Covenant Retirement Communities – Senior Housing News

Two Covenant Retirement Communities Facilities Appoint Health Care Administrators

Covenant Village of Golden Valley, a faith-based continuing care retirement community (CCRC) located in Golden Valley, Minnesota and administered by nonprofit senior services provider Covenant Retirement communities, named Heather Bell as health care administrator at Colonial Acres, the CCRC’s health care center.

Colonial Acres provides assisted living, skilled nursing, memory support and short- and long-term care to Covenant Village of Golden Valley residents and non-residents alike.

Bell has previously served as executive director and administrator at Highland Chateau Health and Rehabilitation Center in St. Paul, Minnesota, and as administrator-in-training at Wisconsin Veterans Home at Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. She is a licensed nursing home administrator, as well as a member of the Saint Paul Chamber of Commerce, LeadingAge Minnesota and Lake Superior Quality Innovation Network.

Additionally, Windsor Park, a not-for-profit CCRC located in Carol Stream, Illinois, appointed Lynn Blackburn as health care administrator at Johnson Health Care Center, the skilled nursing facility at the CCRC, and Mardi Wiedelman, RN, as director of assisted living and catered living.

Blackburn oversees operations in skilled nursing and rehab as health care administrator, and is responsible for assuring federal and state compliance and maintaining quality care. She is a former administrator at Church Creek Senior Living in Arlington Heights, Illinois, and served as health care administrator at Greenfields of Geneva in Geneva, Illinois.

Wiedelman manages the day-to-day operations of catered living, Windsor Park’s newest living options geared toward those who need extra help with daily activities but not enough to move to assisted living. She also manages the assisted living and memory care neighborhood, and oversees a staff of 40.

Wiedelman has worked in the senior living and health care industries for 39 years, and has served as memory care manager and nurse education coordinator at Presbyterian Homes in Evanston, Illinois and as referral liaison at the skilled nursing center at Covenant Village of Northbrook in Northbrook, Illinois.

EPOCH Senior Living Welcomes Director of Community Relations in Massachusetts

EPOCH Senior Living welcomed Colleen Everett as director of community relations at Bridges by EPOCH at Pembroke, a 48-suite memory care assisted living community set to open in Pembroke, Massachusetts in fall 2017.

Everett will focus on building relationships and offering guidance to families considering memory care and assisted living. She previously served as director of community relations for several other senior living organizations across Massachusetts and Rhode Island. She has more than 20 years of experience in marketing, and almost 10 years of experience in the senior care industry.

EPOCH Senior Living currently operates four memory care assisted living communities in Massachusetts, one in New Hampshire and one in Connecticut, and several others are under construction.

Blake Management Group Adds VP of Wellness

Blake Management Group (BMG) added Michell Boska as vice president of wellness.

Boska will focus on elevating the sophistication in how BMG communities deliver care and measure outcomes, including resident experience. She will work to leverage current technology to enhance support and training of care teams across the country.

Boska formerly served as regional director of operations for Brookdale Senior Living (NYSE: BKD) and area director for Autumn Leaves Senior Living.

BMG is an independently owned senior living operator with communities in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina and Tennessee. The company is based in Ridgeland, Mississippi.

Solutions Advisors Announces New Senior VP of Sales and Marketing

Solutions Advisors LLC announced the promotion of Paul O’Brien to senior vice president of sales and marketing, overseeing the Princeton, New Jersey-based company’s portfolio of consulting clients.

O’Brien has 27 years of experience in the human services arena, and has been with Solutions Advisors for five years. As senior vice president, he will play a larger role in business development, and will also supervise and support the company’s expanding field sales and marketing teams. He is a licensed real estate broker in New Jersey and Maryland and has an assisted living administrator’s license in New Jersey.

Solutions Advisors provides sales and management consulting services to clients nationwide, with expertise in person-centered sales coaching, lead generation, multi-channel marketing and Sherpa CRM training.

Wingate Residentces at Needham Selects Director of Memory Care Services

Wingate Residences at Needham, part of a campus providing a full spectrum of care including independent living, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing and short-term rehabilitation in Needham, Massachusetts, selected Caitlyn Mark as director of memory care services.

Her responsibilities include ensuring residents are healthy, happy, safe and actively engaged in the community, training staff members and educating families on Wingate’s memory care program, The Neighborhood. She previously was a program manager and partner at Brookdale Cushing Park, a Brookdale Senior Living community in Framingham, Massachusetts, where she trained and mentored new program managers throughout the northeast region and monitored standard operating procedures.

LCB Senior Living Announces Regional Director of Sales

LCB Senior Living announced Nick Lausier as the company’s new regional director of sales and marketing for its northern region.

In this role, Lausier will coordinate with and oversee the sales and marketing teams within LCB’s communities located in northern Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont. He has more than 10 years of experience in sales and marketing within the senior living industry, previously serving in sales, marketing and operations roles with Benchmark Senior Living, Kindred Healthcare and SunBridge Healthcare.

Written by Kourtney Liepelt

The post Movers & Shakers: Covenant Retirement Communities, Blake Management Group appeared first on Senior Housing News.

Attracting and retaining talented employees remains a top priority for senior housing operators, but the wide availability of job-search platforms online can tend to feel daunting. Instead of shouting into the void, some operators could find success attracting new employees by using the employees they already have, according to a panel of experts at the recent Senior Housing News Chicago Summit.

Continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs), skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), and other senior housing operators face a daunting workforce shortage, according to moderator Peter Corless, executive vice president of enterprise development for OnShift, a Cleveland-based workforce management software firm and sponsor of the panel. By 2030, the post-acute care industry will require 2.5 million more workers, said Corless — whose company sponsored the panel discussion — along with 250,000 new registered nurses by 2025.

Happy, committed employees can be a company’s best recruiters, the panelists agreed, but it’s also up to operators to overcome a natural fear of social media that comes when working with vulnerable populations.

Social (media) anxiety

“As an industry, we’re very nervous — for many good reasons — about social media, so we tend to do the least risky thing we can do, instead of understanding the risks and putting ourselves out there,” said Michelle Kozloski, the vice president of human resources for Covenant Retirement Communities, a Skokie, Illinois-based provider with senior housing and skilled nursing properties.

Putting your facility out there on platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and even Snapchat could become increasingly important as millennials — those born between 1980 and 2000 — represent a larger and larger portion of the available workforce. While millennials still use online hiring platforms such as Indeed and Craigslist, the panelists emphasized the importance of finding them where they already are — which is typically their smartphones.

Still, using social media to hire young employees isn’t as easy as slapping a link to your existing job posts on Facebook and waiting for the likes and shares to roll in.

“The posting of the job description doesn’t do it,” said panelist Lisa Rogers, director of human resources for the Chicago-based Pathway to Living, a chain of assisted and independent living facilities. “We have to make the story, and the story has to be individualized to the roles. If we don’t make it individualized to the roles, we won’t get the new generation.”

Creating job evangelists

Using social media to promote your jobs could be as simple as having dedicated employees share what they love about your facility so others can see the potential of working there as well. But the strategy can also include being mindful of what folks are saying about you online, starting with how hiring managers treat potential employees, whether they land the post or not.

Panelist Julie Simpkins, chief operating officer at the Bradley, Illinois-based senior living company Gardant Management Solutions, told the audience that she’s seen rejected job applicants praise the process on Facebook, expressing a desire to try again should another job open up.

“Make sure that interview, whether you choose them or not, is fantastic,” Simpkins said.

She also advised a proactive approach for handling negative comments about a company’s hiring process, whether it’s on mainstream social media or job-specific sites such as Glassdoor. Responding to comments, and inviting the aggrieved party to continue the discussion privately over e-mail, can go a long way in improving a senior living company’s online reputation.

“People are seeing you addressing it, no matter what’s out there,” she said.

Developing a strong farm team

At Erickson Living, a major chain of retirement communities based in Catonsville, Maryland, senior vice president of human resources Joe Machicote oversees an even more ambitious program that attempts to turn high school students into long-term employees — and avoid what Machicote called the old “posting and praying” approach to finding good employees.

Erickson brings in 3,000 high school students to work in its facilities every year, but the relationship doesn’t end when they go off to college, Machicote said. The company uses students interested in a career in senior housing and care as “ambassadors” on college campuses, giving them business cards and making them feel like they’re already a part of the company.

“Don’t forget pieces of your workforce that may be transient, and that you’re not really thinking about.” Machicote said. “That, to me, is the millennial answer: building the relationship.”

Written by Alex Spanko

The post How Senior Housing Operators Can Let Employees Do the Hiring appeared first on Senior Housing News.

Wells Fargo Capital Finance Announces New National Health Care Sales Manager

Wells Fargo Capital Finance, the asset-based lending division of Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE: WFC), announced the promotion of Kevin Harbour to national health care sales manager in the company’s health care finance group.

Harbour will be responsible for leading a team of business development professionals focused on providing senior secured asset based, real estate and cash flow financing to middle market health care companies across the country. This covers a variety of sectors, including acute care and specialty hospitals, skilled nursing and post-acute care, behavioral health, hospice and more.

Harbour has spent almost 13 years with Wells Fargo Capital Finance, most recently serving as national underwriting manager in the health care finance group, where he was responsible for overseeing the structuring, underwriting and execution of all health care transactions. Before that, he worked in various capacities, including originations, underwriting and portfolio management.

“Kevin has been an important part of our health care finance group since joining four years ago,” Rhonda Noell, head of the health care finance group at Wells Fargo Capital Finance, said in a news release. “He is vital to helping us grow the business and supporting our vision and values of meeting the financial needs of our customers. I’m proud to promote Kevin to a role that he was meant to do.”

Senior Lifestyle Names New Senior VP of Sales and Marketing

Senior living owner, operator and developer Senior Lifestyle Corp. named Cherie Dupor as senior vice president of sales and marketing.

Before joining Senior Lifestyle, Dupor worked in the residential housing and new construction development industries for 14 years in various capacities, including regional operations and sales and marketing. She started with Senior Lifestyle in 2011, and moved up the ladder in the company’s sales and marketing department.

“I am delighted to announce Cherie’s promotion as she has shown tremendous dedication to Senior Lifestyle for the past five-plus years,” Jon DeLuca, Senior Lifestyle’s president and CEO, said in a news release. “Her focus, passion and drive to succeed have remained constant throughout her tenure. Cherie has exemplified our values throughout her career at Senior Lifestyle by providing exceptional service to residents, families, co-workers and partners. She leads by example and has an unwavering desire to be the best at everything she does.”

