Why senior residences should use barrier-free access.

Experts predict a significant increase in the aging population this century, the likes of which we have never seen before. Thanks to the rise in average life expectancy and a decline in birth rates, people aged 60 and over are now the fastest-growing demographic group worldwide. Their number is expected to more than double by 2050: from 962 million in 2017 to 2.1 billion. By 2100, the number of people aged 60 and over is expected to rise to 3.1 billion, which will be more than triple.

It is estimated that the number of people aged 80 and over will rise from 137 million in 2017 to 425 million in 2050. By the year 2100, the same population development is predicted, with around 909 million people aged 80 and over. That would be almost seven times as many as in 2017.

Demand for more senior living facilities

The enormous increase in the aging population is leading to a growing demand for barrier-free living spaces for seniors, especially for senior living facilities such as assisted living, nursing homes, independent living communities, or care homes (see definitions below). In the United States alone, experts predict a need for more than two million additional housing units for seniors in need of care by 2040.

There are several design theories that specifically target aging. These include: barrier-free design, adaptable design, universal design, and intergenerational design. All of these theories describe in detail how senior living facilities can become places where residents can age with dignity and respect. Given the growing willingness of seniors to move into such facilities, as well as the desire for more community-oriented care, unprecedented opportunities are arising for the construction industry. It is easier than ever to create spaces for seniors that are safe and comfortable.

The role of innovative entrance systems

Entrance systems are an important part of any senior living facility, as they can add value to both the building and the lives of seniors. Increasing disabilities in the ability to perform everyday actions can make residents feel physically vulnerable. If you are involved in the construction of a new senior living facility or want to improve your designs, remember that easy-to-use entrances and doors that promote independence while increasing resident safety can significantly improve residents' quality of life.

For example, installing an automatic sliding door at the entrance of a senior living facility provides a safe way to enter the building without having to press buttons or manually open heavy doors. Things like this, which may seem trivial to physically able people, can be frustrating or nearly impossible for some seniors. Sliding doors with state-of-the-art technology can also provide sufficient width for wheelchair users or people with walking aids such as crutches, canes, or walkers to pass through easily.

By using electronic locks with radio frequency identification (RFID) on the doors of living spaces, residents are not only protected by integration into an access management system, but no physical key is needed anymore. Options for unlocking doors include a smartphone, a key card, a key fob, or even a wristband, so there is no need to search for keys anymore.

Barrier-free access in practice

Galloway Ridge at Fearrington is located in Pittsboro, near Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and is a senior living facility that offers a wide range of services. These include independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing, and memory care. When the management of Galloway Ridge added more housing units and renovated existing ones, they decided to install electronic RFID locks on the apartment doors. This type of lock was specifically chosen for its convenience for residents as well as its user-friendly management capabilities.

To lock and unlock the door, residents simply hold their ID, key card, or wristband up to the RFID reader. This is especially helpful for people with physical limitations. The locks and IDs can be programmed so that only certain doors can be opened. Although deadbolts were installed on the apartment doors as additional security, staff can override the deadbolt in an emergency.

Another important advantage of the new RFID locks is the ability to easily manage credentials via the access management software. For example, staff can program new permissions, deactivate permissions of other staff after their shift ends, quickly and easily grant suppliers access at certain times, or even completely delete users.

The current residents were able to easily adapt to the new system and appreciated its simplicity and security. Training new residents and staff is also straightforward and provides a brief introduction to using the system.

Undoubtedly, the global demographic shift towards a rapidly aging society will present a multifaceted challenge for communities, governments, and businesses. However, by using the right building technology, millions of older people can achieve a better quality of life.

Definitions of senior living facilities

Independent living community:These communities consist of apartments where seniors who do not need care live independently, just as they would at home. These communities often include a communal dining room, housekeeping, and activity programs.

Assisted living:In these communities, medical staff are available on site and there is 24/7 support from staff to help with activities of daily living such as taking medication, bathing, shopping, and personal care as needed. Cleaning services and prepared meals are also available.

Nursing home:Although this is similar to assisted living, a nursing home is much smaller and is often located in a house within a residential area, so fewer people can be accommodated there. The staff-to-resident ratio is usually somewhat lower than in assisted living, and the atmosphere is more homelike. There is no medical staff on site, although staff also provide 24/7 support here.

Care home:Skilled care homes focus heavily on medical care with medical staff on site as well as external service providers. They are primarily intended for people who need full-time care but are not so ill that they need to be treated in a hospital, yet cannot live alone.