inspired by the current popularity of
cooking reality shows.
“We are shifting from a focus on sav-
ing to the ‘me’ generation,” Pusateri ex-
plains. “Value is important, but there’s
more of a likelihood that people will be
willing to spend the money to get what
they want and need.”
Sales representatives should take
the opportunity to ask boomers di-
rectly, continues Pusateri: What would
they want from assisted living if in
their parent’s situation?, These ques-
tions can trigger new activities offer-
ings such as Pilates classes, which jibe
with the boomer focus on health and
well-being. But Pusateri also cautions:
Don’t go too far and eliminate pro-
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grams that current seniors enjoy.
“Many adult children will say I can’t
believe you are doing bingo, but many
seniors of today enjoy doing bingo,”
Parker says. “We have a water aerobics
class, which sounds great to an adult
child, but not many 80-plus-year-old seniors want to participate.” The same ap-plies to some gourmet or more “
health-conscious” menu choices, such as
seared ahi tuna or vegetarian lasagna,
he adds. The key is striking a balance.
Flexibility is another reason why
Waltonwood made units bigger and
added much more activity space than its
first community built in 1988, Parker
says. If tomorrow’s seniors want less
space after all, “it’s a lot easier to take
a one-bedroom and make it into a studio, than to make a studio into a one
bedroom,” he explains. Plus tile and
granite materials have another advantage—they last longer than laminated
or vinyl surfaces, he adds.
However, providers also would be
wise to remember that one thing is unlikely to change about assisted living,
Parker says. “The physical plant is only
a portion of the decision,” he adds. “The
ability to deliver high-quality care and
your reputation is more important, but
the first impression you create sets you
up to move forward, to communicating
about your service delivery and quality
of care.” ❏
Anya Martin is a contributing writer to
Assisted Living Executive. Reach her at
amartin@alfa.org.
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who’s who
Contact information for members in this article.
› mike Kahm, kahm@singhmail.com
› James Pusateri, jpusateri@horizonbay.com
COMING SOON!
ALFA members soon will be able
to download free copies of the new
ALFA Disaster Planning Tool Kit.
Nonmembers pay $99. See the next
issue of Assisted Living Executive for
details.
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