In addition to Dupor’s promotion, Senior Lifestyle welcomed Janine Witte to a newly created position of national director of sales. Witte has more than 16 years of experience in senior housing sales.

Caring.com Chooses New CEO

Third-party referral agent Caring.com recently promoted Karen Cassel to CEO.

Cassel joined Caring.com in 2011 as a general manager of performance marketing, and she later served as the company’s COO before becoming CEO in 2016. Prior to beginning at Caring.com, Cassel held senior leadership positions at online vertical marketing pioneer Quinstreet and the international social media giant Tagged. Most recently, she headed the business-to-business marketing division at Ziff Davis Media.

Cassel began her career as an actuarial assistant at John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company, where she developed and priced features for the company’s long-term care insurance products. She joined Caring.com after 20 years away from long-term care, but said returning to the industry “felt like coming full circle.”

Springpoint Senior Living Selects New President

The Springpoint Senior Living board of trustees selected Anthony A. Argondizza as president of the company, which is New Jersey’s largest nonprofit provider of senior housing and services. The announcement comes after current President Gary T. Puma announced retirement plans in 2014 and the board conducted a succession plan to ensure a seamless transition.

Argondizza will assume the position of president on Oct. 1, and Puma will remain in place as CEO until his retirement in fall of 2017. Argondizza joined Springpoint in 1994 as administrator and assistant executive director at Crestwood Manor, a Springpoint Senior Living continuing care retirement community (CCRC) located in Whiting, New Jersey. He has since worked in various roles, including vice president of operations, COO and executive vice president.

“When looking for a new leader, the board felt it was important to find someone not only with strong experience, but to identify someone who respects the Springpoint tradition and will continue to foster the culture that is such a significant part of its success,” John J. McSorley, chair of the board of trustees, said in a news release. “The board is confident that Anthony Argondizza will bring both the expertise and passion to this new role.”

Springpoint Senior Living has seven CCRCs, 19 affordable housing communities and home care services.

Marcus & Millichap Appoints New Director

Marcus & Millichap, a commercial real estate services firm with offices in the United States and Canada, appointed Drew Babcock as director within the company’s national multi housing group.

Babcock has worked in the firm’s Columbia, South Carolina, branch as the main broker, advising clients and closing 47 deals for the company, which surpass $359 million for transaction value. Over the last six years, he tailored his focus to multifamily investments, and was instrumental in opening a Marcus & Millichap branch in Columbia in 2009.

“As a newly appointed director within the national multi housing group, Drew has delivered superior service and results to his clients in the Columbia multifamily market,” Raj Ravi, regional manager at Marcus & Millichap, said in a news release. “Drew has proven to be a top multifamily expert in the marketplace with Marcus & Millichap.”

Dominion Senior Living Promotes 2 Employees

Knoxville, Tennessee-based senior living company Dominion Senior Living promoted two employees: Michelle Bolling to senior executie director of a new faith-based memory care community in Bristol, Tennessee, and Ava Foster to executive director at Dominion Senior Living of Johnson City in Johnson City, Tennessee.

Bolling previously served as the executive director of Dominion Senior Living’s assisted living and memory care community in Johnson City. She has more than 15 years of experience working in senior living and health care. In her new role, she will be responsible for creating a dignified and engaging atmosphere, and mentor executive directors at other Dominion Senior Living properties.

“Michelle not only met, but exceeded our expectations in Johnson City, so she was a perfect fit for this new position,” Josh Crisp, vice president of Dominion Senior Living, said in a news release. “She exemplifies the many qualities we look for in our employees, and her heart for seniors is evident in everything she does. We’re proud to have her on our team, and continually look to help our team members grow personally and professionally.”

Foster previously served as business office director at Dominion Senior Living of Johnson City, and has worked in health care for more than 15 years. She takes over the position Bolling vacates with her promotion, and she will be tasked with leading the day-to-day operations of the community.

“From the beginning, Ava has been a true asset in Johnson City because of her experience and personality,” Bolling said. “I specifically sought out Ava to add her to my team, and she has exceled at all she does while maintaining a true heart and compassionate spirit for this field. I’m looking forward to collaborating with her since our communities are nearby.”

The Holmstad Welcomes New Executive Director

The Holmstad, a faith-based, not-for-profit CCRC in Batavia, Illinois, administered by Covenant Retirement Communities, welcomed Amanda Gosnell as the community’s executive director.

Gosnell has more than 10 years of senior living leadership experience, most recently as regional director of operations for Sunrise Senior Living, where she oversaw a portfolio of nine independent living, assisted living and memory care communities in Illinois and Indiana. As executive director, Gosnell is responsible for all operations at the 28-acre campus, which offers residential living, catered living, assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing. She directs more than 320 employees.

“Caring for seniors has been a lifelong passion,” Gosnell said in a news release. “I’m thrilled to be part of Covenant Retirement Communities and look forward to working with the passionate and talented team of professionals at The Holmstad.”

Written by Kourtney Liepelt

The post Movers & Shakers: Wells Fargo’s National Health Care Sales Manager appeared first on Senior Housing News.

(Photo of Regency at Summerlin, located in Las Vegas — Photo courtesy of KTGY Architecture and Planning)

Construction: Planned

Expansion Planned at Sagewood Community, Phoenix

Located in northeast Phoenix, Sagewood Life Plan Community is expanding to feature a high-end independent living neighborhood, called The Estates. The Estates will have 24 luxury villas available in either single or duplex homes ranging from 1,926 to 3,174 square feet.

The neighborhood will also include a 15,000-square-foot multipurpose event center for concerts, lectures and other events. Other amenities in the homes will include a media room, study, large chef’s kitchen with breakfast nook, a covered patio with outdoor cooking area, private attached guest casita and two-care garages with attached golf cart storage.

Residents of The Estates at Sagewood will also have full use of the Acacia Health Center. The cost of unlimited days of long-term care onsite will be included in residents’ monthly fees.

Senior Living Community Getting Revamp, Colo.

Eben Ezer Lutheran Care Center has hired Oz Architecture to redesign 54 of its assisted living and 18 memory care units. The community, located in Brush, Colo., will have improvements that span 54,000 square feet, with the goal of increasing the overall capacity of the existing campus.

In addition to new assisted living and memory care units, the community will add a gardening room with direct access to the grounds outside and quiet rooms to help residents who wish to be in a calm, restful place.

Construction on Eben Ezer Lutheran Care Center is set to being in September 2016.

CCRC in Pennsylvania Announces Expansion

Windy Hill Village, located in Philipsburg, Pa., is planning an expansion that will add a 48-unit senior rental apartment building for people 55 and older to its CCRC campus. The building, Westminster Place, will incorporate sustainable construction and green features.

The new building in the community, owned and operated by Presbyterian Senior Living, will have 37 one-bedroom units and 11 two-bedroom units.

Of the 48 units, eight will be rented at market range between $811 and $1,086 and the rest will be tax credit rentals with income limits applied to those applications.

Windy Hill Village, as a whole, serves 179 older adults in residential living, personal care, memory care, skilled nursing and rehabilitation.

The total project cost will be $10 million and construction is slated to being in early 2017.

Construction: In process

Active Adult Community in Las Vegas Building Out

The Regency at Summerlin is Toll Brothers’ first active adult 55+ community in Las Vegas. The community has a few models of the homes open, but is still under construction. There are plans for a clubhouse and other amenities as well as 458 additional single-family homes.

The luxury community is set in the 450-acres and is gated with three distinct home collections. Each collection features homes with varying floorpans. Once complete, homes will range from 1,665 to 2,424 square feet. The Summit Collection will have lot sizes of 55’x90’, the Palisades Collection will have lot sizes of 65’x90’ and the Pinnacle Collection will have lot sizes of 75’x90’.

Other amenities include an indoor lap pool, outdoor resort-style pool and tennis, pickle ball and bocce ball courts. The community is being designed by KTGY Architecture + Planning. All amenities and the clubhouse are expected to open this winter.

Assisted Living Facility Undergoing Updates, Ill.

Harry Ekstam Assisted Living, located in Batavia, Ill., is currently undergoing updates and is expected to be complete in early fall of this year.

Currently, there are three wings that make up the 36,000 square-foot community, which is part of the Holmstad campus, a Covenant Retirement Community.

The dining room was relocated to the second floor in one wing to make room for a new entrance and vestibule. The dining rooms in the other two wings will be updated along with the interior decoration of all common areas.

J. Duffy Co. is in charge of the renovation of common spaces and BLDD Architects is handling the design.

Senior Living Community Set to Open Next Month, St. Louis

Provision Living at West County is slated to open next month and is finishing up construction.

The memory care community will be 54,000 square feet and include 60 memory care apartments. Apartments range in size from studios to one-bedroom apartments.

At the $14 million community, residents will be able to enjoy creative arts, music and fitness centers as well as walking trails, a courtyard and garden patio. Other amenities include a beauty and barber shop, library, coffee cafe and chef-prepared dining for three meals per day.

Senior Living Community Underway in Madison, Ala.

Shepherd Living at The Range is underway in Madison, Ala. The joint venture between Cobalt Seniors and Shepherd Health will be an upscale 124-resident community on 14 acres of land for seniors age 65 and older.

Residents will be able to enjoy gourmet farm-to-table food, fine wine storage, a full-service salon, a greenhouse, gardening opportunities, private kitchens, animal therapy, walking trails and a tavern to enjoy sports games. There will also be daily classes offered to residents ranging from meditation and gentle yoga to aerobics and circuit training.

Shepherd Living at The Range will also have on-site physical therapy and other rehabilitation services. Shepherd Senior Living will manage the community.

Ground Broken Ahead of Schedule on $44 Million Senior Community

Masonic Homes of Kentucky has broken ground earlier than expected on The Meadow, a new area in the active senior living community of Miralea in Louisville, Ky. The Meadows will add 122 apartment-style homes to the already-established community.

Meadow residents will be able to utilize Miralea facilities as well as amenities in the new building, which includes a movie theater, a spa and beauty salon, an art studio and an art gallery. The community will be for residents age 62 and older and will also offer life care.

The Meadow was originally slated to open in mid-2018, but with the early start, it is possible the community could open sooner than previously anticipated.

