Diversicare’s Vice-President of Operations for Western Canada for the past 12 years. He lives in Richmond, B.C.
What recent development or research will have the greatest impact on aging and the retirement residence sector over the next five years?
The growing number of older adults living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias is causing increased interest and research in brain health and memory retention.
The Green House model in the United States is an innovative approach to providing support and care in a more “normal” way than traditional special or memory care facilities. Developed by Dr. Bill Thomas who began the Eden Alternative, a Green House accommodates eight to 12 older people supported by “shabazim” (helpers who nurture, sustain and protect). They live together in a home, built to residential scale and located in a residential neighbourhood.
How is our concept of senior wellness changing or how does it need to change?
Historically, some viewed wellness as the absence of disease or illness. Now people are seeing wellness as being applicable in several dimensions of life: physical, social, mental and spiritual. I think we need to seek a state where, despite any limitations, you are still living “a good life”: living in the place you belong, with people you love, doing the right things. Our primary job in the senior industry is to help each person live a good life.
What are we learning about boomer retirement plans or hopes as they age?
Most boomers don’t want to live in the same type of retirement home as their parents now live. Increasingly they’re thinking about the type of community they will be part of.
There is a growing interest in the concept of senior cohousing, where small groups of older adults come together to plan, design, develop and then live in and self-manage a community where all are committed to both give and receive the support they and their neighbours require as they age.
What seniors’ housing industry direction gives you the most concern these days? What makes you the most optimistic about the future?
I’m concerned about the public’s perception that the government can best support an aging population by providing more long-term care beds. I wonder if they’ve thought about what it might be like to live in a “bed” for the rest of one’s life.
I’m also concerned that government feels a need to regulate many of the functions related to providing housing, support services and personal care for the older adult. I believe that a senior-living market where informed consumers make choices that best meet their needs will always be a better driver of quality and value than government regulation.
I’m optimistic about the growing number of people who believe that they have to assume responsibility for their own retirement, support and care.
Your advice for retirement residence executives as they plan for the next five years?
Success will not be determined by the number or size of the senior housing facilities you build nor the quantity or quality of the amenities you provide. Your success will be determined by the people who live and work in your buildings. Are the people who work in your buildings creating a community where people want to live, even if they don’t have to? And are all the people in your building living a good life?
About Muriel Duncan
