CALA News & Views | Issue 53 | CALA at 30

What will the next 30 years hold for Assisted Living?

will reduce repetitive tasks and allow teams to focus on what matters: building relationships.

The individuals who will call our communities home in 2055 will bring new expectations, lived experiences and cultural perspectives. They’ll age in a world shaped by demographic transformation, global shifts and exponential innovation. And for those of us working in the field, that future is a call to adapt – and lead. Communities That Feel Like Home Assisted Living environments are increasingly designed to support autonomy, connection and personalization – a trend that will only grow. Experts expect spaces to become more flexible, technologically enhanced and rooted in even more meaningful engagement. Experts expect living spaces will be increasingly designed with flexibility in mind, allowing them to further adapt as residents’ needs evolve. Smart design and integrated technology will enhance safety and comfort, with features like mood-responsive lighting and flooring that can detect and respond to falls. The desire for connection beyond the walls of a senior living community is reshaping expectations – and that demand will only grow in the years ahead. As Andrew Carle, adjunct faculty and lead instructor for the graduate curricula at Georgetown University , explains, “For a lot of people, especially the baby boomers, they don’t see themselves being separated from the rest of the world if they move to a senior living community. They want something that’s going to be much more integrated with the world around them.” What Will Communities Look Like? “As land becomes scarcer and more expensive, we may see communities go vertical or even take on campus-style formats,” said David Eskenazy, CALA board chair and CEO of Cogir Management USA, Inc. “It’s about density, efficiency and creating environments that support richer, more connected living.” Eskenazy envisions a future where design enhances social interaction, combats loneliness and provides immersive experiences – from virtual golf to simulated travel. “We have the opportunity to make these communities so vibrant that people feel lucky to live in them.” For years we have been driving toward the promise of the “upgrade” in the social atmosphere that Assisted Living in a congregate setting can provide. It will be time to truly deliver on that promise. Technology That Frees Us to Care Automation and AI won’t replace the heart of care – but they will be indispensable tools for delivering it. From robotic vacuums to AI-powered diagnostics, technology

“You're not going to replace genuine caring ever by a robot,” Carle said. “But what we can do is make the people who do this care more productive.” Lisa McCracken, head of research and analytics at the National Investment Center for Seniors Housing & Care , agrees that technology will absolutely be critical and we need to be incredibly efficient with the team members we have. “We have them focused on things that are the most important that technology cannot do,” she said. Eskenazy said that predictive technology will become essential, especially in identifying changes in resident conditions. “Right now, we rely on our caregivers to notice things. That’s going to feel very old-fashioned. Technology will allow us to see problems before they happen – and respond faster.” Wellness as a Way of Life Assisted Living communities today and of the future will continue to strive to be vibrant centers of health, wellness and purpose. Eskenazy sees this as both a mission and a responsibility. “Our job isn’t just to support longevity – it’s to make each day meaningful. Every day should offer something that brings residents joy, purpose and a reason to thrive.” McCracken noted that Assisted Living is already evolving toward whole-person care. “There are increasing expectations of both the older adult and their family that you are going to take care of the whole person.” She added, “I think 30 years from now, Assisted Living, as we know it today, is going to be hubs for healthy aging and wellness and integrated healthcare.” She said that’s everything from supporting chronic health issues and the physical side of aging, to mental health issues, to spirituality. Expanding Access As demand grows, leaders are exploring ways to expand access to Assisted Living while maintaining quality and sustainability. Compared to other options like home health or nursing home care, Assisted Living remains a cost effective solution that offers support, connection and independence. McCracken said she hopes affordability and access to Assisted Living continues to expand 30 years from now and she sees promise in “public-private partnership” models and other unique partnerships.

Eskenazy emphasized the importance of policy solutions that support long-term planning. “I think there could be

CALA NEWS & VIEWS I ISSUE 53 | AUGUST 2025 26