The project is being handled by Greystone, AG Architecture, QK4 and Reese Design Collaborative.

Written by Alana Stramowski

The post In the Pipeline: Senior Housing Construction Projects (9/15/16) appeared first on Senior Housing News.

Healthcare Trust Appoints New Board Chairman

The board of directors of Healthcare Trust, Inc. appointed Leslie D. Michelson to serve as non-executive chairman of the board, following the resignation of Randolph C. Read from that position and as a member of the board’s audit committee and nominating and corporate governance committee.

“I am delighted to be continuing the progress the company has made under Randy Read as chairman,” Michelson said in a news release. “The results of the strategic review process will guide us as we strengthen our portfolio and balance sheet and continue to increase shareholder value.”

Healthcare Trust, Inc. is a publicly registered, non-traded real estate investment trust (REIT) that focuses primarily on health care-related assets, including medical office buildings, seniors housing and other facilities.

Symbria Names First-Ever COO, Chief Human Resources Officer

Symbria, a national developer and provider of clinical and business services dedicated to helping post-acute care and senior living providers, named Janet Viane as the company’s first-ever COO. The company also hired Debra Bragg for the newly created role of chief human resources officer.

As COO, Viane will direct the Symbria’s rehab, pharmacy, IT, sales and marketing devisions, refine the company’s positioning and improve the cohesiveness of the Symbria brand. She previously served as Symbria’s chief marketing and sales officer.

“Since Janet joined Symbria earlier this year, she has demonstrated a talent for strategic and creative thinking as well as outstanding leadership skills,” President and CEO Jill Krueger said in a news release. “I am confident that she is the best choice to grow the company by developing new products and services that align with our clinical and business services structure, overseeing market testing/development, and taking on leadership of internal operations to best serve Symbria’s current clients.”

As chief human resources officer, Bragg will oversee human resources strategy, leadership and organization development, benefit and compensation planning, internal communications, succession planning and more.

“Debra has more than 20 years of experience and has proven herself to be a highly dedicated and results-oriented senior human resources executive,” Krueger said. “I am looking forward to her assessment of our strengths and opportunities in human resources and the engagement insight she can apply to nurturing our ESOP culture.”

Senior Quality Lifestyle Announces Two New Hires

Senior Quality Lifestyle Corporation, a nonprofit sponsor and operator of life care communities, announced the hires of Ralph Gemoets as vice president of technology and Chris Santuae as vice president of culinary services and hospitality.

Gemoets comes to SQLC with more than 10 years of experience in delivering technology solutions for large and small organizations. In his new role, Gemoets will develop tools for vendor and project management, conduct process analysis and develop internal information technology strategy. He will also facilitate the use of new technological programs and services and plan IT projects and case development.

Santuae has more than 25 years of leadership experience in the hospitality and hotel industry. He comes to SQLC from Mountain Creek Resorts, where he was vice president of hospitality.

“We are pleased to welcome Ralph and Chris to our team, as they will help us continue the company’s mission of providing quality hospitality, housing, health care and financial security to enhance the lives of our residents,” SQLC President and CEO Stan Waterhouse said in a news release. “Their expertise and experience will help us better serve residents in all of our communities.”

Erickson Living Reveals Latest Appointments

Lantern Hill, an Erickson Living continuing care retirement community (CCRC) located in New Providence, New Jersey, hired Jerry McDonald as associate executive director and nursing home administrator. Additionally, Cedar Crest promoted Denise Altonjy to the position of associate executive director.

McDonald will assist the executive director in all facets of community management and oversee the opening of Woodland Pointe continuing care, slated to open in 2017. He has more than 20 years of experience as a licensed nursing home administrator. He joined Erickson Living as a nursing home adminsitrator in 2013 at Highland Springs in Dallas, Texas. For the last two years, he served as Erickson Living’s traveling corporate administrator, spending time at several CCRCs.

“Jerry is a proven leader, and we are fortunate to have him join our team,” Lantern Hill Executive Director Patricia Swan said in a news release. “His experience at Erickson Living, as well as his dedication to providing exceptional service to our residents, makes him a tremendous asset to the Lantern Hill community.”

Altonjy has served as director of nursing at Cedar Crest since 2006. She has more than 30 years of professional health care experience, and is a licensed assisted living administrator and certified gerontological nurse. In her new position, Altonjy will work closely with the executive director and other executive team members to manage all facets of the community, including coordination of the various department operations and staff.

“Congratulations to Denise on this well-deserved promotion,” Cedar Crest Executive Director Lou Varella said in a news release. “She brings outstanding leadership experience to her new role at Cedar Crest and is passionate about our mission of helping seniors’ live better lives by providing an active and secure retirement lifestyle for our residents.”

Lantern Hill and Cedar Crest are two of 19 CCRCs managed by Erickson Living.

Integral Senior Living Adds Regional Director

Senior living management company Integral Senior Living added Roselynn Muzzy as regional vice president of operations.

In her role, Muzzy will be responsible for overseeing the operations of several ISL communities. She has more than 21 years of experience in the senior living industry, most recently serving as vice president of operations for Vintage Senior Living. Before that, she was an elder care specialist for Barcelon Associates Management Corporation.

“We are thrilled to have Roselynn join our growing management team,” Collette Valentine, CEO and COO of ISL, said in a news release. “She brings exemplary skills and vast experience working in senior living that will be a benefit to all of us at ISL.”

Based in Carlsbad, California, ISL manages 58 independent living, assisted living and memory care properties throughout 16 states.

The Samarkand Welcomes New Executive Director

The Samarkand, a faith-based, not-for-profict CCRC located in Santa Barbara, California, welcomed Robert T. Howell as executive director. He will report to Terri Cunliffe, President and CEO of senior living services provider Covenant Retirement Communities.

Howell joins the 360-resident community from Covenant Village of Turlock, a sister community in Turlock, California, where he was executive director. Before that, he was vice president of CRISTA Ministries in Seattle, Washington. He is a member of LeadingAge, and has served on the board of directors and in the cabinet and house of delegates for the national association.

At The Samarkand, Howell will oversee a staff of 215 and overall operations for 205 residential living apartments, 52 assisted living units, 16 memory support assisted living suites, and a 63-bed Medicare-approved skilled nursing center.

Written by Kourtney Liepelt

The post Movers & Shakers: Symbria’s First-Ever COO appeared first on Senior Housing News.

Senior Housing News will be observing the Thanksgiving holiday Thursday, Nov. 24 and Friday, Nov. 25. We will return to our normal posting schedule Monday, Nov. 28.

Genesis Healthcare Reveals Executive Departures, Appointments

Genesis Healthcare, Inc. (NYSE: GEN) revealed the retirement of Robert A. “Mike” Reitz from his position of executive vice president and COO of the company, effective Jan. 1. Paul D. Bach has been appointed as COO, beginning the same day.

Bach has served Genesis as executive vice president of the Mid-Atlantic/Southeast division since 2009. Prior to that, he was senior vice president of the Capital Region. He has been with Genesis since 1984.

Reitz will remain in his current position until his retirement goes into effect. At that time, he will continue to support Genesis on a limited project basis, focusing on the leadership transition and other strategic initiatives, including relationship development with acute care systems and performance improvement projects, according to an SEC filing.

Additionally, Joshua Hausman announced his decision to resign from the Genesis board of directors, effective Nov. 18. His resignation didn’t stem from any disagreement with the company, or anything relating to the company’s operations, policies or practices, according to the filing.

The announcements come as the skilled nursing facility (SNF) industry faces strong headwinds, and some Genesis rivals have decided to exit the space entirely. Real estate investment trusts (REITs) have tried to limit their exposure to the asset class, as well, including by divesting some Genesis properties.

Aegis Living Names New Chief Marketing Officer

Aegis Living named Sharon McCarthy as its new chief marketing officer.

McCarthy has more than 20 years of consumer marketing and senior management experience, namely with Kraft Foods, Taco Bell, Picture People and The Discovery Channel. At Aegis Living, she will oversee the company’s sales, marketing and life enrichment programs.

“Sharon will be an exceptional addition to our team,” Aegis Living President Judy Meleliat said in a news release. “Sharon’s experience demonstrates creativity, insight and problem solving skills. Leaders like Sharon McCarthy are rare, because they’ve excelled at managing many brands in different business categories, and as such, bring deep expertise in developing and implementing comprehensive marketing strategies. We’re excited about how she’ll be able to help us tell our story here at Aegis Living.”

Redmond, Washington-based Aegis Living operates 29 assisted living and memory care communities along the West Coast, in Washington, California, and Nevada.

Covenant Retirement Communities Announces New Leadership Members

Covenant Retirement Communities, Inc. (CRC) announced the appointments of Jay Hibbard as senior vice president of sales, marketing and communications, and Fran Palma as senior vice president of digital strategies.

Hibbard and Palma join CRC from BlueSpire Senior Living, a sales and marketing firm that has partnered with CRC since 2013. They both oversaw direction for CRC’s sales, marketing and digital strategies while at BlueSpire.

Hibbard has 24 years of experience in senior living, having served as president of BlueSpire. He now leads strategy development for marketing and sales for CRC’s 15 retirement communities, overseeing efforts to strengthen communications between families, residents and staff members and raise awareness about what CRC offers to residents.

Palma’s role requires him to direct CRC’s digital and social media strategies, overseeing the execution of all digital campaigns, performance measurements and lead generation and analytics. He has 22 years of experience, having served as executive vice president of digital strategies at BlueSpire.

“The appointments of Jay and Fran strengthen our in-house sales support, communications and digital marketing capabilities, and recognizes our commitment to the future growth and success of the organization,” President and CEO Terri Cunliffe said in a news release. “Both have a passion for serving seniors, they believe in CRC’s vision and have been pivotal in recent efforts to grow and expand.”

CRC is a not-for-profit senior services provider.

Greystone Hires Senior Underwriter for FHA Health Care

Greystone, a real estate lending, investment and advisory company, hired Kelly Cush as senior underwriter in the FHA group.

Cush has more than 15 years of experience, and has underwritten and closed more than $1 billion in HUD transactions. She worked at Housing & Healthcare Finance, LLC for seven years, most recently serving as chief underwriter. Prior to that, she worked with RED capital as an FHA multifamily and health care underwriter for seven years.

