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Reimagining Spaces: How Communities Can Transition from Skilled Nursing to More Flexible Senior Living Models

Written by Admin | Mar 3, 2026 3:49:58 PM
by Julie Heiberger, aia ncarb leed ap
This article first appeared on mcknight's Senior Living News website March 2026

Staffing challenges have long tested the senior living and care industry. 

 Even before the rollercoaster of the recent Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services staffing requirements, finding and keeping qualified team members was difficult. Given that recent experience, however, many skilled nursing leaders are looking for new ways to balance quality care with operational sustainability. 

One promising approach is to reimagine underused skilled nursing wings. By converting those areas into spaces that need less intensive staffing, communities can lower costs while refreshing their overall offerings. The result is a campus that feels more residential, less clinical and better aligned with today’s residents’ needs.