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Facts at a Glance: Assisted Living Compound annual growth rate of 17% from 1996 to 2001 Approximately 35,000 facilities housing 1.4 million people Typical Customer: 82 year old woman Average Stay: 3.3 years

Assisted Living in the Future Opportunity Growth curve will resume: aging boomers Developers are recognizing the need for better lighting Liability/Safety: 8 of 10 people killed by falls are over 65 years old Marketing: Facilities that are properly lit “sell and retain” better

“The Value of a Warm Welcome” A caring and comfortable environment gives the residents a greater sense of safety, personal independence and well-being.

Understanding the Lighting Challenge The Aging Eye Lenses grow thicker, more opaque, and increasingly specked with protein deposits “Like a computer screen with the brightness and contrast knobs turned down” Less light reflected, colors blur, yellowish hue dominates. Contrasting light levels are painful.

Understanding the Lighting Challenge The Aging Eye (con’t) Older person is more sensitive to glare Less able to focus Less sensitive to color Shadows can look like water puddles Light is vital to production of melatonin Oregon mandating lighting standards be followed

Understanding the Lighting Challenge “Better lighting is a simple measure that allows the elderly to maintain their independence and increase their sense of well-being.” Source: Center of Design for an Aging Society

The Lighting Design Basics “Naked” lamps are the worst for older eyes Produce glare that can be painful and disorienting Always use electronic ballasts Flicker can be dangerous for dementia patients Task lighting is a must Reading/paperwork areas Countertops/stoves/sinks

The Lighting Design Basics Use high color rendering lamps (80 CRI or better) Lots of light in the bathroom Where most accidents occur Don’t use “Hollywood” bars Minimize access to lamps Minimize patterns and textures Perceived as “dirty”

The Lighting Design Basics Color Temperature of fluorescent lamps Regional preferences: Northern: 2700K and 3000K Middle:3000K to 3500K Sunbelt: 3500K to 4100K (Florida)

The Lighting Design Basics ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) “Objects projecting from walls located between 27” and 80” above the floor plane must not protrude more than 4” from the wall” Applies only in public corridors used as exitways

The Lighting Design Basics Adaptation Control Avoid abrupt changes in light levels in transitional areas, especially during the day from indoors to outdoors Adaptation takes longer in aging eyes Adjusting from light to dark takes considerably longer than dark to light

Covered Entries Light pavement and steps evenly (DL’s) Use lanterns with opaque or textured glass Hanging fixtures should be high and rated for damp location

Foyers and Lobbies Create a non-institutional look with decorative lighting Keep transition to outdoors in mind (100fc) Use skylights to supplement daytime

Visitation Areas Creating comfort is the key Low glare is primary design factor Sconces may need to be ADA

Corridors Critical area for even lighting Sconces must be ADA compliant Use lamps with compatible color temperature and CRI Never use only downlights: creates “cave” effect

Public Dining Rooms Wide distribution recessed with good cutoff General diffuse indirect lighting to supplement DL’s Shield any bare lamps Mount chandeliers high

Activity Area High ambient level (50 fc) Provide task lighting in appropriate areas Low ambient level near TV to avoid glare Light bulletin boards, coffee/tea service area

Kitchenette Undercabinet lighting for food preparation Good color rendition: 80 CRI or better Good ambient level : 30 fc Try to avoid highly polished countertops

Resident bedroom 3-way table lamps Avoid halogen lamps for reading or task lighting Remember uniform light levels Put sconces on both sides of dressing mirrors

Resident Bathroom High ambient- 50 fc in shower, 60fc at mirror; long fixture over big mirror Use frosted or opaque source shields High output (50w PAR30) showerlight

Landscape and Garden Conceal all sources Uniform path lighting Minimize brightness variations Avoid shining lights into eyes or in windows

Product Considerations Initial Cost vs Life Cycle Cost: Typical payback for using linear/compact fluorescent vs incandescent is 2-3 years Payback is based on reduced energy consumption and maintenance savings

Selling the Benefits of Fluorescent More light output per watt used: Recessed savings of 30-40 % Surface or pendant savings of 60 to 70% Longer lamp life (10,000 hrs vs 1,000 hrs) Lower maintenance costs, increased safety Long burning hours maintains architectural appeal of building

Selling the Benefits of Fluorescent Low operating current means fewer circuit breakers and circuits Electronic ballasts offer additional energy cost savings and no-flicker operation A MUST for facilities with dementia patients Lower operating temperatures Lower HVAC loads

New Assisted Living Guidebook Available in December from your Progress Representative Application tips, suggested products