In her new role, she will help in handling Greystone’s growing volume of health care FHA loans.

“I’m thrilled to have been given this opportunity with Greystone,” Cush said in a news release. “…I look forward to working with the Greystone team and being of service to their growing health care clientele.”

LifeSpire of Virginia Selects Corporate Director of Clinical Services

LifeSpire of Virginia selected Teresa Collins as corporate director of clinical services.

In the role, Collins is responsible for the overall clinical and health services in LifeSpire communities, including global implementation and training for all clinical programs, protocols, benchmarks and standards. She also tracks compliance with federal and state regulations.

Collins has 26 years of experience as a nurse, and 10 years of experience in acute care as a director of emergency services and chief nursing officer.

LifeSpire of Virginia operates four continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) in Virginia.

North Hill Welcomes New Systems Implementation Project Manager

North Hill, a CCRC located in Needham, Massachusetts, welcomed Sue Pouliot as systems implementation project manager.

Pouliot has more than 20 years of project management marketing, consulting and relationship building experience. She previously served as the director of education and events at LeadingAge Massachusetts for nine years. Her new role is technology-focused and will require her to take the lead on a variety of projects, including developing processes to increase efficiency of operations at North Hill.

“I’ve worked with so many of North Hill’s team members in the past, and I hold each of them in high regard,” Pouliot said in a news release. “For me, the most exciting part of this new role is that I get to focus on several different project areas, including working with residents, which will keep it interesting.”

EPOCH Senior Living Appoints New Executive Director

EPOCH Senior Living appointed Jean Norte as executive director of Bridges by EPOCH Memory Care Assisted Living at Westwood, located in Westwood, Massachusetts.

Before joining the EPOCH team, Norte was the traditional care director of Benchmark Senior Living, and she transitioned into the role of executive director in 2014. She has extensive experience in senior health care, and has overseen all aspects of operations at senior living communities.

Bridges by EPOCH at Westwood has 64 apartments for people with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.

Written by Kourtney Liepelt

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In C-Suites across the country, senior housing executives are trying to get a read on the year ahead.

The inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump is fast approaching, and while there have been some signals as to what policies will change, major questions remain about his approach to health care. Still, several senior living leaders believe that continued collaboration across the health care spectrum will be an ongoing trend—and a key opportunity for the sector.

Some executives are expecting further occupancy pressure from new supply coming online. As for whether new development will slow or remain robust, there’s some mixed opinion. Other top of mind issues include ongoing labor challenges, and technology, which is affecting everything from marketing to transportation.

“While certain markets are contending with supply pressures, there continue to be opportunities for targeted senior living development in urban areas featuring a mixed-use and/or retail component. In 2017, we anticipate an increased focus on high barrier to entry markets that combine mixed-use retail environments combining with senior living.” —Mark Alexander, Senior Vice President, Head of Development, Atria Senior Living

“Two things come to mind. One is the growing importance of delivering on performance, especially maintaining a culture that attracts and retains the best team members, including the credentialing of our community Executive Directors. The other is that, on the deal side, as I think we have already begun to see, private equity will again become an aggressive player in the senior living space.” —Brenda Bacon, President and CEO, Brandywine Living

“Collaboration between traditional health care providers and senior housing is important and it is going to become even more important. There is an opportunity for senior housing to become even more essential in the evolving ecosystem of health care. You are going to see health care public policy continue to drive less expensive, better quality, value-based outcomes, irrespective of the fate of the Affordable Care Act. Senior living can be a part of the solution, and I think that is an exciting opportunity for the industry.” —Andy Smith, President and CEO, Brookdale Senior Living

“While new competition will impact markets in the short term, I expect experienced operators, who focus on hiring and retaining the best people, will outperform those who have the newest building. Engaging your front line will be the key to delivering the consistent services that are critical in a marketplace where families have numerous choices to consider for their loved ones.” —Richard J. Brewer, President and CEO, Commonwealth Senior Living

“We expect to see a continued focus on digital strategy and how to more effectively use this approach to initiate, communicate and cultivate relationships with prospective residents and their family members. It’s no longer a digital strategy that is required to be successful, but an overall integrated marketing strategy in a ‘Digital World.’” —Terri Cunliffe, CEO, Covenant Retirement Communities, Inc.

“In 2017 I think there will be a slow down in consolidation yet an abundance of capital will still encourage new development of assisted living and memory care projects. A new Republican federal government will help relieve labor regulations but will encourage certain blue states and cities to get even more aggressive on labor mandates.” —Adam Kane, Senior Vice President, Real Estate Acquisition & Corporate Affairs, Erickson Living

“We will begin to see examples of true ‘Digital Strategies’ in the CCRC industry. While not on the Uber-level of disruption, these capabilities will provide tangible product differentiation in the market. Companies will leverage digital capabilities, such as the Internet of Things (IOT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI), to deliver resident-facing apps and portals, moving beyond social networking and delivering real value to residents. Voice-enabled virtual assistants will allow even technophobic seniors to access relevant information and request services. Providers will build ecosystems of connected digital services, first within the communities, and then extending to external partners to bring a wealth of information, products and services only a mouse-click or voice command away.” —John F. Triscoli, Senior Vice President, Chief Information Officer, Erickson Living

“Labor challenges continue to plague the senior living industry. It’s in the best interest of the industry for providers to collaborate and share best practices for improving employee retention at all levels. We see the utilization of technology being essential to continuous quality improvement as well as a key resource in recruiting and retaining teammates in 2017 and beyond.” —Richard Williams, Senior Vice President, HHHunt Senior Living

“The big issues for 2017 will fall into two primary buckets: Adapting to value-based care and strengthening human capital. A third issue which has plagued us and long gone unaddressed is our industry branding. On value based care: Because the IMPACT Act and MACRA enjoyed bipartisan support, we are betting that the movement toward value-based care will continue under the Trump administration. As a result, it will be critical to continue to build an electronic infrastructure that permits integrated care—that is, the provision of ancillary services that address higher acuity via coordinated communication and real time access to patient data.

On strengthening human capital: National pressure for raising minimum wages is likely to abate under the new administration, however on the state level things look different. Eighteen states implemented increases on 1/1/17 and many others have pending legislation.

On rebranding senior living: As an industry we must address ageism, which is a fundamental problem for all of our businesses as it affects the size of the market seeking our products. At Juniper we hope to do our share by exploring alternate approaches to promotion most notably by switching from a description of features and benefits to define our product to thinking in terms of outcomes, what your life can look like. To get a better handle on our thinking, take a look at the Nike website!” —Lynne Katzmann, President and CEO, Juniper Communities

“I see construction of new communities continuing in 2017; however, at a slower pace than what we have seen in the last couple of years. I generally believe that the slower pace is not due to oversupply, but rather a continuing increase in construction costs. As the US economy has strengthened, alternative construction projects in the marketplace have made construction trades and material more expensive. This competition will increase the overall costs of new development projects and will make it more difficult to meet investor return hurdles.

In addition, as noted above, while I generally believe that supply and demand are in relative balance, competition from new developments coming on line in 2017 and offering lease-up incentives will impact the ability of stabilized communities to maintain high occupancies while achieving significant rate growth.” —Jon DeLuca, President and CEO at Senior Lifestyle

“In 2017, there will be a continued emphasis on strengthening collaboration with health systems and working together to coordinate residents’ care to help promote positive outcomes. Our industry prides itself on providing high-quality, personalized care and services for seniors. We’ll need to truly deliver on that experience consistently for our residents, in order to remain competitive and preserve our reputation as the best choice for families seeking senior living.” —Chris Winkle, CEO, Sunrise Senior Living

“With a strong economy and housing values returning to pre-recession levels, seniors will have the resources to enter Life Plan Communities. Nursing home occupancies will continue to be challenged in 2017, however, due to a preference for using home and community services and other venues to care for seniors with low-to-moderate acuities.” —John A. Capasso, Executive Vice President, Continuing Care, Trinity Health

“Development will slow as markets begin to be overdeveloped. Financing will be tougher to secure with rising interest rates. Finally, operators will become more selective regarding which opportunities to pursue.” —David Barnes, President and CEO, Watermark Retirement Communities

Written by Tim Mullaney

Photo Credit: “Crystal Ball/Glaskugel” by Christian Schnettelker, CC BY 2.0

The post Senior Housing Crystal Ball: Top Execs’ 2017 Predictions appeared first on Senior Housing News.

Covenant Retirement Communities Announces New Regional Sales Director

Covenant Retirement Communities, a not-for-profit senior services provider, announced the appointment of Melody Schneider as regional sales director for six of the company’s 12 continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) located in Minnesota, Illinois, Connecticut, Michigan and Florida.

Schneider has more than 10 years of executive leadership experience in senior living strategy, sales, marketing and project management for multi-site organizations. She previously served as a seniors sales strategist and consultant at BlueSpire Senior Living, and before that worked as chief marketing officer at National Lutheran Communities and Services.

In her new role, she is responsible for all aspects of sales and marketing for the communities within her region. In addition to overseeing inventory, sales training and professional development, budget and incentive management and onsite management, Schneider also partners with the leadership team to develop and execute CRC’s regional and national sales strategies.

“Melody is a results-driven leader who has served as a strategic adviser for dozens of multi-site organizations,” Jay Hubbard, senior vice president of sales, marketing and communications, said in a news release. “She has successfully directed ambitious construction projects, mergers, acquisitions and startup retirement communities. We’re pleased to welcome her to our leadership team.”

Eagle’s Trace Hires New Dining Services Director

Eagle’s Trace, an Erickson Living CCRC located in Houston, Texas, hired Ruben Perez as director of dining services.

Perez has more than 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry, namely with the Four Seasons Hotel, Aramark Healthcare and the Cheesecake Factory. As director of dining services for Eagle’s Trace, he will oversee 140 employees and the operations of restaurants from formal to casual in both the independent living and extended care neighborhoods.

“We extend a warm welcome to Ruben as he shares his culinary creativity with residents and employees,” Eagle’s Trace Executive Director Stephen Aigner said in a news release. “The community recently rolled out our signature dining initiative that places an emphasis on all new cooked-to-order menus, prepared to taste. This brings a true restaurant experience to residents, which Ruben has greatly enhanced in his time with us so far.”

Eagle’s Trace is one of 19 CCRCs managed by Erickson Living. The 70-acre campus is home to more than 775 residents.

