Stayton
Stayton
PICTURE THIS: A 20-something couple bounds into the fashionable foyer of a downtown high-rise that looks so swank it practically oozes cool. Modern yet mellow, the interior vibe is just as appealing to these haute hipsters as the chic façade. Bowled over by the architectural bounty - not to mention the totally trendy urban locale - they aspire to acquire one of the apartments and make this stylish address their own.
But here, to their dismay, is the rub: As much as our young friends would love to live here, this happening spot is reserved for seniors only.
Fact is, The Stayton at Museum Way - like many other amenity-packed senior-living communities - is taking the concept of "retirement homes" and tossing it on its head. Long gone are the days of eating bland food in uninspired lodgings, mindlessly playing dominos while watching the clock tock. Today's residents have options - and many of them. But that's not just because the senior-living sector is clueing in to its target's wants and needs and providing solutions that meet (and exceed) expectations. No siree! Armed with information, today's consumers are on top of the trends - and demanding that retirement facilities provide the perks that please them.
"Whether you're 80 or 18, you want to live in a cool place, and the industry is just now catching up to that," said Justin Spooner, executive director of The Stayton, a "LifeCare" community offering a full continuum of on-site care that includes independent living, assisted living, memory support, rehabilitation and skilled nursing. (For the record, Spooner says he and his staff often have to turn away wanna-be residents who are smitten with the structure - but are just a few decades shy of its age requirement: 62.)
Although once considered selling points, the "basic amenities" are expected these days, Spooner noted. Now, offerings like full-scale wellness programs complete with fitness classes and personal trainers, upscale dining areas stocked with healthy (but tasty!) chef-made meals, social calendars chock-full of engaging to-dos (both on- and offsite), art studios, nail salons and even dog parks (yes, really!) are de rigueur. The options, it seems, are endless, with residents empowered to pick and choose what they want when they want it.
"It's called "self-directed retirement,"" Spooner explained. "We think seniors now and going forward are going to expect [those choices]. Our job is to provide the foundation, and they take it where they want to go."
Medical Matters
While looking at the lodgings used to be their initial request, prospective residents have different priorities these days. "They want to talk about the healthcare first and then see the apartment," said Line Wilson, regional sales director for Trinity Terrace, a CCRC (continuing care retirement community) that offers residents several levels of care - from independent living to skilled nursing. "In our local marketplace, we see customers asking for continuing care. That used to not be the case, when we were the only CCRC in town. I've worked here 10 years, and I've seen a big change."
One of the advantages of a CCRC: The full continuum of on-site care allows residents to "age in place," potentially never having to leave once they've put down roots. At move-in, they pay a one-time entry, or "buy-in" fee, the bulk of which is refundable upon their passing or if they choose to relocate.
"You really can stay here for the rest of your lives, come what may," Wilson said.
And if the time comes when they need to access it, having user-friendly, around-the-clock access in close proximity is a definite plus.
"They want more convenience - like doctors readily available on campus, which we have," said Veronica Rogers, executive director of Broadway Plaza Cityview, also a CCRC.
Tracey Schultz, independent-living sales executive for Watermere at Southlake - a 64-acre master-planned campus where, unlike at a CCRC, residents buy their domiciles outright - agrees. "The nearness to assisted living, doctors and hospitals is high on their list," she said. Besides its proximity to area medical facilities, Watermere also has several physician offices on campus.
Another top-of-mind topic today is the shifting face of the medical marketplace, including wholesale changes to the Medicare system. Residents, obviously, have a vested interest in keeping up with the details, but sorting through the minutiae can be mind-boggling.
"Residents want to know how health care is changing," Rogers said. "I'm actively involved in staying on top of what's going on in the medical community and the changes in the medical market. … Listening to what residents" needs are as everything is evolving is important."
But while it may look lovely - facilities like these take great pains to engineer attractive environs - and meet the rest of the requirements, the dwelling also has to "feel" right before a potential resident signs on the dotted line.
"The culture of the community, the feeling you get when you walk in the door, the interaction between the staff and the community … it's an intangible you can't put down on paper," said Lee Patterson, Trinity's executive director. He encourages those on the market for a retirement abode to do a thorough "test drive" before inking a deal.
Taking that metaphorical spin, though, needs to happen sooner than later, Wilson recommends.
"In a perfect world, people would have their options decided and know where they'll live before they have a health emergency, but that doesn't always happen. And then they get into a panic mode because they have to find a place right away," she said.
Nourishing Minds and Bodies
When it comes to independence, today's seniors want to maintain theirs as long as possible. Thankfully, retirement communities are making that easier than in days past.
Take, for example, wellness/fitness options, which are "huge" trends, our experts say. From group classes like yoga and tai chi to individually directed activities like swimming and treadmilling and even biking outside or walking on trails, today's mind/body/spirit selections are aplenty.
"And that also goes into the food area," Wilson added. "They want healthy, home-cooked food with choices. We've had to make some changes to be on the forefront of that trend. We now offer fish every day. We have a heart-healthy à la carte menu. We have many vegetarian items on our buffet. It's all part of residents wanting to eat healthy and stay healthy."
Watermere's Schultz sees the trend play out daily in her community.
"Food is huge," she said of Watermere's epicurean offerings, which residents enjoy amid a sumptuous setting. "They have tons of choices, and the menu changes every day."
They've Got the Look
A cursory glance at today's senior settings reveals yet another trend: They're just plain pretty. Whether they come in compact packages (i.e., condos) or are styled more like traditional homes (albeit in smaller, more "cottage-like" iterations), retirement retreats are architecturally pleasing.
While on its face, the idea of "condominium living" might sound counterintuitive for seniors, it's actually anything but.
"It used to be that people were skeptical about living in a condo as opposed to a house. But it makes sense. Everything is just an elevator ride away," Wilson said. "Now the perception is that condos are nice, upscale and practical when you're older."
In fact, this "urban-centric philosophy" has really taken off in the senior sector, Spooner said. Stayton resident Kim Watson couldn't agree more.
"The location has been serendipitous," said Kim, 83, who resides there with wife Bee, 85. "We're right in the middle of So7, and it's so interesting."
Twenty-first century seniors, it seems, are also interested in square footage. "The days are gone when people would be satisfied with a studio," Wilson said. "The trend is toward larger apartments."
No Fuss, No Muss
With today's retirees leading active lives well into their 80s - and beyond - convenience and security also top the trend charts.
"We have a couple here who are in their 60s and are very active," Rogers said. "They call living here the "land cruise" because everything is taken care of."
Frequent globetrotters, the Watsons adore the "lock-and-leave" lifestyle The Stayton affords them.
"We enjoy the freedom of living here and not having to worry," said Kim, noting he doesn't pine for the responsibilities of homeownership one iota.
"A lot of people want to get away from house upkeep," Schultz said. "It's the opportunity to simplify yet have a complex living environment. They want options."
Social Networks
If you happen upon one of these on-trend retirement communities during happy hour, watch out - these seniors know how to party. But that's no surprise, considering the many friendships forged in today's bustling facilities.
"As pretty and luxurious as this place is," Schultz said, "if you ask people what they like best about living here, it's the friends they've made since moving here."
Those close-knit kinships spawn an almost palpable camaraderie that's felt by residents and staff members alike. Indeed, above all the other niceties today's top-notch senior-living communities offer - and no matter what particular perks they provide - this fellowship and connectedness, it seems, undergirds them all. Our experts readily concur.
"I look at this as my home, and I want the residents to feel at home, too," Rogers said. "We're like family."
