgrades with daily operations, especially when resources are limited. Direct Supply provides scalable expertise, including: 

Managing supply chains to deliver essential equipment promptly.

Our TELS™ Building Management platform, combined with a 25,000-technician nationwide field services network, coordinates installation, commissioning, and compliance verification from site survey to final inspection, shrinking the window from mandate to operation.

Preparing for ongoing regulatory evolution 

Regulatory mandates will continue to proliferate, and extend beyond skilled nursing into assisted living, memory care, and beyond. Robust risk management and proactive regulatory compliance strategies are no longer optional; they are essential pillars of operational excellence. 

Direct Supply stands ready to partner with your community, helping you transform regulatory requirements into cost-effective, resilience-building initiatives. By aligning project planning with reimbursement insights, capital funding pathways, and industry best practices, we ensure compliance becomes a strategic advantage rather than an obstacle. 

Spatial layout and room typologies 

Thoughtful floor plans in behavioral health facility design help you offer levels of mental health care and behavioral health levels of care tailored to each individual’s needs. 

Semi-private layouts maximize capacity with clear sightlines and easy staff access while maintaining distinct privacy zones. 

Safety first finishes and fixtures 

Select ligature resistant products such as recessed lighting, tamper resistant door hardware, and break-away shelving to meet JCAHO behavioral health standards. Choose behavioral health furniture requirements that feature rounded corners, impact resistant materials, and fixed anchors to prevent injury. Direct Supply’s casegoods, beds, and mattresses offer tested performance to address safety concerns like entrapment risks and self-harm, without compromising comfort or functionality. Smooth, continuous wall surfaces eliminate hidden anchorage points and reduce behavioral health risks, supporting a healing by design approach. 

Lighting and technology integration 

Circadian lighting systems mimic natural daylight cycles to support sleep regulation and mood for individuals receiving care. Environmental controls at the bedside empower choice and control, a core tenet of trauma informed design principles. Integrate mental health services with smart window films and discreet nurse call panels to streamline workflows and minimize clutter, creating a truly modern mental hospital room. 

Biophilic and therapeutic elements 

Incorporate wood-look accents, stone veneers, and living green walls to bring restorative natural finishes indoors. Artwork and murals featuring nature-inspired themes reduce stress, encourage engagement, and support a therapeutic environment. Biophilic design integrated into mental health interior design has been shown to improve recovery metrics and foster a sense of calm in behavioral assisted living facilities and beyond. 

Technology enabled care 

Combine integrated nurse call and wireless monitoring systems to streamline emergency response and reduce room clutter. Smart window films provide on-demand privacy without heavy curtains or blinds, maintaining clear escape routes. These behavioral safety products support both operational efficiency and patient dignity while aligning with broader behavioral safety strategies. 

Acoustics and privacy 

Install sound-absorbing ceiling panels and acoustic wall treatments to limit noise transfer and protect confidentiality. Design deferred alcoves or quiet corners where individuals receiving care can retreat for personal reflection or one-on-one therapy. These privacy zones contribute to a supportive therapeutic environment and uphold trauma informed design principles. 

The realities of implementation 

Trauma informed design

Grounded in trauma informed design principles; a therapeutic environment reduces triggers and empowers patients. By acknowledging how colors, textures and layout affect stress levels (trauma informed environment), facilities can foster safety and autonomy.

Healing by design

Research shows that healing by design, integrating nature, comfort and privacy, speeds recovery and lowers behavioral health risks. From adaptive reuse projects that transform old schools into modern psychiatric hospital rooms to purpose-built behavioral health construction, the emphasis is on reducing institutional feel and increasing warmth.

Core elements of therapeutic furniture 

Safety first – ligature-resistant products & behavioral safety products

Furniture for mental health settings must meet strict behavioral health furniture requirements, including ligature-resistant products and behavioral safety products. These components protect against self-harm without sacrificing comfort. 

Comfort & function – behavioral health bed & seating 

Specialized behavioral health beds designed for restraint reduction and soft-edge seating support patient mobility and dignity. Integrating mental health furniture that cushions rather than confines helps maintain a calm atmosphere.

Applying trauma-informed building design 

Checklist for trauma informed building 

• Visibility: Clear sightlines for staff without compromising privacy 
• Control: Patient access to personal storage and adjustable lighting, creating a safe therapeutic environment 
• Consistency: Durable finishes and ligature-resistant fixtures for predictable, calming surroundings 
• Choice: A variety of seating options, from lounge chairs to reclining therapeutic sofas, allow personal preference 

Mental health design trends

Biophilic elements such as indoor plants and natural materials reduce anxiety. Color psychology, soft blues and greens, supports relaxation.  

Integrating behavioral health furniture in facility design 

Behavioral health facility design

Work with a behavioral health design guide to ensure that all furniture, from psychiatric room tables to nursing station counters, meets JCAHO behavioral health standards. In modern psychiatric hospital layouts, thoughtfully placed furniture can delineate spaces for therapy, socialization, and solitude.

