E08 – Closing the Gap: Putting Assisted Living in Reach for Middle- and Low-Income Seniors
The largest underserved segment of America's aging population resides in the middle market and affordable housing tiers/groups frequently overlooked by conventional development models. This session features speakers sharing firsthand insights into two innovative approaches addressing these gaps: one serving middle-income seniors, the other utilizing Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) to reach individuals earning 60% or less of the area median income. The discussion will explore how thoughtful design, strategic financing, and operational innovation intersect to create accessible, dignified housing for these underserved populations. Attendees will gain insight into how these models have been financed, developed, designed, and operated and how lessons from open and operating communities are shaping future projects. With a spotlight on the power of programming and design to elevate affordability without sacrificing quality, this session challenges architects and designers to rethink their role in creating inclusive, sustainable communities for aging adults across the economic spectrum.
Speakers
More Information
Related Sessions
E03 – The Best Years Are Ahead: Why Adaptive Reuse Is Ideal for Senior Living
For a variety of economic reasons, today there is a surplus of underut…For a variety of economic reasons, today there is a surplus of underutilized buildings. At the same time, seniors are living longer, resulting in greater housing need. Combined, these trends make it intuitive to convert existing buildings to senior l…For a variety of economic reasons, today there is a surplus of underutilized buildings. At the same time, seniors are living longer, resulting in greater housing need. Combined, these trends make it intuitive to convert existing buildings to senior living. For one, environments rich in diversity and architectural character are inherently stimulating. Second, aged buildings, like people, are not obsolete and have valuable stories to tell. Third, e…For a variety of economic reasons, today there is a surplus of underutilized buildings. At the same time, seniors are living longer, resulting in greater housing need. Combined, these trends make it intuitive to convert existing buildings to senior living. For one, environments rich in diversity and architectural character are inherently stimulating. Second, aged buildings, like people, are not obsolete and have valuable stories to tell. Third, existing buildings in walkable environments allow people to “age in place” with the best amenity—the city—close at hand. For developers, renovation can often be less expensive than the cost of new development. Preserving existing buildings conserves both land and embodied carbon, and, in historic buildings, tax credits can offset development costs. Finally, reusing existing buildings—while not without challenges—allows a deeper connection to residents, tapping into personal histories with familiar details and spaces with a resonance that can positively contribute to residents’ cognitive health. Inspīr Embassy Row is a case study that shows how a historic building was transformed into a new senior living facility that combines the best qualities of residential, hospitality, and healthcare—proving that, for residents and building alike, the best years are still to come.Show MoreClick the title to see all detailsShow More
E13 – Comforts of Cooking: Designing Kitchen Spaces that Feel Like Home
Kitchens are at the heart of person-directed care in small household m…Kitchens are at the heart of person-directed care in small household models but designing them to meet both regulatory requirements and resident expectations is a complex challenge. This session explores how to create durable, compliant, and truly ho…Kitchens are at the heart of person-directed care in small household models but designing them to meet both regulatory requirements and resident expectations is a complex challenge. This session explores how to create durable, compliant, and truly home-like kitchens that support meaningful engagement and fresh food preparation. Learn how to navigate code compliance without sacrificing aesthetics, integrate commercial-grade durability with residen…Kitchens are at the heart of person-directed care in small household models but designing them to meet both regulatory requirements and resident expectations is a complex challenge. This session explores how to create durable, compliant, and truly home-like kitchens that support meaningful engagement and fresh food preparation. Learn how to navigate code compliance without sacrificing aesthetics, integrate commercial-grade durability with residential charm, and design culinary spaces that invite elder participation while concealing institutional elements. Real-world insights will guide you through achieving operational excellence without compromising the heart-of-the-home feel.Show MoreClick the title to see all detailsShow More
E18 – Making Every Setting Memory Supportive: Designing Environments that Awaken Connection and Preserve Dignity
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to aging, staffing, or design—an…There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to aging, staffing, or design—and that’s exactly why this workshop invites your ideas, experience, and creativity. Roll up your sleeves for a participatory session that blends self-help, care and leadership insig…There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to aging, staffing, or design—and that’s exactly why this workshop invites your ideas, experience, and creativity. Roll up your sleeves for a participatory session that blends self-help, care and leadership insight, and collaborative problem-solving. Together, we’ll explore how memory is accessed, supported, or bypassed—and how design and daily actions can shape better outcomes in licensed care, assisted livi…There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to aging, staffing, or design—and that’s exactly why this workshop invites your ideas, experience, and creativity. Roll up your sleeves for a participatory session that blends self-help, care and leadership insight, and collaborative problem-solving. Together, we’ll explore how memory is accessed, supported, or bypassed—and how design and daily actions can shape better outcomes in licensed care, assisted living, day/respite programs, and even apartment settings with aid. This session includes: • Real-world examples from across a constellation of care settings • Group Q&A to explore challenges and opportunities • Small-group brainstorming to discover, adapt, and reflect on practical solutions We will explore and evaluate: • What’s in memory: facts, actions, emotions, and social behaviors • Sensory safety, emotional and social affordances, and bio-capabilities • Judgment, orientation, wayfinding—and the role of “serendipity” Groups will identify practical strategies, customize and adapt new ideas, and reflect on why some interventions succeed—or don’t—at different stages. Participants will leave with a takeaway list, peer collaboration possibilities, and refreshed approaches to memory care. Both facilitators bring not only decades of professional insight but personal experience in memory care journeys through both family and colleagues, and day/respite support roles. Show MoreClick the title to see all detailsShow More
