All Ears - Senior Living Success with Matt Reiners: Recent Episodes
Eversound
This is All Ears with Matt Reiners, co-founder of Eversound, where we dive right into what drives the senior living industry. Matt interviews thought leaders from all parts of the industry, as we cover everything from resident & staff satisfaction, to innovative technology, to community culture, to finance & operations. If you're in the senior living industry, it's safe to say this podcast will have something for you.
Rebecca Adelman, a trailblazer at the crossroads of law, leadership, and legacy, joins Matt Reiners for an in-depth conversation about the human side of risk management in senior living. Drawing on 30+ years in litigation and personal caregiving experiences, Rebecca shares how misaligned expectations—not just adverse events—often drive litigation. She introduces Guide Path, her certification program redefining how communities engage with families, reduce risk, and enhance care.
If you’re a senior living leader navigating complex challenges, this episode delivers a new lens—and a roadmap.
Rebecca Adelman, Esq. is a nationally recognized attorney, risk strategist, and founder of the Adelman Firm and Guide Path, a certification program focused on expectation alignment in senior living. With over 30 years in healthcare litigation, she’s also a caregiver, educator, and passionate advocate for intergenerational care. Her philosophy of “Work-Life-Being” shapes her mission to drive human-centered change across the care ecosystem.
Timestamps:
01:00 — Introduction to Rebecca Adelman: attorney, risk strategist, and founder of Guide Path
03:41 — Rebecca’s entry into senior living through healthcare litigation
06:52 — The personal turning point: caregiving for her father
09:50 — What drives lawsuits in senior living (it’s not what you think)
12:56 — Designing Guide Path: expectations management as risk mitigation
14:27 — What proactive alignment looks like in practice
18:28 — Resident and Family Insights Survey: where risk really lives
21:41 — How unmet expectations fuel litigation
23:27 — What sets Guide Path apart from other certifications
27:40 — Rebecca’s life philosophy: Work-Life-Being
33:33 — Real-world impact: from personal relationships to global reach
38:23 — Aligning training with compliance and federal regs
41:29 — Rebecca’s lens on leadership in male-dominated spaces
Links:
- Adelman Law Firm
- Guide Path
- Parasol Alliance
Phil Gorski shares his deeply personal journey from a life-altering diagnosis and liver transplant to founding a company that’s transforming how families experience senior living options. Through immersive virtual tours, Phil helps communities build trust, reduce stress, and improve transparency during one of life’s most emotional decisions.
Phil Gorski is the CEO and President of Ova-Nee Productions, the company behind Senior Living 360 Tours. After a successful career in enterprise tech and a life-changing liver transplant, Phil shifted gears to focus on creating digital experiences that bring clarity, comfort, and transparency to the senior living search process. His mission is rooted in empathy and powered by tech.
Timestamps:
- [02:00] Phil’s backstory: IBM, illness, and an unexpected pivot
- [05:00] How a liver transplant reshaped his values around trust and empathy
- [08:00] Discovering 3D scanning and founding OVNI Productions
- [10:00] The moment a friend’s comment sparked the senior living 360 idea
- [13:00] What families really want when researching senior living
- [16:00] The emotional weight of decisions and why websites fall short
- [19:00] Why virtual tours are more than just tech—they're digital storytelling
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[22:00] How virtual tours reduce stress and align family members
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- [25:00] Advice for operators: empathy and transparency are good businessOne organ donor can save up to eight lives and also save or improve the lives of up to 50 people by donating tissues and eyes. For more information about organ donation or becoming a donor, visit organdonor.gov.
In this episode, Matt Reiners is joined by Dr. Malinda Shultice, Founder and CEO of MS Healthcare Consulting and an educator at Iowa State University, to explore how curiosity can be a transformative tool in senior living leadership. From her unexpected entry into the field to the creation of her own company, Dr. Shultice shares actionable advice on how leaders can reduce burnout, foster empowerment, and reignite passion for their work through simple, curiosity-driven practices.
With over a decade of experience in senior living, Malinda now helps current and future leaders reignite curiosity and build healthier, more empowered teams. She is also a faculty member at a business school in Spain, where she teaches leadership and entrepreneurship.
Timestamps :
- 2:00 – How a part-time job led Malinda to a decade-long career in senior living
- 4:00 – The pivotal moment that shifted her career goals
- 6:30 – Teaching and consulting: a new way to support the next generation of leaders
- 8:00 – Defining “leadership curiosity” in a fast-paced, regulated environment
- 11:00 – Why curiosity and creativity fade—and how to bring them back
- 13:30 – A simple 5-minute exercise to reconnect and listen better
- 17:30 – Empowering vs. solving: the leadership shift that reduces burnout
- 21:00 – Soft skills, hard impact: balancing curiosity with accountability
- 25:00 – What’s next: embedding curiosity into leadership development
- 28:00 – Final thoughts and takeaways from Dr. Shultice
Lori Alford, Founder and CEO of Avanti Senior Living, shares her incredible journey through the senior living industry, a personal health crisis that transformed her perspective, and how she’s built a thriving career without sacrificing wellness or family. In this episode, Lori and Matt dive into proactive aging, brain health, boundaries, parenting, and leading a mission-driven team in one of the most demanding industries out there.
Lori Alford is a visionary operator and developer reshaping the future of aging. With nearly 30 years in the industry, Lori blends fierce leadership with a passion for brain health, longevity, and proactive aging. A two-time brain surgery survivor, she advocates for wellness-first work cultures and deeply believes in modeling the behavior she expects—from setting boundaries to building resilience. She’s also a proud mom, red light therapy enthusiast, and self-proclaimed cool mom.
Timestamps:
- 01:03 – Lori’s unconventional start in senior living
- 02:57 – From market research to operations to founder
- 05:42 – What “proactive aging” really means
- 07:36 – Surviving two brain aneurysms and transforming recovery into advocacy
- 09:18 – Incorporating wellness into senior living teams
- 13:23 – Red light therapy, saunas, and the Chick-fil-A experiment
- 16:51 – Sleep, water, food, and rhythms: her essential wellness habits
- 18:03 – Raising healthy kids through modeling and gratitude
- 21:52 – Work-life integration vs. balance: giving yourself grace
- 27:02 – Parenting reflections: being real, not perfect
- 29:45 – Boundaries, burnout, and the future workforce
- 34:01 – How Gen Z is changing the aging and wellness conversation
- 36:33 – Advice to those just starting their journey in senior living
Senior living executive Kate Bertram shares how authentic, courageous leadership can boost engagement, retention, and culture. Learn why “Creating Stickiness” is more than just her book—it’s a blueprint for the future of aging services.
Kate Bertram is a senior living executive, workforce strategist, and author of Creating Stickiness. With over two decades of experience, Kate helps providers build cultures where people want to stay and grow residents and staff alike.
Link to book.
[00:00] Introduction by Matt
[01:00] Kate Bertram’s journey into senior living and the moment that changed everything
[04:00] Leadership as “business with soul”—how Kate found purpose
[05:25] The two leadership traits that matter most: authenticity and courage
[08:50] What courageous leadership looks like under tight margins
[11:55] Why people really leave (or stay) in senior living roles
[16:30] Burnout vs. belonging: How to create meaning in daily work
[20:47] Why most “total rewards” programs fail—and how to fix them
[26:35] Where to start: The crucial first step to transforming culture
[29:46] The gap between HQ initiatives and frontline reality
[30:21] Balancing margin with mission: Dual stewardship in action
[33:23] The Tide story—and why even small decisions leave big marks
[34:16] Kate’s closing thoughts on workforce, the future, and her book
What happens when a seasoned senior living operator crosses over to the “dark side” of technology? In this episode, Matt reconnects with Dan Wolen, now at Teton, to unpack the real-world impact of predictive insights and AI in senior living. From staffing efficiencies to reducing adverse incidents, Dan shares how communities can move from reactive to proactive—and why it all starts with giving teams the right tools, not more tasks.
Timestamps :
01:00 – Intro and welcoming Dan back
02:36 – Dan’s early “aha” moments after joining the tech vendor world
04:04 – What “predictive insights” really means in senior living
05:31 – Real-time data visibility and frontline decision-making
06:45 – Bridging clinical care and operational efficiency
08:03 – Resident outcomes: measurable improvements with predictive tools
09:35 – Barriers to adoption and how communities can overcome them
11:13 – Concrete examples: caregiver apps and mobile spot checks
13:59 – Department-level and executive dashboards for broader impact
16:30 – Boosting satisfaction and length of stay through proactive care
18:03 – What the future holds: AI and predictive tools at scale
19:08 – Dan’s advice to curious but hesitant operators
20:11 – The one question every operator should ask a tech vendor
In this conversation, Scot Masters, an expert in dining services and senior living, shares his journey from restaurant kitchens to leading dining experiences in senior living communities. He discusses the unique challenges and opportunities in this sector, emphasizing the importance of creating meaningful dining experiences for residents. Scot highlights trends in the industry, the role of technology, and the significance of investing in food service leadership. He also reflects on the importance of relationships in enhancing the dining experience and the impact of spontaneity in creating memorable moments for residents.
Guest: Scot Masters, Founder & Principal Consultant, Masters Consulting Group
Scot Masters is the founder and principal consultant of Masters Consulting Solutions. With decades of experience across restaurants, hotels, and senior living communities, Scot brings a dynamic blend of operational expertise and human-first leadership. He’s helped hundreds of communities transform their dining services into strategic, culture-building assets.
- Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Scott Masters and His Journey
03:04 The Impact of Dining in Senior Living
09:07 Trends in Senior Living Dining Services
11:31 Navigating Operations: In-House vs. Contracting
17:30 The Role of Technology in Food Service
23:41 Embracing Relationships in Senior Living
26:24 Final Thoughts on Food Service in Senior Living
SEO Meta Description
How can spontaneity and hospitality transform senior living dining? Consultant Scot Masters shares insights on emotional impact, AI trends, and elevating food service into a true experience.
What happens when you combine bingo with exercise? In this episode, Matt Reiners sits down with Dr. Crandall, creator of Bingocize, and Megan from the Atlanta Regional Commission to explore how this evidence-based program is breaking barriers in senior health, fighting social isolation, and making movement fun.
Timestamps:
- 01:02 – Meet Dr. Crandall & Megan, and the origins of Bingocize
- 02:06 – How bingo became the hook for exercise adherence
- 03:51 – Implementation in Atlanta & building true community champions
- 07:43 – Why engagement matters more than the perfect program
- 10:37 – Results: mobility, social connection, and empowerment
- 15:00 – The evidence: studies, NIH grant, and clinical trials
- 18:59 – Special stories from participants & volunteers
- 23:15 – The Maryland group transformation and centenarian participants
- 27:46 – Lessons learned: adapting to community needs
- 30:50 – Tools, partnerships, and ongoing support for facilitators
- 37:08 – Future vision: expanding globally and intergenerational wellness
- 39:56 – Final thoughts: impact across the spectrum of care
Guest Bios:
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Dr. Jason Crandall is the creator of Bingocize® and CEO of Exercize Innovations. With over a decade of research, he’s built an evidence-based program that combines bingo with exercise and health education to improve the lives of older adults.
