The Art of the Tour I

In today’s competitive post-acute care landscape, Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs) must do more than provide exceptional care—they must create an inviting and reassuring environment that attracts patients and earns the trust of families.

With an aging population, growing competition from assisted living facilities, and fluctuating reimbursement rates, SNFs must differentiate themselves through design and experience.

The facility tour is the single most important moment in a prospective patient’s decision-making process. This is when families assess not only care quality but also the facility’s atmosphere, comfort, and overall feel. Strategic design and construction choices can significantly enhance a facility’s appeal and marketability.

Prioritizing Design Along the Tour Path

Every renovation project has finite resources, making it crucial to focus investments where they have the greatest impact. While the entire facility should be well-maintained, the primary tour path should be the top priority when making design and renovation decisions.

• Create strong first impressions—What do prospective patients and families see within the first few minutes of arrival?
• Strategically allocate resources—Some areas receive more foot traffic and visibility than others.
• Ensure a cohesive experience—Elements and finishes along the tour path should feel intentional and well-designed.

A well-planned tour route helps shape visitor perception, and smart design and construction decisions along this path can elevate the overall experience. Here’s how:

Curb Appeal: First Impressions Start Outside

Before families ever step inside, they begin forming opinions based on the exterior of the facility. A well-designed, well-maintained exterior reinforces perceptions of quality care, professionalism, and attention to detail.

• An inviting façade—Modern aesthetics and signage combined with a well-maintained exterior go a long way in making a strong first impression.
• Intentional landscaping—Greenery, walkways, and seating areas create a welcoming and peaceful atmosphere.
• A well-designed entry experience—Rather than a basic entry door, a thoughtfully designed entry canopy, warm lighting, and clear wayfinding create an intuitive and seamless arrival experience.

If a facility’s exterior is uninviting, some families may decide to leave without ever entering—regardless of the quality of care provided inside.

Designing High-Impact Interior Spaces

Every space along the prospective patient’s tour path plays a role in shaping their perception. Thoughtful design and renovation choices should focus on the most visible and frequently used spaces, ensuring a balance of aesthetics, functionality, and durability.

Lobby & Reception: Setting the Tone

The lobby and reception area should immediately feel welcoming, professional, and high-end—more like a hospitality space than a clinical setting.

• A clutter-free reception desk that functions more like a concierge station than a nurses’ station.
• Durable, high-quality finishes that balance aesthetics with long-term resilience.
• An intuitive layout that naturally guides visitors, reducing reliance on excessive signage—good design should not require extensive wayfinding.

Welcome Center & Admissions: Where Decisions Are Made

Prospective patients and their families often spend the most time in the Welcome Center or Admissions office, discussing care plans, reviewing options, and asking questions. Despite its importance, this space is often an afterthought in facility design.

• A professional, organized setting that reassures families and reinforces trust.
• Comfortable seating and warm finishes to create a welcoming, stress-free environment.
• A layout that encourages private and open communication, allowing families to have meaningful conversations with staff.

A well-designed Admissions space and Welcome Center can further make families feel confident about choosing the facility.

Corridors: The Overlooked Backbone of Design

Corridors experience constant foot traffic but are often under-prioritized in renovations. Their design should support durability, visual appeal, and ease of navigation.

• High-quality flooring that maintains its appearance under heavy use.
• Strategic lighting and wall treatments to create warmth and avoid an institutional feel.
• Thoughtful design elements that enhance comfort while maintaining functionality.

Patient Rooms: Comfort & Personalization Matter

The patient’s private space is where they will spend most of their time. Families make decisions based on whether these rooms feel warm, inviting, and homelike.

• Soft lighting, residential-style furniture, and warm finishes create a more comfortable atmosphere.
• Efficient storage solutions help reduce clutter while maintaining accessibility.
• Thoughtful layouts that maximize both privacy and ease of movement.

A patient’s room should feel more like a home or boutique hotel suite—not a hospital room.

Therapy Spaces: The Core of Recovery

Therapy spaces are the primary reason patients choose an SNF. They should reflect cutting-edge technology and a modern, professional environment.

• Physical therapy gyms should feel high-tech and modern, reinforcing their role in recovery.
• Advanced therapy equipment and innovative layouts should be incorporated to optimize functionality.
• A contemporary design approach makes therapy areas feel more like professional rehabilitation centers than traditional hospital therapy rooms.

Nurses’ Stations: Functionality Without Chaos

Nurses’ stations are essential for efficient facility operations but should be designed to minimize clutter and blend seamlessly with the surrounding environment.

• Organized layouts and built-in storage reduce the appearance of clutter.
• Strategic placement ensures visibility while maintaining a professional, controlled aesthetic.
• A hospitality-inspired design makes stations feel more like hotel concierge desks than traditional workstations.

Activity Spaces: Creating a Sense of Community

Beyond therapy, patients need engaging amenities to support their quality of life. Activity spaces serve as social hubs and should feel welcoming, engaging, and thoughtfully designed.

• Dining areas, outdoor patios, salons, etc., should be strategically located along the tour path.
• Investments should be focused on the most utilized and appreciated spaces. If an outdated activity room is underutilized, reallocating funds to enhance the beauty salon or another high-impact space may be better.
• Activity spaces should feel more like amenities in a boutique hotel rather than an afterthought.

Each facility’s activity spaces should reflect the unique needs of its patients, ensuring they support socialization, engagement, and overall well-being.

Minimizing Disruptions During Renovation

Beyond aesthetics, renovations must be carefully planned to avoid unnecessary disruption to operations. Some spaces, such as lobbies and entryways, must be completed quickly to avoid major interruptions. Others can be phased strategically, allowing for continued functionality while improvements are made.

Final Thoughts: A Design-First Approach to Facility Tours

Skilled Nursing Facilities must go beyond traditional healthcare design to create environments that inspire confidence, promote comfort, and showcase quality care. By prioritizing design, investing in high-impact areas, and ensuring a seamless experience along the tour path, facilities can stand out in a competitive market.

At ML Group, our Strategize. Imagine. Transform. process ensures SNF renovations balance functionality, aesthetics, and operational efficiency. If you’re considering a renovation or repositioning project, let’s start a conversation.

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