Adaptive reuse in mental health settings 

Converting old office buildings into mental hospital rooms reduces cost and community stigma. Adaptive reuse projects can incorporate existing architecture while inserting healing spaces, fit with custom behavioral health furniture and mental hospital room layouts that prioritize natural light. 

Best practices & next steps 

• Audit your space: Use a trauma informed design checklist to assess risk points and comfort zones 
• Engage stakeholders: Collaborate with clinicians, patients and occupational therapists when selecting behavioral health furniture 
• Plan for scalability: Opt for modular, durable pieces that can adapt as your behavioral health levels of care evolve 
• Measure & iterate: Track patient outcomes and feedback and refine your mental health interior design to enhance both safety and healing 

Fee-for-service vs. value-based care: what’s driving the shift?

A fundamental change is underway in how skilled nursing providers are reimbursed for care. The industry is moving away from volume-based payments and toward models that prioritize value. 

Historically, the fee-for-service model dominated care delivery. Under this structure, providers were paid based on the number and type of services delivered, regardless of patient outcomes. While straightforward to administer, this model created incentives for higher utilization, not necessarily better care, and often overlooked the quality or effectiveness of services provided. 

Value-based care turns that model on its head. It ties reimbursement to performance metrics such as improved recovery rates, fewer hospital readmissions, and overall cost efficiency. By aligning payment with patient outcomes, value-based care encourages a more coordinated, proactive approach to treatment—aiming to deliver better results while reducing the total cost of care. 

“CMS has been testing and driving us towards more value-based care payment models for many years. By tying payment and incentives to population health metrics and outcomes, CMS expects these alignments to reduce healthcare costs. ”

How Medicare Advantage and Medicaid value-based payments affect senior living operators

With the majority of skilled nursing revenue derived from Medicare and Medicaid, any policy change in these programs sends ripples through the industry. Today, more than half of Medicare beneficiaries are enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans, a key driver of value-based care. Simultaneously, state-developed Medicaid value-based payment programs are increasingly shaping reimbursement for Skilled Nursing Facilities, further complicating Medicare and Medicaid payment strategies. These programs require enhanced care coordination, improved clinical outcomes, and often involve lower per-day reimbursement rates. 

This poses challenges for providers already operating with narrow margins. However, it also presents a powerful opportunity: operators that demonstrate measurable success in delivering quality outcomes can stand apart and secure stronger payer relationships. 

Driving clinical outcomes through strategic procurement in value-based care

In today’s value-based care environment, procurement has become a strategic lever for better outcomes. Senior Living providers are selecting products and services that go beyond cost savings to support clinical workflows and operational efficiency. 

Intentional technology designed to augment and streamline clinical workflows are increasingly being adopted. For example, upgrading to DS smart® brings automation, faster vitals capture and more accurate data—enabling better clinical decisions. Similarly, pac-IQ® streamlines referral workflows, allowing providers to allocate time towards improving the resident experience and ensuring more informed care transitions. These strategic investments give clinical staff real time back to focus and resident care and lessen practice variability that leads to improved accuracy, both known to contribute to better outcomes, all while reducing the total cost of care. 

“These new trends that you’re seeing at the federal level and at the state level with regard to payment incentives on the value-based care side are going to dictate a lot of the behavior that our customers have when it comes to purchasing and procuring services.”

The future of value-based care in senior living: lowering the total cost of care

The momentum behind value-based care is growing—and it is here to stay. With bipartisan support and proven results from early programs, it’s becoming the foundation for how care is measured, delivered, and reimbursed across senior care. 

As these models expand across the continuum of care, operators who embrace them today are better positioned for long-term success. By focusing on improving clinical outcomes and managing the total cost of care, forward-thinking providers can gain a competitive edge while delivering greater value to residents and payers alike. 

Direct Supply is committed to helping senior living providers succeed in this evolving landscape. From helping improve outcomes to controlling costs, we’re here to support your mission every step of the way. 

Frequently asked questions about value-based care in senior living  

What is the difference between fee-for-service and value-based care? 

Fee-for-service reimburses providers based on the quantity of services delivered, such as appointments, procedures, or tests. Value-based care, on the other hand, links reimbursement to patient outcomes—rewarding providers for improving clinical outcomes, reducing hospital readmissions, and enhancing recovery rates. 

How does value-based care affect senior living providers across the continuum of care? 

Value-based care impacts every level of the senior living continuum—from assisted living to skilled nursing—by prioritizing outcomes, efficiency, and coordination. Providers must demonstrate measurable improvements in resident health and reduce unnecessary hospitalizations to secure favorable reimbursements and payer relationships. 

What role do Medicare Advantage plans play in value-based care? 

Medicare Advantage plans are a major driver of value-based care adoption. With over half of Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in these plans, they emphasize quality metrics, care coordination, and cost control. This directly affects how senior living operators are reimbursed under Medicare and Medicaid programs. 

How can procurement support better clinical outcomes in value-based care models? 

Strategic procurement in senior living involves selecting products that enhance resident health and operational efficiency. From vital signs monitors to infection control systems, these purchases can reduce avoidable hospitalizations and support compliance—ultimately improving outcomes and lowering the total cost of care.