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- Megan Stadnisky serves as the Evidence-Based Program Supervisor at the Atlanta Regional Commission, where she leads the rollout of community-based health initiatives, including Bingocize, across metro Atlanta.Bingocize Website; https://www.bingocize.com/
In this episode of What's the Yap, Rachel Keller and I dive into the fast-growing world of AI agents, autonomous helpers that can manage everything from wardrobe choices to lead generation. Rachel shares her personal experience using AI to perfect her personal brand and streamline content creation, while Matt breaks down how he’s building agents to power both his professional and personal life. They explore practical steps for creating your own agents, address concerns about over-reliance on AI, and share a vision for the future of digital assistants.
Timestamps:
- 01:02 – Welcome back & Rachel’s AI obsession
- 01:36 – The risks of over-relying on AI (inspired by Sam Altman)
- 04:24 – How Rachel uses ChatGPT to choose outfits & design her home
- 07:11 – Creating a personal stylist AI agent
- 08:18 – Defining “AI agents” & how they run playbooks for you
- 11:36 – Examples of agents for content creation, trend tracking & more
- 15:18 – Live demo: ChatGPT suggests custom agents for Matt
- 18:41 – Structuring agents like an AI “team”
- 20:10 – Dream scenarios for agents (including laundry!)
- 22:12 – Building agents for sales & marketing workflows
- 26:49 – Other AI tools: Motion AI, Zapier & automation stacking
- 29:13 – Concerns about brain power & over-dependence on AI
- 31:57 – Guardrails for balanced living (apps like Opal)
- 33:09 – Using AI for journaling & mental health
- 34:12 – Audience call-to-action & show naming debate
Laurie Schultz – Principal & Co-Founder, Avenue / Viva Bene
Laurie returns to share what she’s learned from the frontlines of creating proactive, wellness-focused communities for today’s active adults.
Timestamps
- 00:31 – Welcome back, Laurie Schultz: change maker and visionary
- 01:24 – The evolution from “senior” to “boomer” housing
- 03:15 – What today’s boomers want vs. past generations
- 04:21 – The reality of middle-market development and affordability
- 06:47 – “Accessible” living and creative development strategies
- 08:47 – Wellness trends shaping the future of senior living
- 11:48 – The vital role of technology and health data in community design
- 16:19 – Balancing autonomy, healthcare, and community
- 20:35 – Advice for operators: niche over everything
- 24:04 – Laurie’s call to action for industry collaboration
SEO Keywords: senior living innovation, boomer housing, wellness community, Laurie Schultz, Viva Bene, affordable senior housing, aging in place, proactive health aging, senior housing design
Guest Bio:
Laurie Schultz is a change maker in the senior living space, co-founder of Avenue and its flagship concept Viva Bene. With deep experience in development, operations, and strategic partnerships, she’s helping redefine how boomers live well as they age.
In this episode, we get real about what matters most in senior living marketing; occupancy. Not lead counts. Not clicks. Actual move-ins.
Too many operators are still buying “leads” from sources that churn out looky-loos and window shoppers. That strategy? It’s broken. We break down why that is and what your marketing partner should be doing instead.
You’ll learn:
- Why most “lead-gen” metrics are a distraction
- What true occupancy-focused marketing looks like
- The non-negotiables your agency or in-house team should be delivering
- Real strategies that convert interest into residents—not just inquiries
If you’re responsible for census growth and tired of fluffy reports and vague promises, this one’s for you.
Let’s move beyond vanity metrics and talk about what really drives move-ins.
Drake Strategic: https://www.drakestrategic.com/
This week, I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with my friend and all-around senior living powerhouse, Mandy Hampton — CEO of The Ridge Senior Living out in beautiful Montana. (Still haven’t made it out there... working on it!)
We dive deep into the untold truths of senior living conferences, from how CEOs really define a “successful” event to the behind-the-scenes prep that makes or breaks the experience for operators and vendors alike. Mandy drops some real wisdom on how her team plans a year ahead, how to build meaningful vendor relationships without being annoying, and the one thing every leader should walk away with from a conference.
And yes, we talk about how I may or may not professionally stalk Mandy at every event (in the friendliest way possible, of course).
Whether you’re a vendor looking to break through the noise or a leader figuring out how to make conferences worth it, this episode’s packed with insights — and a few laughs along the way.
What do playing the piano, leading with heart, and running operations at a senior living company have in common? Apparently, a lot if your name is Blair Quasnitschka.
In this episode, I’m joined by my good friend Blair, VP of Operations at the Maxwell Group (and LinkedIn's most underrated musical talent). We dive into his unique journey — from chasing a dream in the sports world to stepping into the senior living space inspired by his late father’s legacy.
We cover a lot of ground in this one: how Blair builds trust across generations, the power of consistency in mentorship, and why vulnerability in leadership might be the biggest strength of all. Oh, and yes we talk pianos too.
Whether you're in senior living, leadership, or just trying to figure out your next step this episode's got something for you..
What does it really mean to hustle—and still lead with heart? This week, I’m joined by Dr. Julie Whitbeck-Lewinski, a Doctor of Occupational Therapy, Certified Senior Advisor, and co-owner of multiple Care Patrol offices, to talk about her journey from clinician to senior care entrepreneur.
Julie shares how she and her husband took the leap to open their business just one week before COVID hit New York, the challenges they faced, and how those moments tested—and strengthened—their commitment to serving older adults and their families.
We dig into:
✅ Why “hustle” doesn’t have to mean burnout, and how to align your work with your values.
✅ The lessons she’s learned building a mission-driven business in the senior care space.
✅ The realities of pivoting quickly when the world shuts down—and why having a heart-centered mission can keep you moving forward.
✅ Why it’s never too late to redefine your path, especially in midlife.
✅ Her advice for families and professionals navigating the aging journey.
Julie’s story is one of grit, purpose, and the power of showing up for the people who need you most—without losing yourself in the process.
If you care about senior living, entrepreneurship, or finding purpose in your work, this episode will leave you inspired (and maybe challenge how you think about “hustle”).
Today, I’m hanging out with my friend Erin Thompson, founder of Aspire for More with Erin and co-founder of The Mentoring Company, and let me just say, this conversation brought it.
We talk about how Executive Directors can move from feeling overwhelmed to truly empowered by using AI the right way without losing the human touch that makes senior living special.
Erin shares her journey from volunteering in senior living at 19 to becoming an Executive Director, and now helping leaders build growth cultures while prioritizing what actually matters.
We dive into:
✅ How AI can take busy work off your plate so you can spend time with your people.
✅ Why “feels like cheating” is a good thing when it comes to freeing your brain for leadership.
✅ How to test AI in your workflows today (even if you’re not techy).
✅ Why the future of senior living leadership requires embracing change—imperfectly, but intentionally.
Plus, we have a little fun along the way (there may or may not be a bald joke in there…).
If you’re an ED, regional, or anyone in senior living who’s felt like there’s never enough time in the day, this episode is for you.
Give it a listen, and let me know your biggest takeaway!
In this episode, I’m joined by the incredible Michelle Daniel, President and CEO of The Eden Alternative and a true force in the world of elder care. With over 30 years in the industry, Michelle shares her deeply personal journey that began as a teenager visiting nursing homes and asking the tough questions most adults weren’t ready to face.
We dive into the systemic challenges of traditional senior living models and explore how The Eden Alternative is flipping the script, moving from institutional care to a model rooted in empowerment, dignity, and human connection.
Michelle gets candid about what’s broken, what’s working, and what the future should look like for aging in America. We talk about being a “recovering bingo hostage taker,” the power of social justice in shaping her career, and how reframing elder care can create real, lasting impact in people’s lives.
If you’re in senior living, care deeply about the future of aging, or just want to hear from someone who’s leading with heart and hustle, this one’s for you.
The Eden Alternative: https://www.edenalt.org/
On today’s episode, I had the absolute pleasure of chatting with Lois Bowers, the powerhouse editor behind McKnight's Senior Living.
We went deep into the McKnight’s Excellence in Technology Awards – the history, the growth, and all the behind-the-scenes action that makes it such a meaningful event in our industry. Lois shared how the awards have evolved over 15 years (yep, 15!), from just a handful of categories to a fully loaded, inclusive program recognizing the best and brightest across senior living, skilled nursing, home care, and beyond.
We talked about what it really takes to stand out – not just flashy tech, but real-world impact, smart collaboration between vendors and providers, and how these stories are changing the game for residents and staff alike.
If you're passionate about innovation in senior care or just want a closer look at what makes these awards so special, this one’s for you. And bonus – Lois gives us some insight into how McKnight’s continues to lead conversations around the future of care.
Let’s get into it.
McKnight's Tech Awards: https://www.mcknightstechawards.com/
Welcome back to the series What’s the Yap? With Rachel Keller — the show where we talk about what’s happening in senior living, what’s catching our attention, and what’s worth yapping about. And today, there’s a lot to yap about.
Rachel Keller is back with me (yep, first official recurring guest, trophy pending), and we’re diving into our takeaways from the recent Argentum Senior Living Executive Conference. Spoiler alert: the word “AI” might’ve been said a thousand times, but we’re here to talk about what actually stood out.
We get into:
- How AI is (and isn’t) showing up in meaningful ways in senior care.
- The energy and power of women showing up and leading in this space.
- Plus, some exciting news about new board members for Argentum
Whether you were at the conference or just curious about where the senior living world is heading, this episode’s got a bit of everything: some digs, some real talk, and a few things we’re still unpacking.
Let’s yap.
Today’s episode is equal parts inspiring and appetite-inducing.
I’m joined by Matthew Thompson, Chief Culinary Officer at Restaura and probably the only person I’ve met who can pair an MBA with a perfectly executed cashew cheesecake. Matthew’s journey from computer science to culinary leadership in senior living is anything but typical… and that’s what makes this convo so good.
We dive into:
- How a side hustle in hospitality during college turned into a decades-long career in culinary innovation
- What it means to truly nourish residents, not just feed them
- The evolution of senior dining into a hospitality-first, wellness-driven experience
- What Matthew learned from sustainable food movements and studying lifestyle medicine at Harvard
- And yes, the backstory on how he’s turning “health food” into something you actually crave
Matthew is on a mission to elevate dining in senior living to something that feels personal, purposeful, and honestly—pretty delicious. If you’re in senior care, foodservice, or just a fan of great origin stories, you’re going to love this one.
Let’s dig in.
In this episode, I sit down with someone who’s quickly become both a friend and an inspiration, Kim Vassenelli, the Director of Sales and Marketing at Park Rose Estates in Syracuse, NY.
When Kim took over her role, the community was sitting at 54% occupancy. Fast forward to today, and they’re celebrating a full house—100% occupancy. We dive into how she made that happen, what a day in her life looks like, and how she balances empathy with sales strategy.
Kim shares how “eating the frog” has become her secret weapon for setting the tone each day, how she builds authentic connections with residents and their families, and the creative marketing tactics (like “Seniors With Signs”) that are getting noticed online and in the community.
We also discuss the less glamorous aspects of the job, like dealing with paid aggregators and hearing the word “no”, and how Kim has shifted her mindset to turn those challenges into opportunities.
Whether you’re in senior living or just looking for a fresh take on sales, marketing, and leadership, this episode is packed with practical takeaways and good vibes.
