Study & Development Project To Address Emerging Group Of Older Adults

June 6, 2012 - PRLog -- GAINESVILLE, Fla. – A collaboration between The Village in Gainesville and the University of Florida (UF) will lead to the development of a new living environment designed to meet the needs of an emerging group of older adults. It will be called Enhanced Independent Living. The two-year project with UF’s Interior Design Department, led by Nichole Campbell, Ph.D., will include a research study, schematic designs for the construction and renovation, as well as post-occupancy evaluation.

“We like being on the leading edge of social trends, science and technology to meet the lifestyles of older adults. They are constantly evolving and we strive to be at the forefront of changes to best support individuals’ activities and health,” says Jim Antonucci, executive director of The Village.

A goal of the study and project is to identify a new life stage of older adults and build a living environment to suit their needs. Current service models for senior living communities across the country typically categorize seniors in three areas, generally referred to as: Independent Living, Assisted Living and Skilled Nursing. Enhanced Independent Living is being identified as falling between the first two levels — Independent and Assisted. The UF team is utilizing multiple research methods to determine the needs of this emerging group of older adults.

The project will allow UF students to gain valuable knowledge and experience in a real-world setting. “This is an opportunity to provide enhanced teaching, learning and research opportunities to UF students and faculty,” says Nichole Campbell, Ph.D., LEED-Green Associate, University of Florida Department of Interior Design.

“For us, it’s a chance to further enhance the lives of members at The Village and take the amenities and services we provide to a whole new level—literally,” Antonucci says. “We’re constantly looking for ways to improve and to better suit the needs of a growing population. It’s a very valuable project.”

This coming fall, the UF team will develop a design program and schematic designs for the construction project to renovate a wing at The Village. The redevelopment project for the new Enhanced Independent Living at The Village is expected to begin in 2013. Approximately one year after its completion, the post-occupancy evaluation study begins to assess the project’s success. The budget for the UF research and design project is approximately $70,000, with the majority of it funded by grants. Overall construction and development costs at The Village will be determined once the design plans are in place.

Media Contact
Photo/video, interview and other media opportunities are available. For more information, contact:
Dave Dunn, GlynnDevins, Public Relations, ddunn@glynndevins.com  Direct: 913-754-2318

About The Village
The Village is North Florida’s premier rental retirement community. For more than 25 years, it has provided maintenance-free independent living, as well as access to on-site healthcare, including assisted living and memory support, if ever needed. The Village is located on 104 acres at 8000 N.W. 27th Blvd., Gainesville, Fla. For more information, visit www.thevillageonline.com or call (800) 653-2104.

About SantaFe Senior Living
The Village is one of three Florida retirement communities owned and operated by Gainesville-based SantaFe Senior Living. SantaFe Senior Living is a division of SantaFe HealthCare, a family of community-based, not-for-profit organizations serving Floridians throughout all phases of life. SantaFe is dedicated to providing seniors high-quality housing, enriched lifestyle and healthcare options designed for their specific needs and interests. For more information, visit www.santafehealthcarefl.org