Tips For Developing A Great 55+ Community
Investing in a 55+ community makes more sense than ever. Older Americans are increasingly looking for housing options specifically targeted at their demographic, houses they can share with others like them. Include the following features in your 55+ development.
Ensure Accessibility
The community should be easily accessible. For example, an ideal land for a 55+ community should be relatively flat so the residents don't have to climb uphill to access their homes. Similarly, the area should have good transportation networks – the residents should easily access their homes via private or public means.
Have Relevant Amenities Onsite or Nearby
Many senior communities provide relevant amenities for their residents. Avail health, socialization, and entertainment amenities within the community or ensure they are nearby. For example, you can install pool tables, construct swimming pools, and erect health clubs within the development. Having hospitals or golf courses nearby also helps.
Encourage Socialization
Socialization helps seniors avert loneliness and make social connections, increasing their quality of life. Encourage a design or layout that encourages socialization. For example, you can incorporate communal entertainment sports or shared amenities in the development.
Ensure Adequate Safety
Safety is a big deal for senior living communities in several ways. For example, many seniors suffer from age-related health facilities that slow recovery after an accident. Decreased physical strength increases the risk of falls and associated injuries. Thus, your development should incorporate designs and materials that encourage safety.
Here are a few tips that help:
- Include step-in showers and grab bars in bathrooms.
- Choose nonslip flooring.
- Use windows, doors, and layouts that admit adequate natural light.
- Install easy-to-reach shelves, drawers, and cabinets.
- Ensure doorways and hallways are wide enough to accommodate mobility devices like wheelchairs.
Work with a builder experienced in such communities, and they will suggest the build designs to incorporate.
Include Assisted Living Facilities
Include assisted living facilities in the development. Assisted living helps those who need different levels of personal and medical care to enjoy independent lifestyles. Not all seniors require assisted living facilities, but a good number of them do.
Assisted living facilities and services include the following:
- Housekeeping and laundry
- Round-the-clock emergency care
- Medication monitoring
- Rehabilitation services
- Meal provision services
The level of services varies by development, so you can choose what to include. Consult with nearby health facilities, nursing homes, and hospitals to help you determine the facilities and services to offer.
Don't forget to comply with all local and statewide regulations to protect your investment. For example, you should comply with all local zoning laws. Involve professionals in your investment, and you won't regret it.
Reach out to a company like ROC Homes to learn more.