In this episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with someone who brings an incredibly refreshing energy to the workplace conversation: Linda Cohen, aka the Kindness Catalyst. Linda’s not only a professional speaker and consultant, but she’s also the author of The Economy of Kindness, a book that I’ve personally loved.
We dive into Linda’s powerful story, how a personal loss sparked her journey to perform 1,000 mitzvahs (yep, good deeds!) and how that led to her mission to prove that kindness in business isn’t just a “feel-good” idea, it’s a competitive advantage.
We talk about:
- Why kindness isn’t soft—it’s strategic
- Real-world stories of how compassion turned around employee engagement
- What “kindness burnout” is and how to avoid it
- The difference between recognition and validation
- Simple ways leaders can weave kindness into everyday operations
If you're in senior living, healthcare, or honestly any people-focused business, this episode is a must-listen. You’ll walk away with actionable ways to foster a more connected, loyal, and productive team.
In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Kathy Martin, the President and CEO of Glenmeadow, a senior living community that’s doing some pretty incredible things in Longmeadow, Massachusetts. We talk about her unique journey from higher education to senior living and how she’s leveraging the CliftonStrengths framework to lead with purpose and build a values-driven culture at Glenmeadow.
Dr. Martin shares how a career pivot, a leap of faith, and a whole lot of introspection led her to where she is today. And we dig into the real stuff: how CliftonStrengths isn't just a buzzword, but a foundational tool shaping leadership, team dynamics, and trust-building in her community.
You’ll hear how she’s integrating wellness into daily operations, why storytelling matters when leading change, and what other senior living leaders can learn from her approach to culture and team development.
Whether you’re in senior care, healthcare leadership, or just curious about how strengths-based leadership can drive transformation—this one’s for you.
Key Takeaways:
- Why CliftonStrengths is central to Glen Meadow’s leadership culture
- The power of pivoting: lessons from leaving higher ed for senior living
- How to build trust and team alignment in a care-based community
- The importance of creating a wellness-driven, resort-style living environment
- What senior living communities can learn from higher ed leadership styles
Today, we’re diving into the good stuff — data, strategy, and what’s actually working in senior living sales right now. I’m joined by Maggie Seybold, VP of Customer Insights at Welcome Home Software, and let me just say... if you’re into nerding out over numbers (or if you just want to move more people in), you’re gonna love this one.
We talk about:
- The biggest sales and marketing trends from 2024 (straight from real CRM data)
- Why the smartest communities are shifting away from aggregators — and what they're doing instead
- How digital-first strategies are creating stronger, faster lead conversions
- The power of fast, personalized follow-up (and how much it matters when and how you reach out)
- Why understanding your prospect’s full journey is non-negotiable now
- How top communities are tightening up their sales funnels and boosting move-ins
- The simple mindset shift that could help your team close faster and retain longer
We even get into why transparency on your website matters more than ever, and why marketing and sales HAVE to be best friends if you want to win in 2025 and beyond.
Big thanks to Maggie and the team at Welcome Home for being such amazing partners to the industry and sharing so much valuable insight. Grab your coffee (or your Welcome Home Yeti, if you’re lucky) and let’s get into it.
Resources Mentioned:
🔗 Welcome Home Software's 2024 Senior Living Sales & Marketing Report
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This episode is pure energyin the best way. I sat down with none other than Christie Freeze (aka See-Freezy if you're feeling funky), who’s not just a video evangelist but a true force in senior living sales and marketing. If there's a way to use video to build trust and turn cold leads into genuine relationships, she’s probably tested it twice, and made it fun while doing it.
We dive into Christie’s journey from starting in the industry at 21 to becoming a thought leader who’s redefining what connection means in sales today. She shares powerful stories, practical tips, and yes, we even talk about her superhero alter ego. (Spoiler: Think Tinkerbell meets Mr. Freeze.)
If you’ve ever felt stuck doing the same ol' follow-ups or want to bring more heart into your sales process, this episode is your permission to shake things up. We talk video strategy, authenticity, and the future of senior living—and trust me, Christie brings the spark.
What we cover:
- The emotional side of selling (and why it matters)
- Using video to build real trust at scale
- How Christie’s journey shaped her approach to sales
- Why being memorable beats being “perfect”
Grab your coffee, hit play, and get ready to be inspired by one of the most passionate voices in our industry. Let’s go!
Today, I’m hanging out with my good friend Bryan Reynolds, a true pro when it comes to content strategy and digital marketing in the senior living world. Bryan’s been in the game for over 12 years, and what I love about him is how he brings heart and storytelling into a space that’s so often overlooked when it comes to digital.
In this episode, we dive into Bryan’s unique journey from video production to senior living, and how he’s helping reshape how providers connect with both prospective residents and their families online. We talk about the power of digital presence, content that actually resonates, and what makes a marketing strategy work in our industry right now—not five years ago.
If you’ve ever wondered how to better connect, tell your story, and build real relationships through digital channels, you’re going to love this convo. Bryan shares some real gems around where the industry’s headed and why now is the time to double down on your strategy.
Today’s episode is one I’ve been looking forward to for a long time. I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with the one and only Carrie Alberts, aka Dementia Darling – and let me tell you, she lives up to the name in every way.
Carrie’s energy is contagious. From her standout pink hair to her heart for the dementia care community, she’s built a brand and a movement that’s as authentic as it is inspiring. In this episode, we dive into her journey – how a childhood experience planted the seed for her passion in senior care, and how she’s grown into one of the most beloved and recognizable voices in the space.
We get into everything from her early days navigating what dementia meant for her family, to the power of storytelling, personal branding, and yes – even how pink hair became a strategic marketing move.
Whether you’re in senior living, caregiving, or just need a dose of positivity and purpose, Carrie’s story is packed with wisdom, laughs, and real talk.
💡 In this episode:
- How Carrie’s family story shaped her path into dementia care
- The meaning behind the “Dementia Darling” brand
- Using authenticity (and pink hair!) as a marketing superpower
- What she wishes every caregiver knew
Hit play and get ready to be inspired.
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📲 Follow Carrie (Dementia Darling) on Instagram and TikTok @dementiadarling
Got thoughts on the episode? Tag us or shoot me a DM – I’d love to hear what resonated.
In this episode, I’m joined by my good friend Larry Williams from Unlock Health—a guy who’s got more flow (in both hair and ideas) than most of us can handle. Larry’s journey into senior living marketing is a wild ride, from old-school print shops to becoming a digital marketing leader focused on impact over flash. We talk hoops, heart, and how this industry can change lives when we lean into our stories.
We break down insights from Unlock Health’s latest 2025 Senior Living Marketing Survey Report—and let me tell you, the data doesn’t lie. Larry and I dive into what’s working, what’s evolving, and how marketers can keep up (without losing their minds). Spoiler: it’s complex, and that’s okay.
We talk:
- Why digital marketing isn’t a “set it and forget it” game
- The rise of paid search, SEO, and paid social—and how to play them right
- The critical shift toward adult child decision-makers
- Why storytelling is still your #1 marketing superpower
- How AI can help us be more human, not less
Plus, we riff on basketball, bad knees (RIP my meniscus), and the amazing humans that make this industry so special.
If you’re in senior living, marketing, or just love hearing from people who are passionate about what they do—this one’s for you.
👇 Links & Resources:
- Download the 2025 Senior Living Marketing Survey Report: https://seniorhousingnews.com/survey-ebook/senior-living-marketing-2025/
This one was a blast. I got to sit down with Cristy Ballard, the Chief Growth Officer at Solstice Senior Living, and let me tell you, she brings it.
Cristy shares her personal story, starting from humble beginnings (we’re talking grocery bagger and lawn care hustle), to becoming a powerhouse CGO in senior living. She’s been through the grind, made the pivots, and now leads with a bigger purpose than just the bottom line.
In this episode, we get into:
- What drives true growth (hint: it’s not just the numbers)
- The evolving meaning of success
- How personal ambition shifts, and why that’s a good thing
- Her real talk on sales, leadership, and helping others win
Cristy’s the leader who’ll hype you up and challenge you to think deeper. We laughed, reflected, and even kinda matched outfits—unplanned, of course.
Whether you're in sales, marketing, leadership, or just someone who wants to do meaningful work, this episode is for you.
🎧 Give it a listen. You’ll walk away inspired, and maybe with a few new growth strategies in your back pocket.
What makes a truly great Executive Director? In this episode, we sit down with industry executive Dan Wolen to break down what it takes to build and elevate this critical leadership role.
We get into the nitty-gritty of:
✅ The key traits that separate a good ED from a great one
✅ How organizations can better support and develop their EDs
✅ The biggest challenges Executive Directors face—and how to tackle them
✅ Why investing in leadership growth leads to long-term success
Whether you're an ED yourself, a leader looking to strengthen your team, or just someone interested in what makes great leadership tick, this episode is packed with valuable insights.
Welcome back to the show! Today, I’m sitting down with someone I’ve known for nearly half my life—Caroline Hourihan, MS, CCC-SLP. Caroline is the Executive Director of Rehabilitation and Home Care Services at Schofield Care, part of the Lineage Care Group, and she’s been making waves in the aging services space.
In this episode, we dive into Caroline’s journey from speech-language pathology to leading rehab and home care services, the challenges facing the industry, and what the future holds for aging care. She shares her insights on leadership, innovation, and why she’s so passionate about making a difference for seniors.
We also reminisce about our college days (including some cold early-morning classes she saved me from), talk about what drew her to this field, and get her take on where home care and rehab are headed.
If you’re in the senior care space, thinking about a career in rehab services, or just love a great conversation about leadership and impact, this one’s for you!
🔹 What We Cover in This Episode:
✔️ Caroline’s unexpected journey into aging services
✔️ The biggest challenges and innovations in home care & rehab
✔️ Advice for leaders in the industry
✔️ The importance of relationships and culture in senior care
✔️ A little Buffalo Bills talk (because, of course)
Don’t miss this insightful conversation with someone who’s not just leading but truly caring in this space.
🎧 Listen now and subscribe for more great conversations!
In this episode of Connecting the Dots, host Matt Reiners sits down with Megan Ulrich, Vice President of Marketing & Public Relations at BHI Senior Living, to discuss her remarkable 20-year journey in senior living. What started as a college internship turned into a lifelong passion, shaping her career as a leader in marketing, innovation, and resident engagement.
Megan shares how senior living has evolved from a clinical, needs-based model to a vibrant, lifestyle-driven experience. She discusses the latest trends, including AI-powered health monitoring, sustainability initiatives, and the demand for personalized, concierge-style services. Plus, you’ll hear about the bold ideas shaping the future of aging—from skydiving seniors to intergenerational communities and even serving robots in dining rooms!
✅ How Megan’s unexpected journey in senior living led her to leadership
✅ The biggest shifts in resident expectations and marketing strategies
✅ How technology and AI are revolutionizing care, safety, and independence
✅ The rise of sustainability, concierge services, and experiential living in senior communities
✅ What the future of senior living could look like in the next 10 years
If you’re in senior living, marketing, or just curious about the future of aging, this is an episode you won’t want to miss!
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
In this episode, I sit down with my friend Mary Gauldin, an absolute powerhouse in the world of memory care, dementia support, and sensory-based learning. With over 20 years of experience in senior living, Mary has dedicated her life to improving the way we engage, support, and care for those living with neurodegenerative diseases.