Waterstone at the Circle Names New Executive Director

Waterstone at the Circle, an EPOCH Senior Living independent living community set to open in early 2018 in Brighton, Massachusetts, named Jake Quigley as executive director.

Before joining Waterstone at the Circle, Quigley served as executive director for senior living communities in the Boston, Brookline and Newton areas. He also spent five years in the U.S. Navy.

“I’m excited to bring the Waterstone lifestyle to Cleveland Circle and offer area seniors luxury independent living in an urban setting,” Quigley said in a news release.

Waterstone at the Circle will be managed and operated by EPOCH Senior Living and features 92 apartments. It’s part of a greater development including a Marriott hotel, retail and dining.

The Heritage at Brentwood Selects New Director of Administrative Services

The Heritage at Brentwood, a CCRC developed and managed by Life Care Services in Brentwood, Tennessee, selected Ashley Emerson as director of administrative services.

Emerson previously served as the senior living community’s sales/move-in coordinator and marketing assistant. Before that, she served in several administrative and marketing/sales roles in various property management, technology and customer service divisions.

In her new role, she will support the community’s executive director and manage the administrative and receptionist services staff. Additionally, she will serve as The Heritage’s IT contact and lead its business and administrative functions.

“Over the past four years, Ashley has developed strong relationships with our residents and staff,” The Heritage Executive Director Jon Tagatz said in a news release. “Her demonstrated professionalism, dedication to The Heritage and expertise in senior living make her an excellent candidate for our direct of administrative services position. We look forward to working alongside her as we continue to grow and advance our community.”

Wingate Healthcare Picks New Executive Director at Massachusetts Community

Wingate Healthcare picked Devon Sicard as executive director at Wingate Residences at Boylston Place, an independent and assisted living community in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts.

Scared joined Boylston Place in 2015 as the community’s wellness director, where she managed all nursing staff. Before that, she served as nurse supervisor at an area senior living organization and was later promoted to acting resident care director.

Frampton Construction Expands Field Management Team

Frampton Construction Company, LLC, a regional full-service construction firm providing planning and design support, reconstruction, construction services and sustainability services throughout the Carolinas including on senior living projects, added Tom Sumner as field superintendent, based in the Charlotte, North Carolina office.

Sumner brings more than 25 years of experience to Frampton Construction, and previously served as senior construction superintendent at Marous Brothers Construction in Cleveland, Ohio. Over the course of his career, he has led over 29 projects.

Medication Management Partners Welcomes Chief Administrative Officer

Medication Management Partners (MMP), a long-term care pharmacy specializing in assisted living and memory care communities, welcomed Ron Weinert it its leadership team as chief administrative officer.

In the role, Weinert will be responsible for compliance, business and product line development, business intelligence and strategic innovation and growth initiatives. He has 36 years of pharmacy leadership experience, and most recently worked as vice president of accountable care services with Walgreens.

“Ron’s depth and breadth of expertise align seamlessly with MMP’s growth trajectory,” MMP CEO Labinot Avdiu said in a news release. “Our goal is to become the national long-term care pharmacy leader in assisted living and memory care. With Ron on board, we’re well on our way to achieving that goal.”

Written by Kourtney Liepelt

The post Movers & Shakers: Covenant Retirement Communities’ Regional Sales Director appeared first on Senior Housing News.

Norterre Adds Chief Information Officer to Executive Team

Norterre, a residential, intergenerational neighborhood focused on improving health, added Kim Hynek as chief information officer and CFO of Action Pact, one of the partners of the project.

Hynek has more than 25 years of experience in operations, development and financing of senior living and health care. She will assist the Norterre team with resource management, technology strategy, development and budgeting.

“As part of our leadership team, Kim will help us rewrite how we live together and support one another in a unique multigenerational neighborhood,” Norterre Chairman and Managing Partner Steve Shields said in a news release.

Norterre is a master-planned community, with its first phase set to debut in late summer with a health and wellness center, 60 assisted living residences (20 dedicated to memory care), 20 long-term care residences and 40 short-term stay suites for people of all ages going through rehabilitation. There will also be child care and healthy dining. Construction on the second phase of the project will follow immediately to add independent living and non-age-specific housing options.

Presbyterian Senior Living Announces Promotion, New Executive Director at Pennsylvania Community

Presbyterian Senior Living promoted Deborah Barefoot to regional director of operations for the organization. She previously served as executive director at Westminster Woods at Huntingdon, a senior living community located in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, and Chad Evans will assume that role.

Evans previously worked as executive director at Windy Hill Village in Phillipsburg, Pennsylvania. Presbyterian Senior Living is a not-for-profit senior services organization headquartered in Dillsburg, Pennsylvania.

Wingate Healthcare Names Administrator, Regional Director

Wingate Healthcare named John Gage as administrator at Wingate Residences on Blackstone Boulevard and regional director of this community, along with Wingate Residences on the East Side.

Gage has more than 27 years of operational experience in long-term care, serving most recently as COO for a Rhode Island-based regional multi-facility organization. Before that, he was an administrator at several other nursing facilities. He has been a licensed nursing home administrator since 1987 and a licensed assisted living residence administrator since 2003.

Dominion Senior Living Hires Former Councilwoman as Executive Director of Tennessee Community

Dominion Senior Living hired Shannon Alvey, a former councilwoman in Athens, Tennessee, as executive director of the organization’s new faith-based assisted living and memory care community, Dominion Senior Living.

Alvey has more than 20 years of experience working in health care, including managing clinics and employees across several locations. She served two terms as an Athens city councilwoman.

“Choosing Shannon for this position was easy, and we know she will use her experience and heart for serving others to create a warm, loving atmosphere for seniors to share life together,” Josh Crisp, a partner of Dominion Senior Living, said in a news release.

Covenant Village of Golden Valley Welcomes New Executive Director

Covenant Village of Golden Valley, a faith-based, not-for-profit continuing care retirement community (CCRC) operated by Covenant Retirement Communities, Inc. (CRC) in Golden Valley, Minnesota, welcomed Jim Angell as executive director.

In his new role, Angell oversees all operations and staff management at the community, directing a staff of 175 and a 350-plus resident community. He has worked in senior housing and health care for 22 years, joining Covenant Village after nearly 16 years with Presbyterian Homes & Services.

Berkeley Oaks Appoints Senior Staff

Berkeley Oaks, a memory care community that will soon open in Williamsburg, Virginia, appointed two executives to its senior staff: Ashley F. Jones will serve as the general manager of the community, and Fred Kricher will serve as director of community relations.

Jones will be responsible for overall leadership and daily operations. She has more than eight years of experience in senior living and is a licensed nursing home administrator.

Kricher has eight years of experience in memory care, previously working as marketing manager for Riverside Health Systems’ Patriots Colony in Williamsburg.

Berkeley Oaks will be managed by Solvere Senior Living and will offer 48 memory care appointments.

The Arbors at Parkwood Meadows Selects New Director of Nursing

The Arbors at Parkwood Meadows, an assisted living community providing memory care operated by Americare in Genevieve, Missouri, selected Bryan Matthews, LPN, as director of nursing.

Matthews brings more than 12 years of health care and related nursing experience to the position.

Written by Kourtney Liepelt

The post Movers & Shakers: Norterre Adds Chief Information Officer appeared first on Senior Housing News.

Two Covenant Retirement Communities Facilities Appoint Health Care Administrators

Colonial Acres provides assisted living, skilled nursing, memory support and short- and long-term care to Covenant Village of Golden Valley residents and non-residents alike.

EPOCH Senior Living Welcomes Director of Community Relations in Massachusetts

EPOCH Senior Living currently operates four memory care assisted living communities in Massachusetts, one in New Hampshire and one in Connecticut, and several others are under construction.

Blake Management Group Adds VP of Wellness

Blake Management Group (BMG) added Michell Boska as vice president of wellness.

Boska formerly served as regional director of operations for Brookdale Senior Living (NYSE: BKD) and area director for Autumn Leaves Senior Living.

Solutions Advisors Announces New Senior VP of Sales and Marketing

Wingate Residentces at Needham Selects Director of Memory Care Services

LCB Senior Living Announces Regional Director of Sales

LCB Senior Living announced Nick Lausier as the company’s new regional director of sales and marketing for its northern region.

Written by Kourtney Liepelt

The post Movers & Shakers: Covenant Retirement Communities, Blake Management Group appeared first on Senior Housing News.

Social (media) anxiety

Still, using social media to hire young employees isn’t as easy as slapping a link to your existing job posts on Facebook and waiting for the likes and shares to roll in.

Creating job evangelists

“Make sure that interview, whether you choose them or not, is fantastic,” Simpkins said.

“People are seeing you addressing it, no matter what’s out there,” she said.

Developing a strong farm team

Written by Alex Spanko

The post How Senior Housing Operators Can Let Employees Do the Hiring appeared first on Senior Housing News.

Covenant Retirement Communities Welcomes Muraca to Executive Leadership Team

Skokie, Illinois-based Covenant Retirement Communities, Inc. (CRC) has appointed Frank Muraca as its new senior vice president of business and project development.

Muraca joins CRC with more than 20 years of senior living development experience. In his new role, he will lead strategies related to the growth and expansion of the company’s 15 retirement communities, as well as potential acquisitions and affiliations.

Prior to joining CRC, Muraca served as the president of a national owner’s representative firm and has served as a manager at architectural firms specializing in senior living communities.

ACHCA Names McGinley as New President and CEO

The American College of Health Care Administrators (ACHCA) has named Bill McGinley, CNHA, CALA, CAS, FACHCA its new president and CEO, effective December 4, 2017.

McGinley has been working in long-term care administration since 1980, and has been a nursing home administrator for 35 years. He began his career with the Greenery Rehabilitation Group, Inc., a provider of head-injury rehabilitation and sub-acute care.

The majority of McGinley’s career was with SALMON Health and Retirement, a Massachusetts-based owner of a skilled nursing facility, assisted living rehabilitation, adult day health center, and a child care center. Most recently he was the executive director of New Pond Village, a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) in Walpole, Massachusetts.

Kuzniar Assumes Director Role for Harrison Street Real Estate Capital

Harrison Street Real Estate Capital, LLC has named Brian Kuzniar as a director in the firm’s portfolio management group.

Based in Chicago, Harrison is real estate investment firm dedicated to the health care, education and storage industries.

