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Winchester Gardens Embraces Universal Design with Repositioning Directives
Continuing care retirement community (CCRC) embraces aging in place design and accessibility features which appeal to seniors' current desires as well as their future needs
MAPLEWOOD, NJ, October 24, 2011 /Seniors PR News/ -- Winchester Gardens, a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) in northern New Jersey, is embracing aging in place design and accessibility features which appeal to seniors' current desires as well as their future needs.
The community's staff anticipated the impending economic challenges and developed a proactive approach to appeal to today's senior consumers who preferred the care-free lifestyle afforded by a retirement community but were reluctant to sacrifice the luxury and stylings of their current home.
The team, spearheaded by Vice President of Operations and Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS) Keith Grady, decided to focus on the residential component within the community incorporating universal design features, allowing residents to age in place.
"An AARP study found that 95 percent of Americans age 75+ want to stay where they are living for as long as possible," said Grady. "Safety is critical to achieving this desire. A residence must provide accessibility and adaptability for the future."
According to Grady, residences within Winchester Gardens offered timeless floor plan configurations and practical apartment sizes but kitchen and bath spaces were neither state-of-the-art nor aesthetically appealing for residents.
Surveys were conducted to gauge current and prospective residents' opinions as well as input received from the community's marketing department and management team. He studied CCRCs in high end geographic areas throughout the country and toured active adult communities which could be competitive options for new residents.
"Three key elements became clear," explained Grady. "We needed to keep improvements affordable through cost saving measures; make improvements attractive while functional and adaptable while addressing accessibility; and utilize fact-based decision making."
His expertise was critical first in assisting in determining the repositioning direction and later by streamlining the processes bringing much of the design and purchasing in house.
Improvement included kitchens, bathrooms and closets focusing on improving residents' comfort within living spaces.
Fluorescent lighting in kitchens and baths were changed to high hats to reduce glare and dead spots. Lighting switches were lowered six inches and outlets raised for improved access. Indirect light is now found in the kitchen in addition to under counter task lighting.
"We wanted our prospective resident to feel this Winchester Gardens residence would enhance their lifestyle now and for their future," he said. "We wanted to offer the features and amenities they would find in newer active adult homes and luxury condominiums."
Additionally universal design concepts within kitchens included offering new appliances that would be more comfortable, conducive to function and use. Selections now offer a refrigerator with a drawer freezer, raised dishwasher and a stove and microwave combination with the microwave style drawer.
Cabinets were rearranged for improved function and accessibility and designed with pull-out drawers and handles. All closets where furnished with adaptable closet systems.
Bathroom areas were also a major focus. Design efforts far exceeded improved lighting. Grady said the Winchester Gardens team wanted to address mobility issues for safety and independence. Level thresholds were created and the entire bathroom designed much like a hotel spa with wet areas. A zero threshold shower with adjustable dual shower heads as well as separate walk in tub make the room state-of-the-art.
Residences are currently being updated as they became available. New residents can personalize their home selections using the resources of the community's on premise Design Center. Contracts have been arranged with local contractors to expedite the process and streamline installation.
In addition, the Design Center offers new residents the opportunity to make their selections from an extensive number of kitchen cabinets and handles, counter tops, closet systems, lighting and flooring. Color pallets have been created illustrating various combinations of swatches for carpet, flooring, cabinets and countertops to personalize a residence. Window treatments and accessories are also displayed.
"The acceptance of these new improvements has met with rave reviews," said Grady. "We've responded to the wishes of our existing residents as well as adapted residences to their future needs."
About Winchester Gardens
Located in suburban Essex County in the Maplewood Township, Winchester Gardens is a luxury lifestyle continuing care retirement community. Accredited by the Commission of Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), the community offers independent living in apartment and villa residences and assisted living and memory care through its Health Center. Information can be obtained by calling 1-800-887-7502 or online at www.WinchesterGardens.com.
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