Mary shares her incredible journey—from starting out as a youth minister to becoming a leading advocate for sensory engagement in dementia care. We talk about how her experiences, including personal connections to Alzheimer’s, have shaped her approach to care, and what led her to launch Mary & Bright, a groundbreaking program designed to bring sensory learning into senior living communities and home care settings.
We dive into some BIG topics, like:
✅ How sensory engagement can activate neuroplasticity and improve quality of life for people with dementia
✅ Why intentional programming matters more than just filling up a calendar
✅ The state of memory care today—where it’s heading and what needs to change
✅ Why Mary believes in revolutionizing care models instead of accepting "the way things have always been"
Plus, Mary drops some powerful stories—like the time a nonverbal resident spontaneously spoke French after a sensory-rich experience. Yeah, this episode is packed with insights, passion, and real talk about the future of dementia care.
If you’re in senior living, caregiving, or just care about better support for older adults, this one is a must-listen! 🎧
🌐 Website: marybrightliving.com
📱 LinkedIn: Mary Gauldin
Welcome back to the show! Today, I’m joined by my friend Rachel Keller—VP of Sales at Serviam Care Network, host of Female Friday, co-host of Good Day Senior Living, and the driving force behind the Women in Leadership series. Basically, she wears a LOT of hats, and somehow, she makes it all look easy.
In this episode, Rachel shares her journey from broadcast journalism to senior living sales leadership, how she balances her many roles, and why personal branding has been a game-changer for her career. We talk about the power of storytelling, the importance of showing up authentically on LinkedIn, and why more professionals (especially women!) should be putting themselves out there. Plus, she lets me bring up—yet again—the time she strategically blocked my booth at a conference. (It’s fine. I’m totally over it. Maybe.)
We also dive into:
✔️ The common traits of successful women leaders
✔️ The rise of influencer marketing in B2B and senior living
✔️ How networking and relationship-building can change your career
✔️ Serviam’s big announcement and how they’re tackling financial barriers for move-ins
If you’re looking for inspiration on building your personal brand, standing out in your industry, and making meaningful connections, this is the episode for you.
🔗 Connect with Rachel Keller: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelschisler/
🎧 Listen now and let us know what resonated most with you!
In this episode, I sit down with Kelly Singleton Myers, Founder and Chief Vision Officer at KJB Sales Consulting, to talk about something that doesn’t always get enough attention in sales—empathy and curiosity.
Kelly is a powerhouse in the senior living industry. She’s spent decades helping teams rethink the sales process, shifting the focus from “always be closing” to “always be connecting.” She’s also the author ofThe More You Know, The More You Close, a book all about using curiosity, trust, and authentic relationships to drive sales success.
Link to Book - Amazon.
We dive into:
✔️ How trust-based selling changes the game in senior living
✔️ Why speed to lead is important—but patience matters just as much
✔️ The biggest mistakes sales teams make and how to fix them
✔️ How AI and tech can support (not replace!) human connection
✔️ What the best salespeople do differently to build real relationships with families
Kelly brings a wealth of experience and some game-changing insights on how sales teams can create better experiences for both prospective residents and their families.
If you’re in senior living sales, marketing, or leadership, this is an episode you don’t want to miss!
What if senior living felt less like a downgrade… and more like an upgrade?
In this episode, I sit down with Lorne Schechter, a veteran in the senior living industry who’s bringing a fresh, luxury-driven approach to how we think about aging. Imagine moving into a sprawling estate, complete with high-end finishes, a world-class culinary experience, and personalized care—that’s the vision Lorne is bringing to life.
We dive into:
✅ How his 26 years in senior living led him to create this innovative concept
✅ Why small, intimate communities are the future of senior housing
✅ The importance of white-glove service and top-tier amenities for aging adults
✅ The biggest challenges in converting mansions into boutique-style senior communities
✅ How this model is helping families feel more connected while giving residents a true sense of independence
If you’ve ever wondered what the next evolution of senior living looks like—or if you just want a glimpse into a truly game-changing idea—you won’t want to miss this conversation.
🚀 Listen now and rethink what it means to age in style!
Welcome back to Connecting the Dots: Senior Living Success! In this episode, I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with my friend and one of the brightest lights in the senior living industry, Amy Silva-Magalhaes, Chief Operating Officer at Bristal Assisted Living. Over the course of our conversation, Amy shares her incredible journey from a hospitality career to becoming a dynamic leader in senior living—and all the life lessons she’s picked up along the way.
Amy dives into what it’s like to juggle the chaos of a demanding leadership role with the joy (and challenges) of motherhood. She opens up about her philosophy of “swaying” rather than striving for the mythical work-life balance, and how she keeps things grounded with self-care routines that actually work. Spoiler alert: it’s not all spa days—sometimes, it’s just about asking your kids what matters most that week.
We also talk about the power of authenticity in leadership. Amy shares why staying true to your personal brand is key, how to trust your gut (even when people doubt it), and why celebrating both professional and personal wins can help you stay the course. Her insights are raw, relatable, and packed with practical advice for anyone navigating the twists and turns of leadership and life.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
- Amy’s unconventional path into senior living and the pivotal moments that shaped her career.
- Her approach to finding harmony between career and family—even if it means catching a 6 a.m. ferry every week!
- The role of self-care and curiosity in becoming a kick-ass leader and parent.
- How to embrace imperfection, learn from setbacks, and inspire others to thrive.
Whether you’re a seasoned senior living professional or someone looking for inspiration to balance it all, this conversation will leave you motivated and smiling. Trust me, Amy’s energy and insights are not to be missed.
Thank you, Amy, for joining me and for all the heart and hustle you bring to this industry. You’re one of a kind, and it was an honor to finally have you on the podcast.
If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to rate, review, and share it with someone who could use a little inspiration in their day. And as always, thanks for tuning in!
In this podcast episode, I’m joined by the incredible Frances Reaves—elder law attorney, Medicaid specialist, president of Parent Your Parents, and author of the thought-provoking new book, Boomers Booming: How to Thrive After 65 and Have Great Sex.
Link to Book Here.
Frances brings her sharp wit, personal stories, and unmatched expertise to discuss what it truly means to thrive in your golden years. From navigating complex elder care decisions to the importance of estate planning (yes, even if you think you’ll live forever), Frances shares practical advice for seniors, families, and caregivers alike.
We dive into her own journey, sparked by caring for her parents during their later years, and how those experiences led her to build a business focused on empowering families through education and preparation. Along the way, Frances offers her no-nonsense take on everything from long-term care insurance to the importance of social connections, physical health, and yes—staying active in every sense of the word.
Whether you’re a senior looking to reclaim your vitality, a caregiver navigating tough decisions, or a senior living operator hoping to understand the needs of aging boomers better, this conversation is full of gems that you don’t want to miss.
Frances’ personal journey into elder care advocacy Estate planning essentials: Powers of attorney, wills, and trusts The surprising benefits of staying socially and physically active after 65 How senior living communities can evolve to meet the needs of today’s boomers Practical tips for families tackling tough caregiving decisionsAbout Frances Reeves:
Frances Reeves is an elder law attorney, president of Parent Your Parents, and author of Boomers Booming: How to Thrive After 65 and Have Great Sex. Her mission is to educate and empower families navigating the challenges of aging and elder care. Her work and advocacy have helped countless seniors and their loved ones thrive during life’s later chapters.
🎧 Tune in now to hear Frances’ inspiring and humorous take on aging, and walk away with actionable insights to apply today.
Welcome back to the show! This week, I’m joined by Nicole Belanger, Director of Business Development for Compass Group Canada, 2025 Bridge the Gap ambassador, and all-around rockstar in senior living. Nicole is also a certified DISC consultant, and let me tell you, her passion for understanding human behavior and unlocking better communication is nothing short of contagious.
In this episode, Nicole shares her journey from stepping into a senior living community on a whim to becoming a leader who helps teams and families connect on a deeper level. We dive into the DISC personality assessment, a tool that’s changing the game for leaders, sales professionals, and senior living teams alike. Nicole walks us through the four personality styles—Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, and Compliance—and explains how understanding these traits can strengthen relationships, build trust, and ultimately, deliver better outcomes.
We also explore real-world examples of how DISC can improve communication between senior living staff, residents, and families, as well as how it can help leaders navigate challenging conversations. Plus, Nicole gets personal, sharing how DISC has helped her grow as a leader and a collaborator—and even in her everyday life.
If you’re looking for actionable tips on connecting with people faster, improving teamwork, and tailoring your communication style, this episode is for you. And yes, we even get into how Nicole finds a balance between her love for sailing and being a proud dog mom.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
- How DISC assessments help you understand yourself and others better.
- The four DISC personality styles and how they show up in senior living.
- Real-life scenarios where DISC can build trust with families and team members.
- How leaders can use DISC insights to navigate difficult conversations.
- Nicole’s personal “aha moments” with DISC and how they’ve shaped her career.
Grab your headphones, tune in, and get ready to take your leadership game to the next level with DISC insights from Nicole Belanger!
What happens when a senior living executive decides to move into a community—not as a leader, but as a resident? In this episode of Connecting the Dots: Senior Living Success, I sit down with Dr. Lisa Ippolito, a seasoned senior living administrator and educator, to unpack the incredible lessons she learned during her four-month experience living in a senior living community.
Lisa shares the story of why she made this bold move and how it changed her perspective on leadership, operations, and what truly matters to residents. From dining room dynamics to navigating day-to-day life in the community, Lisa offers raw and honest insights into the resident experience.
We explore how her time living the resident life inspired operational changes, enhanced communication, and deepened her empathy as a leader. Lisa’s experience serves as a powerful reminder that great leadership in senior living starts with understanding the people you serve.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
- Why Lisa decided to live in a senior living community and what she discovered.
- The unexpected challenges and joys of experiencing daily life as a resident.
- How her time as a "resident" inspired practical changes in senior living operations.
- Lessons on empathy, connection, and leadership that every senior living professional can learn from.
Lisa’s story is nothing short of inspiring and will leave you rethinking how we approach senior living. Tune in for this heartfelt, eye-opening episode and discover how Lisa’s journey can transform the way we lead and serve in the senior living industry.
Welcome back to another episode of Connecting the Dots: Senior Living Success! Today, I’m thrilled to be joined by Amy Laughlin, the Director of Resident Engagement at Presbyterian Communities of South Carolina. Amy’s passion for senior living and her innovative approach to resident engagement make her a standout leader in the field.
In this episode, we dive deep into Amy’s journey and how she found her calling in senior living. She shares the inspiring story of how the Montessori for Aging & Dementia program was introduced at Presbyterian Communities of SC, and what motivated her team to embrace this transformative approach.
Amy explains how creating "prepared environments" can empower residents living with dementia, fostering choice, independence, and a sense of purpose. We explore the balance between flexibility and structure in daily routines and discuss what "abundant living" truly means in the context of senior care—and how they measure its impact.
You’ll also hear about the thoughtful training and support they provide to staff to ensure Montessori principles are woven into every interaction. Plus, Amy shares the heartfelt feedback from residents, families, and the community, illustrating the profound difference this program has made.
If you’ve ever considered incorporating a Montessori approach in your senior living community, this episode is packed with actionable advice and inspiration to get you started.