He has more than 20 years of experience in acquisitions, asset management, dispositions, joint ventures and debt financing strategies.

In his new role, Kuzniar is responsible for developing and executing investment strategies and overseeing asset and portfolio performance for the firm’s Opportunity Fund series.

Prior to joining the company, Kuzniar was managing director and portfolio manager at LaSalle Investment Management. In this role, he oversaw LaSalle’s Income Property Trust, which grew to $2.5 billion in gross assets under his leadership. Previously, he served as the fund investment officer of the Income and Growth Fund, LaSalle’s flagship investment vehicle. Prior to joining LaSalle in 2008, he was a senior vice president at DTZ Rockwood and worked as a director at Equity Office Properties.

New Perspective Senior Living Welcomes New Senior Vice President

Eden Prairie, Minnesota-based New Perspective Senior Living has named Pam Engle as its new senior vice president of people and administration.

In her new role, Engle will oversee and co-lead the strategic planning and implementation of all facets of the human resources and administrative functions across the organization.

Engle is a 20-year veteran of Emeritus Senior Living and Brookdale Senior Living. Most recently she held the position of vice president, Total Rewards at Brookdale. Prior to this, she served as senior vice president of benefits, compensation, and risk management at Emeritus. Over the years, Engle has held a variety of roles, including executive director, regional director of operations and divisional finance director.

Smith Steps Up to VP Role for Cadence Senior Living

Cadence Senior Living has appointed Jacqueline Smith its new vice president of operations.

Jacqueline brings more 20 years of experience in senior living operations to the Scottsdale, Arizona-based operator of senior living communities.

Prior to joining Cadence, Smith was the vice president of operations for Stonecrest Senior Living Management where she was responsible for all of Stonecrest’s portfolio operations. She also held operational as well as sales and marketing roles at Integral Senior Living, Merrill Gardens, Life Care Services and Capital Senior Living.

Tidwell Named Executive Director at Charter Senior Living of Hermitage

Naperville, Illinois-based Charter Senior Living has named Amanda Tidwell as executive director of Charter Senior Living of Hermitage, a Charter Senior Living Community located in Hermitage, Tennessee.

Charter Senior Living of Hermitage is an independent living, assisted living and memory care community.

Amanda is an experienced executive director with an MBA from Lipscomb University and graduated Summa Cum Laude.

LifeSpire of Virginia Welcomes New COO

LifeSpire of Virginia, a manager of four CCRCs throughout Virginia, has appointed Ray Fisher as chief operating officer. He will assume his new role for the company on November 27.

Fisher will be responsible for directing overall operations in LifeSpire’s four communities. He has more than 25 years of experience at the executive level within the context of large for-profit firms and senior living organizations.

He has been involved in senior living since 2001 and has held various roles including CFO, CEO and advisor. He has been part of many senior living expansion projects, the most recent involving the creation of a nationally recognized short-term recovery and rehab center.

As CEO, he led the turnaround of a mid-size CCRC and the successful creation and operation of a nationally recognized 48-bed rehab and wellness center.

Emery Joins Crescent Point Team as Director of Community Relations

Crescent Point at Niantic, a Benchmark Senior Living community, has welcomed Colette Emery as director of community relations. The Niantic, Connecticut, community provides assisted living, memory care and short-term rehabilitation.

Emery’s work in the aging and senior living industry spans more than 20 years. She began her career at the University of Connecticut Geriatric Assessment Center, followed by 13 years at two regional senior living communities. Throughout her career, she has developed a proficiency in finding resources for families and the best situation for their loved ones.

As director of community relations, Emery’s role is to ensure that all residents’ needs are met, as well as make social connections within Crescent Point and with the community at large.

Written by Carlo Calma

The post Movers & Shakers: Covenant Retirement, New Perspective appeared first on Senior Housing News.

In only a few years, many senior living organizations will be tasked with choosing new CEOs, but that doesn’t mean they’re prepared.

In a recent survey, Chicago-based specialty investment bank Ziegler found that more than 70% of not-for-profit senior living CEOs are expected to retire in the next 10 years, but only 35% of not-for-profit senior living organizations have a formal, written succession plan in place for the CEO role. This number has remained unchanged from 2015, which could fuel concerns that many senior living leaders are dragging their feet when it comes to planning for the future.

The disparity between the number of organizations that anticipate a CEO change on the horizon and the number of organizations that actually have a plan in place to ensure a smooth transition should this occur is striking, according to Lisa McCracken, director of senior living research and development at Ziegler.

“I’m surprised by the number of boards that have not initiated this conversation,” McCracken told Senior Housing News. “This is one of those things that needs to come from the board.”

Jon Boba, managing principal at specialized advisory services firm Christenson Advisors, believes that this is bound to change—and that companies will be forced to change quickly. Succession planning is an area of focus for Christenson, and the firm has clients in senior housing.

“It’s almost a tsunami of firms that are realizing it,” Boba said. “We seem to be getting to this critical point where the aging of the leadership is creating this need.”

Too much foot-dragging

As it turns out, it’s not just senior housing companies that are dragging their feet with respect to succession planning.

“It seems to be an epidemic that’s equally shared among real estate product types,” Boba said. “It’s not unique to seniors housing.”

There are several practical reasons to delay the process of vetting and choosing a new CEO.

“In many respects, these exercises, if they’re going to be done appropriately, take time, take resources, and can detract from the day-to-day business,” Boba explained.

The senior housing organizations that have begun succession planning are more forward-thinking, he added.

“Forward-thinking executives recognize the necessity of the exercise,” Boba said. “We’ve provided them with advice and counsel, and gone in and assessed the talent at the senior-, mid- and junior-levels.”

The bulk of Christenson Advisors’ work in the senior housing space has been with for-profit companies, but there is “very little difference with respect to the core issues at stake” when it comes to succession planning at for-profit and not-for-profit organizations.

Still, it may be more common at not-for-profit companies to merge rather than select a new CEO, McCracken suggested.

“We know that there are a number of affiliations in the non-profit space where one of the drivers has been CEO retirement,” McCracken said.

In fact, 45% of the affiliations between not-for-profit continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) that have taken place since 2010 have involved the retirement of a CEO, McCracken said.

Dos and don’ts

When it comes to CEO succession planning, there are some definite dos and don’ts, Terri Cunliffe, president and CEO of Skokie, Illinois-based nonprofit senior housing provider Covenant Retirement Communities, told SHN. Cunliffe went through the CEO succession planning process a few years ago.

“Our [former] CEO announced his retirement in January 2014,” Cunliffe said. “The decision [to hire me as CEO] was made the following January, announced publicly in February, and I transitioned into the role in June.”

Additionally, her predecessor stayed with Convenant in some capacity for the first year of Cunliffe’s tenure. She believes that the transition process can be shorter.

“When I retire, I will announce it, then I will be very careful about making any critical decisions,” she said. “And then when I’m done, I’m done. My last day is my last day.”

Additionally, it’s crucial to prep the entire executive leadership team for a CEO transition, Cunliffe said.

“Even as an internal candidate, I made some decisions as a CEO that the executive team didn’t expect,” she explained.

Written by Mary Kate Nelson

The post Senior Living Providers Still Unprepared for Coming Wave of New CEOs appeared first on Senior Housing News.

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Watercrest Senior Living Group Names Vice President of Operations

Watercrest Senior Living Group has promoted Christy Skinner to the role of vice president of operations.

Skinner, who has nearly 20 years of senior living experience, will now oversee multiple brands of senior living communities that are developed, owned, and operated by the Watercrest Senior Living Group. She previously led the opening, development and operations of multiple Watercrest communities under the title of director of operations.

Skinner will also ensure company standards are maintained in new communities across the southeast, among other duties.

Watercrest also recently welcomed Daniel Guanio as executive director of Sage Park Assisted Living and Memory Care, a 128-unit senior living community slated to open this fall in Kissimmee, Florida. As executive director, Guanio will work with residents and their loved ones and build teams to ensure their care.

Covenant Retirement Communities Appoints Executive Vice President

Faith-based nonprofit Covenant Retirement Communities has named Scott Moore as its new executive vice president of campus operations.

In his new role, Moore will work with the leadership at Covenant Retirement Communities’s central office and at each of its communities to optimize campus operations such as dining, facilities management, and healthcare. Moore previously spent 13 years at Florida’s largest continuing care retirement community (CCRC).

Covenant Retirement Communities has 15 retirement communities in nine states.

Bluespire Names Vice President of Client Relations and Strategy

Bluespire Senior Marketing has appointed William “Bill” Pemberton to the position of vice president of client relations and strategy.

Pemberton has more than 30 years of marketing communication experience, including 11 years of spent in the senior living industry.

Previously,Pemberton led client engagement for the Point Group’s senior lifestyle practice. Before that, he served as senior vice president of strategic communications for Forte Group, a senior-directed media relations firm.

Senior Living Veteran to Lead New Management and Development Company

Hal Bone Enterprises has launched a new senior living management and development company to be led by the former president and CEO of senior living services company Blakeford, Inc.

Van Cluck will lead the new company, L4 Lifestyles, in the role of president and chief development officer, the company announced. Currently, L4 Lifestyle has locations in Tennessee and West Virginia.

Cluck brings to his new role more than 25 years of experience in the senior living industry.

Virginia CCRC Promotes Executive Chef to Vice President

Harbor’s Edge has promoted Chef Willie Moats to serve as vice president of food operations and dining at the CCRC in Norfolk, Virginia.

In his new role, Moats will oversee all dining venues at the community, including the new venues coming with the community’s River Tower expansion.

Additionally, the community appointed John Huber to serve as its director of dining. Huber most recently served as assistant general manager at McCormick and Schmick’s in Virginia Beach, Virginia, but worked with Moats at another restaurant in the past.

Maplewood Community Welcomes Two New Leaders

Maplewood Senior Living has welcomed Laurie Lofgren as a new executive director and Lauren Stowell as a new community relations director at Maplewood at Newtown, a senior living community in Newton, Connecticut.

In her new role as executive director, Lofgren will oversee day-to-day operations of the community and provide leadership. Stowell, meanwhile, will assist families in selecting senior living options and also act as a community resource for those in need of senior living planning.

Maplewood Senior Living owns and operates 14 senior living communities in Connecticut, Massachusetts and Ohio, with future locations planned in Princeton, New Jersey, Southport, Connecticut, and New York City.

