They want independence, Petty said, but once they require help with managing medications or other needs, they are often transitioned into an assisted living environment.
He has posted on social media in the past that “independent living shouldn’t be a waiting room for assisted living. It should be a platform for aging in place — safely, affordably, and with dignity.”
He took it a step further when speaking with SHN, making clear that he sees the future of his industry as one that embraces the stated preferences of older Americans.
“People are waiting to go in until they really need care, and that’s to preserve their capital, that’s to preserve their relevancy. These are not pension generation folks going in,” Petty told SHN. “We have to be able to flex in independent living and help people age in place.”
The outlet also noted that other senior living companies are making a similar pivot.
“Operators including The Aspenwood Company, Brightspace Senior Living and Merrill Gardens, are deploying home health agencies and licensing independent living beds for higher levels of care to keep up with the changing care needs of incoming residents,” the story explained.
Other operators who spoke to the outlet said that it’s primarily about offering choices for customers as opposed to mandating that their care needs should be met in a particular way.
That includes the rollout of technology tools, including smart-home devices and artificial intelligence, to evolve alongside the care needs and preferences of current and future customers.
“One size doesn’t fit all in independent living,” Aspenwood President Heather Tussing told SHN.