So, grab your coffee and tune in as we connect the dots to help residents live their most abundant lives!
In this episode I sit down with Benjamin Butler, Vice President of Key Account Development at Aramark SeniorLIFE+, to dive into the world of culinary, environmental services (EVS), and facility solutions in senior living. With nearly two decades of experience in senior living, Ben brings a wealth of knowledge, passion, and a fresh perspective to the conversation.
We explore Ben’s incredible journey, from his early days in the industry to his current role at Aramark SeniorLIFE+. He shares what drew him to this position after 18 years in senior living and how his passion for creating exceptional resident experiences drives his work every day.
Ben and I discuss the unique challenges senior living communities face in delivering top-tier culinary, EVS, and facility services. From balancing the needs of residents, families, and staff to innovating solutions that improve quality of life and operational efficiency, Ben offers valuable insights into what it takes to succeed in today’s senior living landscape.
As we look ahead, Ben shares his vision for the future of senior living and the role of innovative partnerships like those offered by Aramark SeniorLIFE+. Whether you're a provider looking to elevate your services or someone passionate about the industry, this episode is packed with practical advice and inspiration.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
- Ben’s personal journey into senior living and what inspires his work.
- How Aramark SeniorLIFE+ creates customized solutions for culinary, EVS, and facilities.
- The biggest challenges and opportunities for senior living providers today.
- The importance of balancing the needs of residents, staff, and families.
- How the industry is evolving and where innovation is heading.
Tune in for an engaging conversation that connects the dots between passion, innovation, and the future of senior living. Don’t miss this one!
Episode Summary:
In this episode, Matt Reiners is joined by Lacy Jungman, VP of Growth and Development for Heritage Communities, to explore how The Working Genius Framework is transforming leadership and team dynamics in senior living. Lacy shares her journey into the senior living industry, from her start as a volunteer to her current role, where she drives growth, team health, and productivity.
They dive deep into The Working Genius Framework—a six-stage model designed to identify individual strengths, mitigate frustrations, and foster collaboration. Lacy explains how this framework has reshaped her leadership style, improved team cohesion, and delivered measurable outcomes like increased productivity and resident satisfaction.
Whether you’re leading a senior living community, building a team, or looking for ways to grow as a leader, this episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiring takeaways.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
- Lacy’s personal journey into the senior living industry and her passion for leadership.
- An overview of The Working Genius Framework and its six stages of work.
- How identifying strengths and frustrations can help teams work more effectively.
- Practical examples of how this framework has improved team collaboration and led to measurable outcomes like 100% occupancy.
- The importance of self-awareness in leadership and how it impacts organizational culture.
Key Topics Discussed:
- Understanding the six stages of work: Wonder, Invention, Discernment, Galvanizing, Enablement, and Tenacity.
- Using The Working Genius Framework to combat burnout and align work with individual strengths.
- Building trust and vulnerability within teams to enhance collaboration.
- How leaders can use this framework to reduce turnover and create a fulfilling work environment in senior living communities.
- Applying this model at work, at home, and even with kids to foster better relationships and confidence.
Key Quotes from Lacy:
- "Burnout doesn’t just come from too much work—it can come from doing the wrong type of work."
- "The self-aware leader is the best leader."
- "When we understand ourselves and each other, we can lead with more confidence and less judgment."
In this episode, we dive into the Women of Distinction Awards, an initiative celebrating remarkable female leaders in senior living. We discuss what inspired its creation, the award’s evolution, and the unique challenges and opportunities women face in this industry. Our guest offers advice for aspiring leaders on how to make a lasting impact, along with some powerful stories of past winners who are paving the way. It’s a conversation about resilience, vision, and the power of women shaping the future of senior living.
Women of Distinction Awards: https://www.mcknightswomenofdistinction.com/
I was honored to join an insightful panel discussion hosted by Laura Ellen Christian of the AGE-u-cate Training Institute, alongside Dr. Ashley Smalley from Grace Management and Doug Pace from the Alzheimer's Association. We tackled one of the most essential topics in healthcare today—innovation in dementia care. From the latest tech advancements to non-pharmacological interventions and educational needs, we covered multiple dimensions of what it means to drive meaningful change in dementia support. Tune in as we explore strategies and challenges in redefining care for individuals with dementia, emphasizing both high-impact technology and holistic care approaches.
AGE-u-cate's website: https://ageucate.com/
In this episode, I’m thrilled to catch up with my friend and senior living powerhouse, Kara Marinko. Kara’s journey into senior living wasn’t planned, but it’s clear she was meant for it. Starting off in legal recruiting, she stumbled into senior care and quickly became hooked. We dive into how she’s embraced senior living as a “business with soul,” from supporting new talent to using data to make real impact. Kara opens up about why empowering people and finding genuine solutions—not just selling—drive her approach in this space. It’s an inspiring conversation about purpose, leadership, and why senior living can be a career with serious heart.
In this episode, we sit down with Lois Bowers, the influential Editor of McKnight’s Senior Living, to explore the vision and impact behind one of the industry’s most prestigious recognitions—the McKnight’s Pinnacle Awards. Lois shares her personal journey into senior living journalism and what inspired the creation of these awards.
Listeners will gain a unique behind-the-scenes look into the selection process, learning about the qualities and achievements that set Pinnacle Award winners apart. Lois also highlights a few memorable stories from past recipients that left a lasting impression, illustrating how these leaders and innovators are shaping the future of senior living.
Throughout the conversation, we’ll discuss the role McKnight’s plays in supporting the industry through its various publications and the long-term impact Lois hopes the Pinnacle Awards will have on recognizing and elevating excellence within senior living.
Pinnacle Awards: https://www.mcknightspinnacleawards.com/
In this episode, we sit down with Tim Mullaney, VP & Editorial Director of WTWH Media, to discuss the launch of the Prism Awards and what this new initiative means for the senior living industry. Tim shares the inspiration behind creating these awards and how they aim to recognize outstanding achievements in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging (DEIB), environmental sustainability, and social stewardship. We delve into the criteria for evaluating communities, the impact these awards are expected to have, and what it means for the future of senior living. Tune in to learn how senior living providers can lead the way in creating more inclusive, sustainable, and forward-thinking communities.
Link: https://agingmedia.com/2024-prism-awards/
Jamie Steensen, the Corporate National Director of Procurement and Purchasing for Sinceri Living, shares her background and journey to her current role. She discusses the responsibilities of overseeing procurement and emphasizes the importance of vendor partnerships. Jamie highlights the impact of technology on the procurement process and mentions the use of Contract Save for contract management. She also mentions the need for better collaboration and communication between departments in senior living organizations. Jamie shares her personal and professional goals, including enhancing her skills and growing the procurement team at Sinceri. She advises other senior living providers to utilize group purchasing organizations (GPOs), invest in technology, and find individuals passionate about procurement and vendor partnerships.
Matt Reiners announces that he will be joining Parasol Alliance as their chief growth officer. The conversation highlights the excitement and alignment between Matt and Amber Barden, the CEO and founder of Parasol Alliance. They discuss the challenges senior living communities face in adopting technology and the strategic approach that Parasol takes to ensure successful technology adoption. They also emphasize the importance of culture and the positive work environment at Parasol. Matt shares his plans to engage with clients and partners and invites feedback to improve their services. The conversation concludes with a call to action for listeners to pay attention to Parasol Alliance as they aim to change the technology culture in senior living.
Lauren Blacker, the corporate director of wellness and life enrichment at Senior Resource Group, shares her journey into senior living and the importance of wellness. She discusses the Zest program, which promotes vitality, enthusiasm, and energy in everyday activities. Lauren also highlights the Tour de Zest, a physical fitness challenge that fosters teamwork and social connections among residents and employees. The program encourages residents and employees to approach life with excitement and energy, promoting overall wellness. Lauren shares heartwarming stories of how Tour de Zest has positively impacted residents and employees, improving their quality of life and inspiring them to engage in wellness activities.
Danette Opaczewski, the COO of Revel Communities, discusses the concept of experiential branding in senior housing. She emphasizes the importance of creating a vibrant lifestyle that prioritizes personalized experiences and holistic wellness programs. Opaczewski shares her journey from the hospitality and real estate industry to senior housing and explains how she leverages her background to enhance the resident experience at Revel. She highlights the need for a resident experience department that focuses on the overall living experience and personalization. Opaczewski also discusses the impact of recruiting ex-hospitality staff and the importance of technology and customer service in senior housing.
Rachael Wonderlin, owner of Dementia by Day, shares her journey into the dementia care industry and the importance of education in senior living. She emphasizes the need for comprehensive dementia care education for all staff members, including sales teams. Rachael also discusses the creation of Dementia by Day School, an online education platform that provides training modules for caregivers, program directors, and sales and marketing teams. Additionally, she mentions the upcoming release of a short film that aims to accurately depict dementia and provide support for caregivers.
In this episode of "Connecting the Dots: Senior Living Success," we are honored to host Denise Boudreau, the esteemed President of Drive Culture Outcomes. Known affectionately as "The Queen of Culture," Denise has dedicated her career to transforming organizational culture in healthcare and senior living sectors. Today, she shares her journey, the challenges organizations face, and actionable insights for creating and maintaining a healthy, vibrant culture.
This is All Ears with Matt Reiners, co-founder of Eversound by Uniguest, where we dive right into what drives the senior living industry. Matt interviews thought leaders from all parts of the industry as we cover everything from resident & staff satisfaction to innovative technology, community culture, to finance & operations.
In this episode, we sit down with Lydia Terjeson, the Memory Care Administrator at Touchmark, to explore the rewarding and impactful field of senior living. Lydia shares her insights and experiences, highlighting the essential role of memory care in enhancing the lives of senior residents.
We delve into the significant efforts of the Granger Cobb Institute of Senior Living, a pioneering institution dedicated to educating and inspiring the next generation of senior living professionals. Lydia discusses the various programs and initiatives aimed at college students, emphasizing how the Institute is shaping future leaders in this crucial sector.
Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the opportunities and challenges in senior living careers and learn how college students can find their path in this fulfilling field. Whether you're a student considering a career in senior living, an educator, or a professional in the industry, this episode offers valuable perspectives on making a meaningful difference in the lives of seniors.
This is All Ears with Matt Reiners, co-founder of Eversound by Uniguest, where we dive right into what drives the senior living industry. Matt interviews thought leaders from all parts of the industry as we cover everything from resident & staff satisfaction to innovative technology, community culture, to finance & operations.
Lindsay Charlefour, Director of Life Enrichment at Singh Management, overseeing Waltonwood Senior Living. With a robust educational background in Therapeutic Recreation from Eastern Michigan University, where she has also served as an adjunct lecturer, Lindsay has extensively contributed to the field through various roles, including Director of Therapeutic Recreation, Volunteer Coordinator, Human Resource Designee, and Regional Director of Life Enrichment.
In this insightful episode, Lindsay Charlefour dives deep into the intersection of leadership and mental wellness within the senior living sector. With her vast experience and specialized knowledge in therapeutic recreation, Lindsay provides a unique perspective on the critical importance of mental health in elder care, especially in light of the changes and challenges since 2020.
