It’s goodbye to the antiseptic and institutionalized look of stainless steel, and hello, oak, pine and plush carpet.

“Senior living communities are more and more resembling the way people live in the real world,” says Michael S. Gelfand, a partner at the architectural firm of Gruzen Samton, with offices in New York and Alexandria, Va. “The lines are continuing to blur between what goes into a home or an apartment and what you find in a retirement community. Today, mold-free, sustainable and easy-to-clean are the watchwords for every type of consumer, so what is practical for individual households can also be practical for high-volume locations.

One example of the trend Mr. Gelfand sees is the accenting of carpeted floor with insets of natural wood and wood-like products.

For more information on Gruzen Samton and their senior living architecture projects click here: http://www.gruzensamton.com/port_arch_housing.htm

Two residents of the Beth Sholom Home of Eastern Virginia in Virginia Beach, Va. were diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease Thursday. The disease, which presents pneumonia-like  symptoms, is contracted by breathing in the mist of water droplets with the bacterium.

The residents were diagnosed as the result of cautionary testing earlier this month when residents began exhibiting flu-like symptoms.  At that time only 60 residents were tested, now all 120 residents will undergo testing for the disease.

For more on this developing story click here: http://home.hamptonroads.com/stories/story.cfm?story=106828&ran=225344&tref=po

According to the latest reports, long-time TV producer Aaron Spelling was suffering from Alzheimer’s disease when he died last Friday, June 23.  Spelling’s death certificate listed “Alzheimer’s dementia” as a contributing factor in his death.  In addition to this ailment, Spelling also suffered a stroke five days earlier.

Spelling is most popularly known for his many television series, including “Dallas” and “Melrose Place.” Aaron Spelling was 83 at his time of death.