E12 – Guiding Resident Engagement through Expansion Projects
As demand for Senior Housing continues to rise, communities are looking to expand and upgrade their offering. As these projects are being defined it’s essential to remember who these spaces are ultimately for—residents, both current and future. While it may seem intuitive, designers and clients can easily become focused on aesthetics or trends and overlook valuable resident input. This session explores how engaging residents throughout the design process can reveal priorities and insights that may not have been previously considered—and can even guide projects in unexpected, beneficial directions. Through real-world case studies, this session will demonstrate how resident engagement can shape more responsive, inclusive environments. Attendees will learn how to guide clients through the engagement process, determine which resident groups to involve, and ask the right questions at key stages. We’ll also discuss strategies for ensuring transparent communication and clearly identifying final decision-makers. By capitalizing on residents’ lived experience, unique perspectives, and institutional knowledge of their communities, designers and stakeholders can create spaces that are not only functional and appealing—but deeply informed and future-ready. As the next generation of older adults enters these communities, they will expect to be heard. Empowering residents to contribute meaningfully reflects a cultural shift toward greater autonomy and collaboration in senior living design.
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