This is All Ears with Matt Reiners, co-founder of Eversound by Uniguest, where we dive right into what drives the senior living industry. Matt interviews thought leaders from all parts of the industry as we cover everything from resident & staff satisfaction to innovative technology, community culture, to finance & operations.
In this episode, we delve deep into the world of IT solutions for senior living with the experts at Parasol Alliance, a company renowned for its bespoke technological services. Our conversation opens with a personal introduction from a key leader at Parasol Alliance, who shares the motivations and visions that shaped the company. We explore the gaps in the industry that Parasol Alliance aims to fill and how these insights led to the creation of a specialized IT service provider.
The discussion progresses to the intricate Request for Proposal (RFP) process utilized by Parasol Alliance. Our guest expertly walks us through how their approach not only aligns with but also amplifies client goals, ensuring that each partnership is tailored to deliver maximum benefit.
We then shift focus to the customization of IT solutions, where our guest provides an engaging walkthrough of how Parasol Alliance approaches the design of specific solutions to meet unique client needs, including a real-world example of a successful customization.
Addressing broader industry challenges, the conversation turns to the often flawed conference experience in showcasing new technology. Our guest offers critical insights into what is fundamentally lacking and proposes innovative solutions to enhance technology presentation and engagement at industry events.
Lastly, the episode offers practical advice for senior living providers on how to conduct a true evaluation of new technologies, emphasizing the importance of choosing the right custom IT partner. The qualities that define a beneficial partnership, especially in environments requiring adaptable care levels, are thoroughly discussed.
This is All Ears with Matt Reiners, co-founder of Eversound by Uniguest, where we dive right into what drives the senior living industry. Matt interviews thought leaders from all parts of the industry, as we cover everything from resident & staff satisfaction, to innovative technology, to community culture, to finance & operations.
In this enlightening episode, we sit down with Maggie Elehwany, the Senior Vice President of Public Policy at Argentum, the nation's leading association in senior living. Maggie shares her inspiring journey into the world of senior living advocacy and discusses the intricate landscape of state and federal policies that currently shape the lives of those in senior living communities.
Discover the behind-the-scenes impact of these policies on the daily operations and quality of care at senior living facilities, and learn about the challenges and triumphs Argentum faces as it pushes for progressive changes in the industry. Maggie highlights some of Argentum's recent successes in influencing beneficial policies and underscores the vital role of grassroots advocacy in their strategy.
For those looking to make a difference, Maggie provides actionable insights on how listeners can get involved in supporting policies that promote better living conditions for seniors. Looking ahead, she outlines Argentum's major policy goals for the coming years, offering a glimpse into the future of elder care.
Show Links:
I Love Assisted Living; https://www.argentum.org/advocacy/i-love-assisted-living/
This is All Ears with Matt Reiners, co-founder of Eversound by Uniguest, where we dive right into what drives the senior living industry. Matt interviews thought leaders from all parts of the industry, as we cover everything from resident & staff satisfaction, to innovative technology, to community culture, to finance & operations.
Today's guest is Nathan Jones, CEO and founder of Dash Media. Nathan is an industry friend, and it's been awesome to see his entrepreneurial journey over the last few years. We discuss the unique challenges and opportunities that come with capturing resident stories and where social media is going within senior living.
This is All Ears with Matt Reiners, co-founder of Eversound by Uniguest, where we dive right into what drives the senior living industry. Matt interviews thought leaders from all parts of the industry, as we cover everything from resident & staff satisfaction, to innovative technology, to community culture, to finance & operations.
Today's guest is by Katie Churchill, Managing Partner of Full Spectrum Search Group. Katie has spent some time on the provider side as an Activity & Life Enhancement Coordinator, Community Relations Director, Sales Specialist, Regional Sales & Marketing Director. Katie has been at Full Spectrum for the last 3.5 years and has worked her way up and has been Diamond Club & Pacesetter Qualifier each of the last 3 years. We discuss the unique challenges and opportunities that come with leadership in senior living, highlighting the essential traits that contribute to effective management and visionary guidance in this dynamic field.
Listeners will gain valuable perspectives on what makes a leader truly impactful in senior living, from strategic decision-making and empathetic leadership to innovative problem-solving and resilience. Whether you're an aspiring executive or a seasoned professional looking to refine your leadership approach, this episode provides practical advice and powerful insights to help you excel in your role and drive positive change in your organization. Join us as we explore how to cultivate leadership qualities that not only meet the demands of today but also anticipate the needs of tomorrow in the ever-evolving landscape of senior living.
This is All Ears with Matt Reiners, co-founder of Eversound by Uniguest, where we dive right into what drives the senior living industry. Matt interviews thought leaders from all parts of the industry, as we cover everything from resident & staff satisfaction, to innovative technology, to community culture, to finance & operations.
Today's guest is by Clare Travis, Trilogy Travel Support at Trilogy Health Services. Clare is has been a Life Enrichment Director, Memory Care Director, Assisted Living Administrator, Regional Support Life Enrichment & Memory Care, Area Vice President, and now overseeing Trilogy Health Services Trilogy Travel Club.
In this enlightening episode of our series, we pull back the curtain on the Trilogy Travel Club, a pioneering initiative dedicated to enriching the lives of senior travelers. Our journey begins with a personal story from our esteemed guest, a leader in the senior living community, who shares the path that led them to champion the cause of senior joy through travel. As we delve into the heart of the Trilogy Travel Club, our guest reveals the club's foundational mission, its inspiration, and how it meticulously caters to the unique desires and needs of senior explorers.
Listeners will be transported through memorable narratives of adventure, discovery, and transformation, illustrating the profound impact travel can have on the senior community. Through these stories, we uncover the myriad benefits of travel for seniors, from physical health enhancements to profound mental and emotional rejuvenation. Addressing the common hesitations and obstacles seniors may face when considering travel, our guest offers compassionate, practical advice to inspire confidence and action.
This is All Ears with Matt Reiners, co-founder of Eversound by Uniguest, where we dive right into what drives the senior living industry. Matt interviews thought leaders from all parts of the industry, as we cover everything from resident & staff satisfaction, to innovative technology, to community culture, to finance & operations.
Today's guest is Suzette Graham, CEO at Patriot Angels. Suzette is a former Mrs. Alaska, Suzette Graham founded Patriot Angels to lead a change in helping U.S. Wartime Veterans get approved for their Aid and Attendance pension from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Suzette shares her inspiring journey from the pageant stage to the forefront of veterans' advocacy, illuminating her passion for serving those who've served our country. Founded on a dedication to lead change, Patriot Angels has been instrumental in helping U.S. wartime veterans navigate the complexities of securing their Aid and Attendance pension from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Suzette opens up about her personal background, the transformative moments that led her to focus on senior living and veterans' assistance, and the significant challenges veterans today face in accessing crucial financial resources. With an array of overlooked benefits awaiting discovery, she sheds light on the vital supports many veteran families are unaware of, offering hope and tangible solutions to those in need.
Listeners will be moved by the heartfelt stories of individuals and families whose lives have been changed through the work of Patriot Angels. Suzette's message to veterans struggling with financial issues is both uplifting and empowering, providing a beacon of hope for many.
This is All Ears with Matt Reiners, co-founder of Eversound by Uniguest, where we dive right into what drives the senior living industry. Matt interviews thought leaders from all parts of the industry, as we cover everything from resident & staff satisfaction, to innovative technology, to community culture, to finance & operations.
Today's guest is Murry Mercier, Senior Living Market Director at PointClickCare. Murry started out in Senior Living on the provider side as a Network Administrator, I.T. Site Manager, Assisted Living Administrator, & Resident Care Director.
Murry joined PointClickCare over 10 years ago and has worked his way up help lead the senior living division at PCC that empowers over 30,000 Skilled Nursing Centers, Senior living communities, and acute and payer partners.
In this enlightening episode of "The Future of Care," we delve deep into the evolving landscape of senior living, focusing on the pivotal shift towards value-based care models and their profound implications. Our expert guest shares a rich background in the senior living sector, offering unique insights into how these communities have traditionally catered to cognitive and physical needs and how they're poised to expand their services to meet a broader array of resident requirements.
This is All Ears with Matt Reiners, co-founder of Eversound by Uniguest, where we dive right into what drives the senior living industry. Matt interviews thought leaders from all parts of the industry, as we cover everything from resident & staff satisfaction, to innovative technology, to community culture, to finance & operations.
In this episode, Matt is joined by Diamond Boone, Corporate Director of Therapeutic Recreation, Athena Health Care Systems. We examine the significance of DEI training within the senior living industry. Discuss how it benefits staff, residents, and overall community culture, and share examples of effective training programs.
This is All Ears with Matt Reiners, co-founder of Eversound by Uniguest, where we dive right into what drives the senior living industry. Matt interviews thought leaders from all parts of the industry, as we cover everything from resident & staff satisfaction, to innovative technology, to community culture, to finance & operations.
In this episode, Matt is joined by Chris Heinz, President for Westport One. Exploring the forefront of talent acquisition and retention, our podcast dives into the evolving landscape of senior living, uncovering the secrets to attracting and nurturing top talent in this critical industry. From innovative strategies and technologies to the challenges of recruiting outside-the-box thinkers, we offer insights and guidance for senior living providers aiming to excel in 2024 and beyond. Join us as industry leaders share their experiences, offering a roadmap to building a workforce of excellence in senior living.
This is All Ears with Matt Reiners, co-founder of Eversound byUniguest, where we dive right into what drives the senior livingindustry. Matt interviews thought leaders from all parts of theindustry, as we cover everything from resident & staff satisfaction, to innovative technology, to community culture, to finance & operations.
In this episode, Matt is joined by Dani Merlino, COO of Grow Your Occupancy.Having worked in various sales leadership roles in the industry for over 25 years, Dani has extensive experience in senior living.
This is All Ears with Matt Reiners, co-founder of Eversound byUniguest, where we dive right into what drives the senior livingindustry. Matt interviews thought leaders from all parts of theindustry, as we cover everything from resident & staff satisfaction, to innovative technology, to community culture, to finance & operations.
In this episode, Matt is joined by Jessi Weldon, Sales & Marketing EVP at Primrose Retirement. Jessi has been an Assistant Community Manager, Admissions Director, Sales Director, Regional Sales and Marketing Manager, Director of Sales & Marketing, and now Executive VP of Sales & Marketing.
We dive deep into the importance of relationships along the senior living sales journey and we can help influence our colleagues.
This is All Ears with Matt Reiners, co-founder of Eversound by Uniguest, where we dive right into what drives the senior living industry. Matt interviews thought leaders from all parts of the industry, as we cover everything from resident & staff satisfaction, to innovative technology, to community culture, to finance & operations. In this episode, Matt is joined by Lindsey Daugherty, Head of Community at Sage. With over 26 years of experience in senior care, Lindsey is a passionate and innovative leader who believes that quality of life should never be compromised for the aging population and understands to do this, we must be good financial stewards. Considered a senior living unicorn with an operations, clinical, and marketing background.
In this episode of All Ears, host Matt Reiners talks to Heather Freemont, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Maplewood Senior Living. Heather has over 30 years experience in all parts of the senior living industry; from community relations and operations, to sales and marketing. In this episode, Matt and Heather discuss her career as Heather shares invaluable insights into her success in the senior living industry.
