Acoustic challenges of senior care facilities

Abstract

The population of the US, Europe, and Asia is aging, and the rate at which individuals are developing neurodegenerative diseases is also increasing. As a result, we are seeing a rise in the number of senior living facilities, ranging from independent living for active seniors to memory care facilities aiding those suffering from Alzheimer’s and Dementia. Often these mixed levels of care are housed in one building, with the result being a dynamic facility with uses not limited to residential units and medical clinics but including fitness centers, pools, theaters, auditoriums, recreation rooms, dining rooms, and bars. With such a diverse range of often acoustically incompatible activities and uses, the challenges in designing these facilities quickly become apparent. During this presentation, we will explore the challenges of integrating residential suites with various amenities and the potential solutions for maintaining acoustic isolation without compromising architectural design or functionality. The population of the US, Europe, and Asia is aging, and the rate at which individuals are developing neurodegenerative diseases is also increasing. As a result, we are seeing a rise in the number of senior living facilities, ranging from independent living for active seniors to memory care facilities aiding those suffering from Alzheimer’s and Dementia. Often these mixed levels of care are housed in one building, with the result being a dynamic facility with uses not limited to residential units and medical clinics but including fitness centers, pools, theaters, auditoriums, recreation rooms, dining rooms, and bars. With such a diverse range of often acoustically incompatible activities and uses, the challenges in designing these facilities quickly become apparent. During this presentation, we will explore the challenges of integrating residential suites with various amenities and the potential solutions for maintaining acoustic isolation without compromising architectural design or functionality.