4. Provide fast internet, advanced entertainment systems and easy-to-use smart home devices. Modern technologies ensure connectivity, entertainment and convenience and therefore improve day-to-day living. For instance, high-speed internet capabilities facilitate seamless communications for residents with friends and family while providing access to online services and video calling.
Similarly, state-of-the-art entertainment systems offer recreational options such as virtual reality experiences, interactive games, streaming services for movies and TV shows, and music therapy—all of which promote mental engagement and relaxation. Smart home devices also play an important role in making CCRCs more amenable by simplifying daily tasks, enhancing safety and supporting independence with features such as voice control and automated functions.

5. Implement concierge services. These helpful services assist residents with individual errands, travel arrangements and other personalized needs. Offering these services brings a new level of convenience to communities and promotes an active lifestyle for seniors who may benefit from a concierge for daily tasks, ensuring they maintain their independence and enjoy a high quality of life in a supportive community environment.

Personalized assistance to plan and attend events, go to family gatherings or dine out allows residents to enjoy life both inside and outside of the facility. By coordinating activities and cultural outings and helping plan personal trips, CCRCs remove barriers for residents who want to remain active. This support ensures that residents can continue pursuing their interests and hobbies, stay connected with their community and have a sense of independence.

6. Arrange transportation services including ride shares. Like with concierge services, offering transportation makes it convenient for residents to maintain a schedule of events outside of the CCRC. Whether it’s a community vehicle, taxi or a ride share service, residents have a stress-free way to go shopping, get to medical appointments and attend social events.
The services offer both convenience and safety. Transportation and ride share services are flexible and easy to use, allowing residents to travel without worrying about driving or parking. Ultimately, reliable transportation that accommodates seniors’ needs gives residents greater mobility.

7. Maintain manicured landscaping. Well-kept yards and gardens may not seem like an obvious choice for providing a resort-like environment, yet they improve aesthetic appeal and promote relaxation. Attractive landscaping includes barrier-free walking paths, outdoor seating areas and water features for enhanced open-air spaces.

Well-tended gardens with flowers or vegetables, along with open green spaces, provide residents with serene environments. Ensuring welcoming outdoor areas encourages physical activities such as walking or yoga, or even sitting outside to read a book. A manicured landscape also encourages outdoor gatherings, which fosters social interactions, strengthens community bonds and enhances residents’ overall well-being. In addition, these spaces offer a refreshing change of scenery by inviting people outdoors. 

8. Initiate social and cultural activities. Resorts are known for providing exciting activities. CCRCs can do the same. These activities can include attending music concerts, offering art classes, forming book clubs and taking day trips to local attractions. The events encourage in-person interactions, mental stimulation and physical activity.

Another major benefit is that group activities foster a sense of community and reduce feelings of isolation. Offering diverse and engaging programs creates fulfilling experiences, much like those found in resorts that keep guests entertained. At CCRCs, the activities have the added advantage of providing an opportunity for residents to learn new skills.

9. Facilitate a safe and secure environment. CCRCs and other facilities can create a safe environment with emergency response systems, well-lit areas and comfortable community spaces. Residents will feel safe, comfortable and at ease, similar to the feel of a resort.

Prioritizing safety and minimizing risk creates an environment where residents can fully enjoy daily activities and social interactions without worry. A secure environment also reassures family members, making the community more appealing to potential residents.
CCRCs can take safety measures such as installing grab bars in bathrooms to mitigate falls, conducting safety inspections to identify any tripping hazards such as loose flooring and connecting a security system. Providing onsite medical support and managing medications for residents who need it also helps ensure a safe environment.

10. Encourage recreational activities. Offering activities isn’t enough. CCRCs also need to encourage residents to participate and try new things. Amenities to promote activities include indoor and outdoor pools, hot tubs, golf courses and pickleball courts, which foster physical activity, social connections and mental stimulation.

Activities, especially physical ones, support a healthy and active lifestyle and contribute to overall well-being and happiness. Providing a variety of recreational options also contributes to a lively atmosphere. 

MAKE RESORT EXPERIENCES POSSIBLE BY PARTNERING WITH A GPO

Luxurious accommodations can serve as a significant selling point for CCRCs, attracting residents looking for a high quality of life in their retirement years and retaining those who have already moved into the community. Providing high-end accommodations can set a facility apart from competitors, positioning it as a preferred option in the senior living market.
Offering features and activities similar to those at resorts has the additional benefit of encouraging positive mental and physical health for residents. However, providing this environment can be challenging, which is where a group purchasing organization (GPO) like Provista can play a key role.

GPOs enable senior living communities, including CCRCs, to get the services and products they need to create and deliver high-quality, resort caliber experiences. Organizations can talk to their GPO about contracts for senior living. For instance, Provista offers an industry-leading portfolio to meet these communities’ needs, including contracts for food, IT, furniture, appliances, construction and more. Community stakeholders may be surprised at the myriad options available from a GPO.