Catering to a new generation with lifestyle-driven communities
As life expectancy rises and the baby boom generation ages, seniors are seeking out various types of housing, above and beyond the traditional independent and assisted living communities.
How can you cater to a wider audience in senior living? Todd Hand, Entegra Senior Director of National Accounts, Healthcare, talks about how future senior living residents’ needs will differ and how your community can better serve this booming demographic.
Q: Why should senior living operators reimagine their business models to add more of a lifestyle element to their communities?
A: “Traditionally, many healthcare and senior living communities have approached their services exclusively based on acuity. But the residents of tomorrow have more wealth and are living longer, healthier lives than previous generations.
“This demographic shift is driving the expansion of senior living, focusing on high-quality care and lifestyle amenities.
“We want to help operators prepare to welcome new generations who want to live out the best years of their lives with their familiar comforts.”
Q: How can senior living communities appeal to changing demographic needs?
A: “The silver tsunami is coming, and it brings with it this gigantic swath of boomers who have varying income levels, experiences and expectations of their later years. That’s across the board: accommodations, dining options, entertainment, wellness and healthcare.
“For example, what they're looking for from a dining experience may now need to incorporate more global flavors. For other residents, it might mean different food preparation methods & diets.
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“Different demographics may also be used to different service experiences in their lives. Just because they're aging doesn't mean that they want to stop experiencing the world and transition into an environment that isn’t comfortable.
“So, operators are being challenged to step up their services. They need to appeal to a new customer that's expecting something different.”
Q: How are Entegra’s suppliers helping senior living operators find appealing new foods, beverages and supplies?
A: “Our suppliers have expressed interest in working with senior living communities to help them find and use products and services that appeal to different service levels.
“Between our suppliers and Entegra Culinary Consulting, operators can leverage Entegra’s relationships to create something unique that differentiates their community.”
Q: Where should operators begin if they want to lean into serving the future resident?
A: “It begins with reaching out to us. Entegra’s specialty is in bringing hospitality to life. We can help operators upgrade the services they’re offering today. We can also share our research and understanding about future resident needs to help answer questions. We conduct discovery sessions and uncover where your business is now and where you want to go. And then we tailor solutions through products and services to help communities grow and thrive.
“Entegra doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all approach. Our team includes experts in supply chain, procurement, culinary and dietetics. You’ll also have support from our client services, supplier partners and onboarding teams to help you maximize your GPO partnership with us.”
If you’re interested in learning about how Entegra can help you attract new residents to your communities, contact us.
January 24, 2025