Senior living providers continue to explore the introduction of a new post-acute care experience—hotel-inspired rehabilitation centers. This concierge care experience elevates the continuum of care for existing residents while providing an opportunity to serve the local community with in-demand healthcare services.
Smart Business
Many senior living communities offer a full continuum of care with independent living apartments and/or villas, assisted living apartments, memory care residences, and skilled nursing care rooms. However, they are unable to support individuals with short-term rehabilitation needs. With the aging population increasing, the demand for short-term rehab care continues to increase. By investing in the addition of a rehabilitation center that supports both long-term care and short-term stays, community leaders have a new way to serve their existing residents and deepen their connection to the local community.
Smith Senior Living is an Illinois senior living provider with two Life Plan Communities—Smith Crossing and Smith Village. In 2020, Greenleaf Rehab Center was completed on the Smith Crossing campus in Orland Park, and Green Leaf Short-Term Rehabilitation is being introduced to Smith Village in Chicago in 2021. President and CEO of Smith Senior Living, Kevin McGee sees these projects as a way to position Smith Senior Living for the future.
A positive marketing aspect of these rehabilitation centers is that it introduces area residents to the senior living community in a very proactive way. Rehab guests are coming to address a specific health issue, recuperate and return home. Through this visit, they are receiving firsthand experience of the environment and level of care provided by the senior living community. A positive experience leaves a lasting impression. This could influence future decisions—making all the difference when these area residents are contemplating a new chapter in their aging journey.
Designed for Success
According to Bruce Hurowitz, principal of MDP, “The design of rehabilitation centers plays a key role in achieving the desired elevated experience—an experience that feels more like a hotel getaway and less like a hospital stay.”
The key components of the design are the hospitality appeal, the luxury guest suites, the five-star food selections, and of course, the comprehensive therapy services.
Hospitality Appeal
From the entry sequence and overall layout to the refined finish selections, every design detail aims to reflect the atmosphere of a boutique hotel. Signature architectural details, such as porte cochères and voluminous entry spaces, create a dramatic sense of arrival. The intent is to welcome guests in a well-appointed lobby space with a branded reception area and entice them with visible amenities, such as an inviting café setting.
The flow of the space is just as important as the look and feel. Spaces are layered to create visual interest and encourage a sense of discovery. A successful floor plan is easy to navigate yet tucks the guest suites away from the more public spaces to support a sense of privacy. The overall design is intended to make guests feel like they are not just recuperating; they are being pampered.
Luxury Guest Suites
Guest suites are designed for extreme comfort. The spacious rooms offer design details, such as a built-in headwall. This millwork serves as a focal point and provides a Hyatt Place-type appeal. Due to the different stages of rehab recovery, the room supports room service-style dining and has a fully accessible bathroom. Nuanced details, such as desk docks in the casework and hooks in the shower, continue to be explored as the design of this space receives more and more attention.
Five-Star Food
As guests progress in their therapy, the best way to entice them out of their rooms is to an exceptional dining experience. Room service is a perk, but building the strength to go enjoy a meal in a restaurant setting is an important milestone on the road to recovery. This space enhances the lobby experience for visitors and becomes a true destination for guests. The food quality seals the deal. Providers are investing in dining programs and menus that have guests raving no matter where they enjoy their meal.
Comprehensive Therapy
The cornerstone of the rehab experience is therapy. The design of the therapy suite considers the comprehensive service offering. Dynamic, voluminous spaces provide an energetic atmosphere to support healing. Physical, occupational, speech, respiratory, and restorative therapy needs are addressed. From weightless ceiling systems and ADL apartments to private consultation rooms and outdoor walking paths with multiple terrains, the spaces are designed to enhance staff and guest interactions and support the speed of recovery.
Revitalizing the rehab experience is an opportunity to explore innovative design concepts and sophisticated details. In addition to work with Smith Senior Living, MDP is reimagining rehab with Parker Life, RiverSpring Living, Spring Hills Senior Living, and PowerBack, to name a few.