Matt is joined by heather Easterling, Senior Director of Program Services at Sunrise Senior Living. Heather has more than 15 years experience of senior living with an extensive background in community engagement and program services. In this episode of All Ears, Matt and Heather discuss the importance of senior engagement, the benefits of senior living technology, and how senior living communities can enhance their resident experience.
This is All Ears with Matt Reiners, co-founder of Eversound by Uniguest, where we dive right into what drives the senior living industry. Matt interviews thought leaders from all parts of the industry, as we cover everything from resident & staff satisfaction, to innovative technology, to community culture, to finance & operations.In this episode, Matt is joined by Kelly Stranburg, the founder of Excellence in Wellness. Kelly has been running Excellence in Wellness for over 10 years, developing programs for aging adults; from enhancing individual well-being to how staff thrive in a workplace. Today's episode explores how the Senior Living resident engagement has developed over the past 15 years, and where it might be heading in the future.
This is All Ears with Matt Reiners, co-founder of Eversound by Uniguest, where we dive right into what drives the senior living industry. Matt interviews thought leaders from all parts of the industry, as we cover everything from resident & staff satisfaction, to innovative technology, to community culture, to finance & operations.
In this episode, Matt is joined by Matt Goche, CEO of Uniguest. With almost 20 years’ experience in technology leadership roles, Matt know better than anyone how technology can be used to engage audiences and improve quality of life.
Today's episode explores how the Senior Living industry has embraced engagement technology and considers current and future trends in senior living technology.
This is All Ears with Matt Reiners, co-founder of Eversound by Uniguest, where we dive right into what drives the senior living industry. Matt interviews thought leaders from all parts of the industry, as we cover everything from resident & staff satisfaction, to innovative technology, to community culture, to finance & operations.
In this episode, Matt is joined by Jacob Raptosh, Divisional Sales Director for Holiday Retirement by Atria Management Company. Having worked in various sales leadership roles in the industry for over 12 years, Jacob has extensive experience in senior living. At Holiday Retirement, Jacob and his team create vibrant communities where older adults can thrive and participate, know that their contributions are valued, and enjoy access to opportunities and support that help them keep making a positive difference in our world.
This is All Ears with Matt Reiners, co-founder of Eversound by Uniguest, where we dive right into what drives the senior living industry. Matt interviews thought leaders from all parts of the industry, as we cover everything from resident & staff satisfaction, to innovative technology, to community culture, to finance & operations.
In this episode, Matt is joined by Sharon Ricardi, President of Northbridge Advisory Services. Having worked in the industry for over 25 years, Sharon has extensive experience in senior living. At Northbridge Advisory Services, Sharon and her team are key players in assisting other senior living companies to be best-in-class. They assist in increasing NOI through increasing census, lowering operating costs, and uncovering other operational efficiencies.
In this episode, Matt is joined by Rebecca Sturtz, the Vice President of Operations for Bridge Senior Living. Having worked in the industry for over 20 years, Rebecca has extensive experience in senior living; from working as an Activities Coordinator to shaping the industry in numerous regional and national operations leadership roles.
Rebecca and Matt discuss the importance of finding the right balance to support the physical and spiritual well-being of older adults.
Matt is joined by Steve Flynt, Chief Operating Officer at Solstice Senior Living. Steve is a 30-year veteran of senior living with an extensive background in operations leadership. He is a licensed nursing home administrator in Arizona and Colorado and has supported senior living communities across the United States.
In this episode of All Ears, Matt and Steve discuss building teams, creating a learning environment, and cultivating a culture of caring and accountability where the best talent can rise to be productive servant leaders.
Jennifer Fink created the Fading Memories podcast after finding that balancing everything that a caregiver needs to attend to, doing more research about what she needs to be doing, as well as her own life was too much. She speaks the honest truth about her journey with her mother and grandmother who both had dementia. Some of these things that have been taboo to talk about your loved one has been taboo for years and is now starting to change to make way for a more honest look into the life of caring for someone with dementia, and the factors that drove people like Jennifer to choose senior living over home care. Find out how she arrived at the decision she made for a community and what she's learned in the 20 years of dementia care that she saw with her mother.
Shari Flight and Katie Fournier of Ember Holistic Care have dedicated themselves to making sure that Memory Care communities don't stick to the status quo. They are trying to break the cycle of using old trainings from the 1980s when society has learned so much more about how providers can use newer research in various methods, such as light therapy, that will benefit both the resident and the staff. These new methods don't have to be a kick to the system though, so tune in to hear how these new approaches can also complement a traditional care model as well.
John McDonough, Senior Director of Program Development & Integration for Asbury Communities, claims to not be a tech guy but after this interview it's clear that he has a larger grasp of how we interact with tech in the senior living industry than he leads us to believe. We cover how our relationship with wanting the shiny new product affects our perception of what we actually need, and how operators and vendors alike can alter the course to a goal or the pitch to better suit a client's need. Effective products in this space don't just need to be high-tech, but we need to make sure we still fill the need for high-touch interactions as well. Listen in to hear how you can navigate this web and more.
Marlo Fogleman, Founder & CEO of Marlo Marketing, and Jenna Anderson, VP at Marlo Marketing may not have necessarily come to senior living or marketing in a familiar way, but they've brought plenty of impact among their customers who've seen great swings of success. With notable backgrounds and long-time experience in and out of the senior living industry, they give us an idea of what gaps they see in most marketing strategies that they've revamped. They also have a unique perspective on what it takes to succeed in the marketing side of the business, now and in the future.
Laurie Schultz, Principal and co-founder of Avenue and Viva Bene, came to senior living as a real estate developer that wanted to instead get into "development with purpose". Their goal is to marry the ideas of socialization that most seniors come to senior living for, with their other need for overall wellness. They do this a few ways, but they find prevention is key to longevity for the benefit of both, which is why they integrate physical wellness into activities every day as well. You'll find a theme for this episode is making sure you're thinking about prevention-based care, rather than the industry standard of needs-based care.
We found our previous episode with Frank G. Howard, the CEO of GeneIQ, so interesting and important that we wanted to dive even deeper into pharmacogenomics with Dr Tariq Adwan, the Chief Science officer of GeneIQ.
The short definition of pharmacogenomics is the science of determining the genetic variability that influences physiological response. This means that instead of a whole lot of trial and error with medications, people can get the medication that is genetically most likely to be accepted by the body. This means less side effects, and less medications to treat those side effects, along with many other benefits.
Learn more about this new science, the benefits and what it takes to get this program started for someone truly in need. Knowing what medications are right for each person can mitigate the need to throw many medications, on average 15 medications for seniors, to treat their health concerns.
Charles Mann, Founder and CSO of Accushield, like many of us came into senior living from the time that was passed down with his father in senior living as an executive director. He saw a gap in what's provided and decided he was the one that needed to fill it. We hear about ways that making a good first impression to residents and their family members can help land a sale, and keep them at the community longer. This includes the beginning of the Love Meter, which brings residents who aren't being engaged with to the top of the care list.
Learn more about Accushield at accushield.com.
Jodi Guffee, COO & Owner of Radiant Senior Living, has found the key to the golden ratio of senior living leads. She talks about how freeing it is to rip the bandaid and start fresh in your CRM to focus on quality qualified leads.This can make the lead to move-in process easier for your team, the potential resident, and your budget. Jodi also explains where they put their dollars for the best leads and what they've coined as the FORD principle to guide them along the way. By the end, we've covered a lot of ground, including some fascinating ideas about how we can bridge the gap to work the middle market by meeting cost needs for potential residents and communities' needs in the staffing crisis. Learn more about Radiant Senior Living at radiantseniorliving.com.
Michael Belleville, who was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia, talks about his journey from when he first started realizing the change in himself to diagnosis and acceptance. He's learned a lot about himself, the various journeys people take in their diagnosis, and organizations that can help. Keeping engaged with the community has helped him connect with the amazing stories of people that have persevered and thrived together, as a community, in spite of their diagnosis. In spite of all of the stigma that comes with living with dementia. In spite of the internal battles that each of them may have. If you take anything away from this episode it's this: they're still here. Talk to the human that's still in front of you that may just understand the world and communicate differently now. We hope that you find this episode as enlightening as it has been for us, and that it can help inform decisions in your community. Learn more about the Dementia Action Alliance and the Alzheimer's Association.daanow.orgalz.org
Rachelle Blough uses her background as a Certified Alzheimer's & Dementia trainer and rec therapist to inform her self-titled consulting agency work. She shares learnings from how communities have faired when all team members prioritize resident quality of life and how they've measured it. Hear stories of those success stories and what they've looked like this week.
David Haack, Owner of Tailored Advisory Services, dons his bowtie and teacher cap to give us a history lesson in how nursing homes came to be a harsh place in the 1700s and how it's transformed into the hospitality-focused senior living industry we know today. We learn how we can take the findings from the senior living transition over the last 30 years and apply it to our current staffing difficulties to gain and retain quality talent. A lot of that has to do with living and working with intention and purpose. Purpose is something we know is much needed for our seniors, but also for our staff.
Agustin "Agie" Olmedo worked his way into senior living like many of us do, through personal experience with family, and wanting to make this industry a better place for our aging population to live in. What he brought into this industry though, is a new way of thinking about the basics needed for a senior living community. You most likely have heard of the three B's (bingo, birthdays and bible study) but he has coined the 4 C's. You're bound to learn a new way of thinking out of this episode so listen in and take note!
Amber Dahle, National Director of Memory Care and Resident Programming & Brad Scoggins, Senior Regional Director of Sales & Marketing, both from Charter Senior Living, join us to spill exactly how their unique brand of collaboration has worked for them, both inside their company and with outside vendors. Their Marketing & Sales departments have a wonderful and fruitful relationship with their Programming team, collaborating everywhere possible and making sure each team is heard and lifted. They also just had a pilot with Eversound and learned a lot from what each can learn and gain from each other. Listen in to hear the how and what of each of these experiences.
Frank G Howard, CEO of GeneIQ, comes from a place of experience when it comes to dealing with various struggles in life, whether that be personally, with family health, or bringing purpose in his daily work. This need for purpose is what's driven him to head up GeneIQ, where they take genetics into account to guide treatment decisions and improve patient wellness. What's more, they've found that 75% of senior living residents who were tested have multiple recommendations for medication changes based on their genetics.
He describes residents who are undergoing medication trial and error crying in a hallway, transforming their struggles into joy when appropriate medication is applied. But something like this needs to be a larger part of a system that keeps a community running. He also explains what goes into the backend of something like this, from how they integrate with existing resident tracking systems, to ensuring protection of personal health information.
Listen to this episode and learn more at geneiqlab.com
Terry Rogers, CEO with Westminster Communities of Florida, knows what he is and how to support those that mean a lot to him and the business. He's a self-described generalist, recognizing and empowering the caring people who are looking to climb the ladder, or want to join the industry anew. He provides his ideas on other industries that we can pull from, like those in the tech industry, with an eye for hospitality that could elevate the senior living industry as a whole. The best solution for longevity of the business though, is keeping the people that are already in our communities. Listen in to what he's heard is most important when retaining exemplary employees after a series of in-house surveys.
This special episode is a panel during the HealthTAC conference on March 21st and was moderated by Matt Reiners.
