As senior living providers aspire to integrate wellness and health services into their communities, first and foremost the senior living environment remains its residents’ home. Consumer surveys have consistently indicated that baby boomers prefer a home-like environment for their retirement over a more institutional setting, causing designers to brainstorm ways to blend health services into residential settings.

Not “home-like,” but a veritable home

Note: Images courtesy of Watermark Retirement Communities.

The Villa at The Watermark at East Hill, a memory care facility located in Southbury, CT, utilizes a modified version of the small house model to fulfill this goal. At The Villa, designers create a home environment that continues residents’ participation in familiar activities, such as cooking, while providing a comfortable setting for socialization.

Simultaneously, the residence boasts features such as secure medication and health care supply cabinets in resident rooms, discreetly hidden to eliminate a medical feel while remaining practical to caregiving staff.