Wingate Names Director of Sales and Marketing at Massachusetts Community

Wingate Healthcare has named Maura Capriccio director of sales and marketing at Wingate Residences at Weston, a 21-bed memory care and assisted living community in Weston, Massachusetts.

Capriccio first joined Wingate in 2015 and formerly served as director of sales and marketing at Wingate Residences at Brewster Place in Cape Cod. Before that, she worked for an assisted living community in Acton, Massachusetts, as director of marketing.

Written by Tim Regan

The post Movers & Shakers: Watercrest Senior Living Group, Covenant Retirement Communities appeared first on Senior Housing News.

Thrive Senior Living Announces Hiring of Chief Experience Officer

Thrive Senior Living in May hired Tammy Marshall as its Chief Experience Officer.

In her new role, Marshall is tasked with shifting the company’s resident and staff experiences from a clinical focus to a human focus. Marshall, who has more than 25 years of experience in hospitality, most recently served as Chief Experience Officer for the New Jewish Home in New York City.

The addition of a chief experience officer fits into Thrive’s overall commitment treating older adults with respect. For example, in recent years, the senior living provider has piloted a program called “life memorization,” where employees are incentivized to know the life history of the resident.

“Through our work with every resident, Thrive holds fast to ambitious goals to unify the national thinking and break the cycle of grouping individuals into categories, whether seniors, ethnicities, the disabled or otherwise,” Marshall stated in a hiring announcement.

HRA Appoints Vice President of Hospitality

Harbor Retirement Associates (HRA) has made Christopher Thompson its new vice president of hospitality.

Thompson, who previously served as HRA’s national director of culinary services, will now help design, plan and implement standards, policies and programs that impact the delivery of services to HRA’s residents across the country.

Thompson has worn many hats at HRA over the years, including executive chef, chef instructor, culinary dean, associate director of education and director of business operations and finance.

Maplewood Names Vice President of Sales and Strategic Partnerships

Maplewood Senior Living has appointed Bernadette Greatorex as its new vice president of sales and strategic partnerships.

Greatorex’s duties now include providing leadership, direction, and resources to Maplewood Senior Living’s communities. Specifically, she will oversee sales initiatives including strategy development, analyzing, forecasting, resource planning and budgeting.

Prior to joining Maplewood, Greatorex worked at MedOptions Behavioral Health Services. Overall, she has nearly two decades of experience.

Brookdale Senior Living Poaches New CFO from DISH Network

Brookdale Senior Living (NYSE: BKD) has named a former telecommunications executive as its new CFO. Specifically, Steven Swain is set to join the nation’s largest senior housing provider as its executive vice president and CFO on September 4.

He will replace Teresa Sparks, who began serving as Brookdale’s interim CFO when Lucinda Baier left the position to assume the role of CEO earlier this year.

Read the rest of this story on Senior Housing News.

Covenant Retirement Communities Names Senior Vice President

Covenant Retirement Communities (CRC) hired Brian Devlin as a senior vice president of project development. He joins the organization with more than 15 years of experience in the senior living industry.

In his new role, Devlin will lead strategies related to growth and expansion of CRC’s campuses. Previously, he managed redevelopment work for other large senior living providers.

Vermont Community Welcomes New Executive Director

The Margaret Pratt Community, an Enhanced Living assisted living provider in Bradford, Vermont, has a new executive director.

The organization recently hired Zachary Shephard to serve as the newly opened community’s leader. Shephard previously spent more than six years in the senior living industry, and has many more years of health care experience.

California Community Announces New Director of Sales and Marketing

Foothill Village Senior Living, an independent living, assisted living and memory care community in Angels Camp, California, has named Tom Farrish as its new director of sales and marketing.

Farrish has years of advertising and sales experience,including some experience working for local newspapers, and it was actually through that experience that Farrish learned more about the community’s staff and mission.

Simply Connect Hires Former Brookdale Director

Simply Connect, a comprehensive care management platform for patients, recently added John Nguyen to its executive team as a senior vice president of business development.

Nguyen, who has more than 25 years of sales management, marketing, networking and business operations experience, joined Simply Connect from Brookdale Senior Living, where was a divisional director of business development.

In his new role, Nguyen will draw upon his years of experience to help grow the company’s personal health record (PHR) and care team management services.

Written by Tim Regan

The post Movers & Shakers: Thrive Senior Living Adds Chief Experience Officer appeared first on Senior Housing News.

One of the largest senior housing non-profits in the U.S. will soon have a new name and logo.

Covenant Retirement Communities is set to change its name to “Covenant Living Communities and Services” in 2019, according to an announcement sent Tuesday. The rebranding also includes a new tagline, “Live With Promise,” and a logo that incorporates the Christian symbol of a fish and includes lively colors meant to communicate vitality and health.

The Skokie, Illinois-based organization owns and manages 16 communities in nine states, making it the sixth-largest senior housing non-profit included in the annual Ziegler 150 list. It serves roughly 5,000 residents in independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing, memory care, and rehabilitation settings.

As part of the rebranding effort, Covenant’s communities will incorporate the new Covenant Living name, along with their respective locations. For example, Covenant Village of Northbrook in Northbrook, Illinois, will become “Covenant Living of Northbrook.”

Covenant’s branding refresh is meant to show that the nonprofit provides more for older adults than just senior housing, according to Terri Cunliffe, Covenant Retirement Communities president and CEO.

“The new name and logo connects us to our strong Christian heritage, distinctly reflects our values, and projects liveliness, health and growth,” Cunliffe stated in a press release. “We are confident it will attract new generations of residents and employees.”

In order to find its new brand identity, Covenant conducted market research and interviews with residents, family members, representatives from the Evangelical Covenant Church and focus groups throughout the country.

Covenant isn’t the only senior housing provider dropping age-related words from its name, a trend that has caught on in the industry as a whole as it prepares to serve a new generation of seniors. Last year, for example, Pathway to Living went through its own rebranding effort by swapping out the word “senior.”

Written by Tim Regan

The post Covenant Retirement Communities Rebrands as Covenant Living appeared first on Senior Housing News.

Many senior living operators are struggling to keep pace with technological innovations. For every forward thinking operator, there is another lagging behind.

Not only the pace of innovation but the costs to prepare for it can be overwhelming, Jodi Guffee, Chief Operating Officer of Radiant Senior Living in Portland, Oregon, told Senior Housing News.

“If you took on all the opportunities presented, it would be like drinking from a fire hose,” she said.

As new advancements arrive by the day, providers are finding ways to cull the chaff from the wheat, keep up with the pace of change, budget for tech and pursue innovation in manageable and effective ways.

Technology is now a line item

Cost presents one of the largest hurdles to innovation.

Senior housing operators who are successful at integrating new technology into their operations recognize they need to spend the money and are budgeting to build up the capital reserves for the investment, LeadingAge Director of Residential Communities Stephen Maag told SHN.

“Technology is a line item,” Maag added.

Lifespire Living of Virginia is adding $1 million to its capital budget solely for IT growth and strategy, Lifespire COO Jonathan Cook told SHN. It is something Lifespire would not have been able to do a few years ago.

“We had nothing to reinvest,” he said. “But we became good fiscal stewards and have the money to allocate toward tech and other projects.”

Lifespire, which operates four continuing care retirement communities in northern Virginia, knows the commitment needs to be there in order to attract and retain workers, and to keep up with the competition.

Controlling the pace of change

Operators are also grappling with the pace of change, for themselves and residents, said Fran Palma, senior vice president of Skokie, Illinois-based Covenant Retirement Communities.

Covenant recently launched a new customer service and resident satisfaction pilot program in a handful of its 16 communities in nine states. This allows Covenant to monitor how quickly the new technology is adopted by residents and track penetration rates, which will determine how fast to deploy the program across its full platform.

“We don’t want to overwhelm everyone,” Palma said.

The right leaders

Leveraging innovation and technology into an operational platform demands having someone at the executive or board levels advocating for its implementation. Most firms have a chief information officer or chief technology officer in place, capable of raising the issue of tech investment to the C-suite or directors.

“At a minimum, these firms have outsourced their tech assessment to a third party,” Majd Alwan told SHN. Alwan is LeadingAge SVP of technology and executive director of the Center for Aging Services Technologies (CAST).

Lifespire is one of those operators. Recognizing the need to upgrade its IT infrastructure, the company partnered with Parasol Alliance, an IT consultancy based in Chicago and Milwaukee, to assess its current capability and future needs. Parasol is expected to turn in the final assessment, and recommendations, to Lifespire within the next 45 days.

“Parasol will function as an interim chief information officer for us,” Cook said. “They’ll write the plan and implement its movement.”

For smaller operators like Radiant, which operates 18 communities in Oregon, Washington state, Idaho, Colorado, Montana and Nevada, the advocacy for more tech investment starts at the top.

“We’re in that sweet spot as an operator where my husband [Radiant Senior Living President/CEO James Guffee] and I make most of the decisions and can roll out these things without too much heartburn,” Guffee said.

They also take into account the realities of workers acclimating to new software and innovations in their embrace of tech, she added. Radiant recently implemented Eldermark’s software platform, which integrates everything from client interaction to payables, and is in constant communication with employees and Eldermark on hiccups they are experiencing in the rollout, and finding solutions.

The trickiest part is evaluating platforms for longterm viability. There are new businesses and solutions popping up every day.

“We have to ask which solutions will have the most effect, and wonder which of these will still be in business a decade from now,” Covenant’s Palma said.

LeadingAge member operators are seeking out tech-savvy champions for their boards from other sectors with heavy investments in technology, such as acute care, hospitality and banking. All three sectors tend to have higher tech investments in their operating budgets.

“All of these sectors elevate tech to a strategic level, reducing barriers and encouraging boards to find resources to financially support initiatives,” Alwan said.

Written by Chuck Sudo

The post Facing ‘Fire Hose’ Of Innovation, Senior Living Ups Its Game appeared first on Senior Housing News.

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Construction: Planned

Civitas, StoneCreek Collaborating on Colorado Project

Civitas Senior Living and StoneCreek Real Estate Partners have plans to open a senior living community in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The opening will mark the fifth collaboration between the two companies.

The new community, called StoneCreek of Flying Horse, will include 114 residences for older adults and have amenities such as an enclosed courtyard, sun rooms, a salon and spa, multiple dining options, library, art room, activity room and fitness center.

