The Palisades: an interdisciplinary wellness model in senior housing

The conceptual model and implementation strategies for a university-private housing collaboration in a multilevel housing campus for older adults are described. The faculty and private developers viewed senior housing as an opportunity for people to downsize their space in order to upsize their lives within a community rich with resources to support their developmental needs.

A wellness program that includes assessments developed and performed by a multidisciplinary team provides the basis for the development of resources and interventions aimed at upsizing residents' lives. Semi-annual assessments and feedback sessions provide the residents with opportunities to set and revise goals and to work with members of the team to identify resource needs.

After the first year, the wellness assessment scheduling and protocol were streamlined and recruitment barriers were addressed. The addition of a system for providing feedback to residents about their assessment results enhanced the meaning and value of the process.

The Palisades team hopes to assist in promoting similar projects designed to positively impact wellness in older adults.