Transitioning to a senior living facility is a huge decision. Seniors want to feel safe in the space they plan to spend their golden years and impact windows can make a significant difference to their peace of mind. 

Let’s explore the benefits that impact-resistant windows have on the important living decision that seniors and their families need to make. 

Understanding the Needs of Senior Residents

Keeping seniors comfortable and safe in their living environment requires specific thought and considerations. There are certain needs they have that may not be met in a typical living space, which is why senior living facilities are so popular.

Some of the safety and comfort needs that these facilities factor in include:

• Accessible living spaces (wheelchairs and walkers)
• Round-the-clock staff to assist residents with daily tasks
• On-site medical staff
• On-site prepared dining (in-room and a dining room)
• Common spaces for residents to socialize and feel part of a community
• Exercise spaces for physical well-being
• Creating a welcoming space that feels like home
• Ensuring all spaces are safe for residents

These are just some of the criteria that go into the design of a senior facility. There’s also the fact that you have many residents in one facility, so the space needs to accommodate all and be accessible to all.

And as important as safety and accessibility are to the design process, so is emergency preparedness. Residents of a senior facility may not be as mobile, which means exit routes require special care and design. Your facility has to ensure that all residents can safely evacuate promptly in times of an emergency.

Importance of Impact Resistance in Senior Living Facilities

With the baby boomer generation aging and many nearing retirement, if not in retirement already, where and how they live is changing. The oldest baby boomers are now 77 years old, which happens to be a common age that people transition to a senior living facility. It could be an assisted or an independent living senior facility, as both eliminated the responsibilities of home ownership.

Because so many people are now choosing senior living facilities, these facilities need to ensure they are up to par when it comes to the safety of their residents. This is where impact-resistant windows can offer a huge advantage.

Reducing heat transfer is one of the best ways to make an interior space more comfortable for seniors in terms of temperature. In the winter you don’t want the heat to escape, and in the summer you don’t want the heat to come into the indoor space. Impact-resistant windows will reduce heat transfer by up to 30%. Residents will feel the difference making for a more positive living experience.

Then there are safety concerns that impact-resistant windows can address. Impact-resistant windows offer excellent protection during severe weather as they are three to five times stronger than traditional windows. Not only that, but if the window does manage to break, it doesn’t shatter like traditional glass windows. The pieces are very small but they don’t have any sharp edges. Facilities don’t have to worry about broken glass injuring the residents.

And because these windows are so strong, they also act as a deterrent to would-be intruders. Breaking an impact-resistant window is incredibly difficult and time-consuming. Again, this elevates the comfort and safety factor for senior residents and staff alike.

Now just imagine if the windows or doors failed during an emergency when residents were being evacuated. The consequences could be fatal if staff is unable to get everyone out of the facility safely. Having windows that are built to withstand severe elements means the odds of them failing are much lower. The emergency evacuation plan in place can proceed as intended.

Residents and family members want to know that a senior living facility has prioritized the safety of seniors, and have thought ahead in terms of emergency preparedness. Families can take comfort knowing the facility their loved one lives in is well protected and there is a plan and steps in place to ensure that remains true.

Improved Indoor Environmental Quality

Safety, comfort, and security aren’t the only benefits offered by impact-resistant windows. These windows also do a great job of reducing noise pollution.Residents will be able to rest and relax without exterior sounds interrupting and causing them distress. Because impact-resistant windows are so thick, they perform much better than traditional windows in this regard.

Drafts can also be incredibly uncomfortable for seniors who may need to remove and add layers depending on how close to the window they are. It’s not just the window that reduces drafts, but also the frame which is made from vinyl, aluminum, or wood-clad.

Seniors want to know that in their golden years, they are living in an environment that is comfortable and stress-free. When they know the windows will protect them from severe weather, and potential intruders, and won’t cause a safety risk, their minds will rest easier. Less stress and concerns on their minds mean a higher quality of life.

Impact Resistant Windows in Senior Living Facilities Deliver Peace of Mind

The baby boomer generation currently makes up just over 20% of the population in the United States, which means there are a fair number of people entering retirement. As more and more look into senior living facilities as a safe and reliable option, facilities must stay up to date where design and safety is concerned. Designing a facility that includes impact-resistant windows provides a bevy of benefits for residents and staff giving everyone peace of mind.

Please feel free to contact us at 305-925-0818 to discuss in-depth how impact-resistant windows can make for a safer, more secure living environment in senior living facilities. We’re here to answer any questions you may have.