E05 – CANCELLED – Facilitating Happiness: How the Built Environment Defines the Resident Experience
Nursing care neighborhoods function as a behavioral system. The experiences our buildings offer, from the parking lot to the resident/patient bed, set the stage for a variety of clinical outcomes. This presentation will not only define the key strategies care providers can implement to improve outcomes and increase satisfaction (addressing noise, cleanliness, wayfinding, etc.), it will provide a dynamic discussion surrounding the empirical research correlating facility design and emotional well-being. Participants will learn how their building can better support patients and families and discuss strategies that can be implemented in a variety of LPC settings.
Speakers
More Information
Related Sessions
E15 – No Longer a Luxury: Sustainable Design Strategies for All
As the senior living industry evolves, sustainability must be recogniz…As the senior living industry evolves, sustainability must be recognized not as a luxury, but as a fundamental design principle that enhances quality of life and long-term value. This session will explore how sustainable strategies—such as all-electr…As the senior living industry evolves, sustainability must be recognized not as a luxury, but as a fundamental design principle that enhances quality of life and long-term value. This session will explore how sustainable strategies—such as all-electric, energy-efficient systems, healthy materials, high-performance envelopes, passive design, and biophilic elements—can create environments that support physical health, mental well-being, and social …As the senior living industry evolves, sustainability must be recognized not as a luxury, but as a fundamental design principle that enhances quality of life and long-term value. This session will explore how sustainable strategies—such as all-electric, energy-efficient systems, healthy materials, high-performance envelopes, passive design, and biophilic elements—can create environments that support physical health, mental well-being, and social engagement for older adults. Contrary to common assumptions, these approaches do not have to increase development costs and can significantly reduce operational expenses over time. Through case studies of both market-rate and affordable senior housing projects, attendees will learn how sustainability can be implemented across diverse budgets and contexts. The session will also highlight innovative solutions that enable developments to achieve zero utility costs by leveraging on-site renewable electricity, offering both financial resilience and environmental stewardship. As the next generation of older adults becomes more engaged, informed, and climate-conscious, these strategies are not just beneficial—they are expected. Attendees will leave with practical insights and scalable ideas to create healthier, more resilient, and future-ready senior living communities.Show MoreClick the title to see all detailsShow More
E20 – Creating Accessible Environments for Aging
Now that the baby boomer generation is aging, we need to consider how …Now that the baby boomer generation is aging, we need to consider how this impacts our built environment - an overview of design considerations along with lighting and color which can easily be addressed now to not only allow us to age in place later…Now that the baby boomer generation is aging, we need to consider how this impacts our built environment - an overview of design considerations along with lighting and color which can easily be addressed now to not only allow us to age in place later but also to have others visit us whether they have issues concerning accessibility or aging, whether just slowing down, or have a more debilitative disability. This session goes beyond the minimum st…Now that the baby boomer generation is aging, we need to consider how this impacts our built environment - an overview of design considerations along with lighting and color which can easily be addressed now to not only allow us to age in place later but also to have others visit us whether they have issues concerning accessibility or aging, whether just slowing down, or have a more debilitative disability. This session goes beyond the minimum standards of technical accessible design, addressing good design practices and implementation overall. We will discuss common areas of concern and issues of aging and our built environment thru photographs of both good and more challenging examples of typical elements.Show MoreClick the title to see all detailsShow More
E25 – Designing Spaces That Align with Our Senses and Biology
As we age, our sensory systems and biological rhythms change - alterin…As we age, our sensory systems and biological rhythms change - altering how we perceive, navigate, and feel in the spaces around us. Yet, many environments are still designed without considering these fundamental shifts. This session explores how o…As we age, our sensory systems and biological rhythms change - altering how we perceive, navigate, and feel in the spaces around us. Yet, many environments are still designed without considering these fundamental shifts. This session explores how our biology and senses shape our experience of space, and how design can better support wellbeing across the aging spectrum. Drawing from neuroscience, circadian biology, and environmental psychology,…As we age, our sensory systems and biological rhythms change - altering how we perceive, navigate, and feel in the spaces around us. Yet, many environments are still designed without considering these fundamental shifts. This session explores how our biology and senses shape our experience of space, and how design can better support wellbeing across the aging spectrum. Drawing from neuroscience, circadian biology, and environmental psychology, we'll examine how light, sound, smell, texture, and spatial layout interact with our bodies and minds. Participants will learn how neurosensory-informed and biologically attuned environments can reduce stress, improve sleep, enhance mood, and foster a sense of safety and belonging - especially for older adults. Through real-world examples and evidence-based strategies, this session will empower designers and care professionals to create spaces that don't just accommodate aging - but actively nurture health, dignity, and joy.Show MoreClick the title to see all detailsShow More