Workers are set to begin construction for the community in March, with a targeted opening date in September, 2020.

Project’ partners include D2 Architecture, Brinkmann Constructors and Senior By Design.

Blake Management Group, LifeCare Properties Plan Texas Community

LifeCare Properties and Blake Management Group are collaborating on The Blake at New Braunfels in New Braunfels, Texas. The opening will represent the first Blake location in the state.

LifeCare is developing the 93,000-square-foot assisted living and memory care community. It will offer residents options that include two-bedroom suites, one-bedroom suites and studio apartments.

Construction: In progress

Watercrest, Waypoint Celebrate Groundbreaking in South Carolina

Watercrest Senior Living Group and its equity partner, Waypoint Residential, have marked the start of construction for a new senior living community in Fort Mill, South Carolina.

The 107-unit assisted living and memory care community will come with a branded spa, a wine bistro with private-label wines and multiple dining venues with outdoor, bistro-style and private dining options. Other features include a promenade, pool, fireplace, water wall, children’s play space an an faux-outdoor streetscape for memory care residents with a salon and spa, bakery and post office.

Project development partners include LifeBUILT Architecture, Merchants Bank, Interior Design Associates, Shiel Sexton construction and government officials in Fort Mill. If all goes according to plan, residents will begin moving in early next year.

Work Starts for California Community

Sundt Construction has started work on Avesta Residences at Dublin, an 80-unit community slated to open in Dublin, California.

The community will have an outdoor plaza at its entrance in addition to patios on the second and third floors. The project’s is LPAS.

The community is expected to open by the end of 2019.

Connecticut Community to Celebrate Expansion

Covenant Village of Cromwell, a faith-based, non-profit senior living community that’s owned and operated by Covenant Retirement Communities, is set to host a groundbreaking ceremony for its new expansion project on Feb. 21.

The planned $48-million expansion will include 54 one-and two-bedroom apartment homes and a new town center with three dining venues, lobbies, a game room, an art studio, a wellness center and an event center.

Project partners include the C.E. Floyd Company, THW Design, Milone & Macbroom, JFW, Inc. and Dowley and Associates. Construction is slated to begin in March and wrap up in the fall of 2020.

Construction: Complete

Senior Living Communities Announces Completed Renovations

Senior Living Communities has completed several renovation projects in recent months, the company announced.

Evergreen Woods in North Branford, Connecticut renovated its interior hallways. Marsh’s Edge, located in Saint Simons Island, Georgia, renovated its clubhouse and hallways. And Homestead Hills in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, completed a renovation of its clubhouse.

Other noteworthy projects:

Planned

— Local officials are mulling plans for a 62-unit assisted living community from IntegraCare in Great Falls, Virginia.

In progress

— A senior living community with 80 apartments and one-story cottages is under construction in Montgomery, Texas.

Complete

— Balfour Senior Living is nearly ready to open a 57-unit assisted living expansion project at its community in Louisville, Colorado.

The post In the Pipeline: Civitas, StoneCreek Plan Colorado Community; Watercrest Starts Work in South Carolina appeared first on Senior Housing News.

Senior living communities are in constant reinvention, looking for ways to improve operations, strengthen relationships with residents and employees and plan long term for future growth.

This is something The Admiral at the Lake, a Kendal Corp. continuing care retirement community in Chicago’s Edgewater neighborhood, knows well. It has gone through several reinventions throughout its 154-year history in The Windy City, to reach its current incarnation as a high-rise CCRC with Lake Michigan views. Now, the community is starting another new chapter.

In 2017, the community refinanced a $202.4 million bond package, resulting in $3 million in debt service savings this year alone, with further financial benefits in future years. Fresh off that, the community engaged in a strategic planning process and has just released a new plan, outlining critical areas of focus for the next three-to-five years.

The plan addresses many of the trends and pain points that senior living communities are facing nationwide, including staffing challenges and tech investments. Most importantly, it includes a commitment to fostering resident wellness through more proactive services, Admiral CEO Nadia Geigler told Senior Housing News.

Other pillars of the plan include attracting and growing talent; nurturing culture and engagement of residents and employees with each other and the broader community; and enhancing the resident experience and the community’s efficiency.

The strategic plan was the result of nine months of meetings and conversations with board members, residents, management and experts from outside the organization, Geigler told SHN .

Geigler joined The Admiral in April 2016 as its chief operating officer before being promoted to CEO in January 2017. A 20-year senior living veteran, she started her career as a part-time receptionist at Covenant Retirement Communities, working her way up to director of administrative services before she joined The Admiral.

The Admiral will mark seven years of operation next month and, with operations, finances and occupancy stabilized, the board decided to look at The Admiral’s next phase.

“It was clear that it was time to think about what the future of [The Admiral] should look like,” Geigler said.

This conversation has been edited for clarity.

How did this strategic plan develop?

In October 2017, the board requested that we research strategic planning. It took the bulk of 2018. We had over 140 people — residents, management, board members and people from outside the organization — engaged in conversations about what we should be paying attention to, what are the dominant trends in senior living, what’s important to us, based on our values as an organization, what things should persist no matter what.

What were your discussions with Kendal’s corporate office during this planning process? Were there items that emerged that could be applied to other Kendal communities?

Each Kendal affiliate is its own community and even within the Kendal system, there is an appreciation for the differences between them. At the end of the day, what we all agree to are the values and practices of the organization.

Strategically, Kendal corporate was not involved in this strategic plan, although [Kendal President and CEO] Sean Kelly sits on The Admiral’s board, and one of our board members also sits on Kendal’s board.

At the same time we started developing our strategic plan, Kendal was also reassessing its mission and beginning to develop its own strategic plan. So to be able to look over each other’s shoulder at what the other was discovering was helpful. There were different approaches to reach the same answer.

There are certainly some things in the strategic plan that show up at other affiliates and within Kendal’s corporate structure. But there’s a process by which they identify what is helpful for their communities, as well as on a corporate level.

Of the four strategies The Admiral highlighted in its new mission, which is most pressing?

If I had to choose one to execute very well, it would have to be caring for the whole person. That’s the foundation by which everything else becomes achievable.

What did The Admiral have in place to build on that caring for the whole person strategy?

One of the shifts that was already happening for us — and faster than we realized — was shifting away from reactive health care to more of a proactive approach to care.

We brought on a full-time social worker for independent living, who is involved in everything from grief support groups to helping an individual or couple through the transition to life here.

We have a full-time registered dietitian who helps oversee staff, assists with menu planning and development. These are services that are available to individuals and groups who have questions about medically or self-imposed dietary restrictions. They can assist residents on navigating the next menu cycle and make the best nutritional choices for them.

We also brought in a full-time wellness coordinator who has a background in coaching and fitness, with certification in working with folks [suffering from] dementia. Her experience, viewpoint and approach is all about whole person wellness. She works closely with the social worker, which gives residents in need two people advocating for them.

We partnered with a group to set up a nurse practitioner shop in our wellness clinics, who can be available for anything a walk-in clinic can provide, in lieu of a trip to the doctor’s office or emergency room. They work very closely with us and with the residents’ primary care physicians. Together, they can work on case management.

We vetted and partnered with a home health and hospice agency, and set them up here on campus. We’ll keep adding new elements of care as we move forward. We believe there are relationships we can establish and resources outside these walls that can be leveraged for the benefit of our residents.

How is The Admiral addressing workforce pressures to recruit new hires and retain its current talent?

Like other communities, we pay attention to competitive salaries and benefits. What’s changed was, how do we improve the employee experience at The Admiral: are you heard; are you asked for input; are we helping you live out your sense of purpose?

That starts with all things related to our culture, and how that was felt and experienced. In 2017 and the early part of 2018, we pumped a lot of energy toward the experience of being an employee. That is a difference maker.

Our competitive advantage [for talent] isn’t going to be salary or benefits, although we want those to be the best possible. It’s going to be how they feel about walking in to work, whether that is day one, year three or year fourteen. Do they see avenues where they can grow and develop a career, within or outside their roles and, when they see that, do they see us as a support or a hindrance?

We’ve paid a lot more attention about what we give back than what we get out of [employees]. We’ve added internships in the past couple years, which takes a lot of work to be ready to bring them on board and help them grow in ways that benefit them.

We do this with the understanding that not all of them will want to pursue careers in the industry, or we may not have a job ready for them once their internship ends. We have a lot of opportunity to be a host for an intern who wants to practice and get better, regardless of what they want to pursue.

When we do that we know we’re getting better, but we aren’t doing it to make ourselves better first.

What is The Admiral’s employee turnover rate like these days?

The past couple years we’ve seen positive trends in overall turnover reduction and what I call “good turnover.”

When we talk about an individual, they could be moving to another community to be closer to family. They may have completed their degree and ready to pursue a career they have wanted for a long time. They may be ready to move up, we aren’t ready to accept them here, and they found a position some place that is ready for them. That is all “good turnover.”

It comes with a cost to us — emotional or financial — but we always support them.

We’re paying more attention to retention these days. Certain positions will always have a higher turnover rate than others. From a financial impact perspective, [retention is] the most important metric to pay attention to. It’s also important from a cultural standpoint to know why they’re staying.

How is The Admiral approaching advancements in, and tenant demand for, technology?

Like most communities, we want to do more.

Technology was one of the workgroups that we had a deep dive into. Our IT director led that group and pulled together a resident group to focus on resident-facing technology, and a staff group that looked at staff-facing technology. We want to deploy it where it can eliminate redundancies, create efficiencies and enrich everyone’s lives.

We’re looking at ways in which we can utilize technology for cost savings, such as smart thermostats that can be monitored if a resident is away for an extended period of time. Our residents are wanting bells and whistles and gadgets.

We’re open to it, where it makes us better.

How will The Admiral track the progress of its strategic plan?

Our leadership team talks about it constantly — in weekly meetings and amongst each other — about what is happening to further the four goals.

I maintain a list of all efforts related to one or more strategic theme. I also maintain a list of all possible tactics which might support objectives and themes. Our executive team is working to identify what the next opportunities are.

The way we see this is each of these [objectives] is its own Mt. Everest. We’re not looking to scale the mountain all at once. We want to make small moves that can be carried out thoroughly and impactfully. Each small move will bring us closer to the summit.

It’s just one step at a time.

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