The Senior Living industry is rapidly evolving, and marketing/sales strategies that worked in the past may no longer be effective in the modern age. As such, it's essential to understand the latest marketing trends, digital tools, and consumer behaviors to create effective senior living sales strategies that resonate with today's audience.
This panel brings together industry experts to discuss the latest marketing tactics, technology, and best practices for selling senior living communities in today's market. The panel will explore how to adapt marketing and sales approaches to meet the needs and preferences of today's seniors and their families.
Panelists
Kelly Ornberg - former SVP of Sales at Bridge soon to be at Oakmont
Sherrie Bebell - Sales & Marketing Strategist of Columbia Pacific Advisors
Katharine Anderson - SVP of Marketing at Aviva
Amanda Warren - VP of Marketing at Merrill Gardens
Dr Buffy, Lloyd-Krejci breaks into the crux of her latest book that discusses the issues that the pandemic uncovered in the staffing of our communities, and how that can enable us to solve many other problems in our industry. We hear how staff have been coping, or not, with this downfalls, and some of the best next steps to solving for them.
Find her book here:
https://www.amazon.com/BROKEN-Pandemic-Uncovered-Nursing-Fighting/dp/1544528361
Dr Ashlea Smalley, National Director of Memory Care and Life Enrichment at Grace Management, Inc., literally grew up in senior living and has made it her life's work to speak up for seniors and making sure we treat them as people, not old people. She gives them the dignity that they require, and picks apart the differences in effect and treatment between social isolation and loneliness. Learn about making more intentional efforts with your residents in this week's episode.
Wellness has come to mean a lot of things in senior living, and Liam Goddard, the Director of Wellness with Life Plan Community, discusses how the idea of wellness has changed over recent years. He breaks apart the many pieces of wellness that he's come to understand wellness for the resident, but also the staff and how it affects keeping quality employees across a community. On the flip side, he's also had some success in bringing new, quality employees into the industry that he shares. We hope that this episode can shed some light and help your community as well.
After spending time at other firms with great work but lacking in balance of family life, Melissa Banko, Founder of Banko Design, started her own studio doing interior design for multi-families, and commercial alike, including Senior Living. She gives us a peak into the design reasoning that goes into senior living spaces, like her attractive and durable "reso-mercial" furniture, but also the human aspect of being in the workforce. Even before the pandemic, she was pushing boundaries of what a holistic work experience means as a working parent.
Find out more about Melissa and the studio culture that she's built at bankodesign.com.
Dr. Nancy Swanger, Founding Director of Granger Cobb Institute, spreads the word about how we as an industry can create a culture of change for younger generations to appreciate the kind of thinking that Institute's namesake brought. We take a peak under the hood of the engine of an educational model that's driving the next generation that will be working the halls of the senior living communities, and how we can give it some gas.
Find out more about the Granger Cobb Institute for senior living.
Dr Diana Sowers, Audiologist, is a special guest and a great source of learning as we come up on World Hearing Day on Friday, March 3. She packs this 20 minute interview with facts about how hearing loss affects people's quality of life at varying ages, the physical, medical and societal costs of leaving it untreated, and of course, how she's seen it affect senior living residents and communities.
Evans Adrian, Co-founder & COO of Endeavor Senior Living, leans into his role as a black sheep of the industry and makes a conscious effort to go against the status quo. He poses some questions to his peers that some wouldn't ask and urges those around him, employees and otherwise, to be on the nose with obstacles. He wants to make sure that technology & workflows are working for us rather than the other way around.
Emily Alexander, VP of Customer Success at WelcomeHome Software, makes us feel like a smooth transition into tech adoption is easier than even we originally thought. She helps connect the dots in the often all-too-vague notion of great customer service for any vendors, and how a provider can make sure they're getting the most out of their vendors.
Eric Varin, SVP of Sales with The Aspenwood Company, bestows some of his 15+ years of experience into this episode. He has some interesting insights into senior living's history, and it gives light to all of the good work that's happening all around us. Hearing this comparison also gives a unique perspective into where we're headed, and what we could do to change the general public's perspective from a persistent view that all senior living is skilled nursing.
He's also had some time on the vendor side of senior living, and shares what he realized were some misconceptions about vendors. This is useful for communities to know how they can really leverage those relationships to their benefit, and how vendors can improve to be more helpful and effective for our community partners.
Jeff Arnold, COO with United Group of Companies, gives us a look into what a fairly new program called Active Adult that has started sweeping through the Senior Living industry. Hear what it means, and how it can change the dynamic between community and resident, or even among the residents themselves.
Happy new year! Welcome back to our second year of the All Ears podcast. We found the perfect fit to continue the theme of joy from the holiday season. Amy Kotterman, Director of Customer Experience with United Church Homes, introduces the role of the Joyologist that UCH has introduced into its staff. We learn what that role brings with it and hard statistics for how it has improved staff retention and satisfaction.
Originally recorded Aug 2021
We're opening up this episode of All Ears from before we officially started the podcast, with Iyvonne Byers, Chief Financial Officer with Priority Life Care, LLC to talk about the stigmas that come with the finance department in senior living and how the finance roles can actually enable more joy across communities. Listen to hear how the finance team can actually be your "yes" team for spending in the best ways possible.
Originally recorded September 2021
Julie Podewitz, CSO at Vitality Living and founder of Grow Your Occupancy, shares her expertise on how to solve the occupancy puzzle. If you're interested in her book, you can find it linked below.
https://a.co/d/bkeHuSa
Originally recorded in December 2021
Angie talks about the joys of being with family around the holidays, but the unique challenges that having a loved one in Memory Care can have. We hear some ways to make these visits still as meaningful as ever with those living with dementia. This is an episode that we aired online before this podcast, and thought this is a good reminder as we head into the holiday season this year. Happy holidays!
Angie Hildebrant, Division President with Our House Senior Living, gives us hope that despite so many communities struggling to pivot after the pandemic started, there are those that are thriving. She provides inspiration of how they and other communities have stood out to her with unique ways for their business to reach out to the outside community and break out of the rut of "this is how we've always done it". This is your call to do what others are not!
Kevin Goedeke, VP of Regional Health Operations, talks about starting from the bottom of Erickson as an intern and working his way up to a regional role. We hear how his perspectives of the regional role, the leaders around him, and his own knowledge have changed as he's climbed the ladder.
Make sure to check out the NHA Stand Up Newsletter!
If you are looking for the two books that Kevin mentions, we've linked those below for you.
The Four Disciplines of Execution by Sean Covey & Chris McChesney
Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss
Stacy Shewey, CEO of Hands4Life, started this organization with a passion for helping seniors, but wanted to reach beyond helping the American experience. Witnessing firsthand the tremendous need in the developing world for high-quality, compassionate care for older adults, Stacy began a journey leading to the creation of Hands 4Life – one of the few nonprofit missionary organizations focusing on caring for the elderly in developing nations. We talk about what her journey has been like and how some of the cultural differences affect senior care in these countries. Find out more at h4lworld.org
Anna Ladig, Live A Dream Support with Trilogy Health Services shows how taking seniors' dreams, big and small, can bring joy, motivation and a sense of purpose for not only the recipient but the givers. Join Matt as we hear heartwarming stories and some lessons in how even the simplest dreams can bring great joy.
Curtis Avison, Home Office Director of Life Enrichment at StoryPoint Group, pushes hard to break "person centered care" from just being a buzz word. He talks about how he thinks about getting individuals out of the rut of attending events and going on outings, even pointing out how we can serve those who usually don't come to those events. Curtis also recognizes the importance of getting staff invested in this process by making a rewarding experience in learning about residents. He shares creative ways to entice reluctant residents out of their shell to live their best lives.
Julie Podewitz, CEO of Grow Your Occupancy, joins Matt as they talk about a recent case study with Vitality Living and Eversound; what they learned during the process of doing this study, where they can change the process for the better in the future, and how hearing loss affects the bottom line of any community.
Video mail isn't just for B2B businesses. Walt Armentrout, CEO of Heart Legacy, walks us through what they've found is useful from creating personalized messages to potential potential customers who rely so much on personal connection. We compare notes on how having a sales aid like this differs from the vendor side and community side, and the most useful places for each.
Something we love about the senior living industry is finding people who are driven to elevate the quality of care for seniors, including those living with Alzheimer’s and dementia. That’s why we were excited to sit down with George Netscher, whose company, SafelyYou, is giving a voice to this most vulnerable population, and advocating for them when they can’t advocate for themselves. George talks with Matt about how 95% of falls go unwitnessed, why falls are particularly challenging for this population, and how a single fall has a rippling effect through a senior living community, taking physical, emotional, and financial tolls. He shares how understanding the root cause of falls not only impacts quality of life for the resident, but peace of mind for the families, and quality of care delivered by the staff. Join us to learn how some sobering statistics can indicate the opportunity for transformative change in senior care.
Chris is a big inspiration to us, giving us hope for senior living and humans in general. He tells us about what has driven him since he was a kid to go great lengths to help others, even running multiple 24 hour races. Listen in to find out what his organization is doing for these charities and senior living.
Help Chris reach his goals on his tax-deductible go fund me page:
gofundme.com/f/24-hour-run-for-hope-in-2022
Paige Morin, who is a marketing intern with Merrill Gardens, stumbled upon the senior living industry through a recommendation from a friend. It turns out Washington State University is one higher education institution that's highlighting careers in caring for seniors. Paige says she's found her perfect fit, and she talks with us about what's convincing her to stay in senior living, and how the industry could improve its outreach to up-and-coming talent.
Jacob Blevins, Licensed Nursing Home Administrator & Owner of Allied Senior Living Resources Florida has taken the mission to help seniors live a better life that we all share and bumped it up a notch. Jacob takes an objective look at what path forward is the best fit for a senior and their family, whether that's aging in place with some modifications, or moving into a senior living community, and he does this all free to those families that need the guidance. He puts a lot of time and research into what motivates these people to move toward and away from senior living, so we get to pick his brain about what it can offer and what it's missing. Hear some great success stories about how he's managed to help seniors and families in need.
This lively panel highlights how a culture of wellness and engagement supports and drives multiple facets of operations within senior living settings. This tenured group of senior living executives share how a culture of wellness and engagement is meeting consumers' expectations and desires that support the consideration of senior living as a potential move. This panel dives into everything from hiring, to daily operations approaches, to social media. The days of focusing on calendars and dimensions of wellness as the focus of wellness and engagement are behind us and overall community culture is what matters most!
Moderator: Kelly A. Stranburg, Principal, LE3 Solutions
Panelists:
- Tony Galvan, AVP of Living Well at Vi Living
- Mary McMullin, Chief Advancement Officer at Front Porch
- Jolene Moore, Regional Director of Operations at Pathway to Living
- Dean Palombaro, Executive Director at Ohio Living
Robert Bills, Senior Sales Executive with SiteStaff Chat shares a bird's eye view of where senior living websites are missing and how to fix other brand issues at you digital front door.
Maya is a rising sophomore at the University of Kentucky and as our industry is struggling hard with keeping communities staffed, we found Maya's first and positive experience with seniors enlightening. She found senior living to be the diamond in the rough, and we talk about how we can help other people coming into the workforce find this gem of a career as well.
We brought together thought leadership from four critical pillars of the senior living industry - technology, innovation, programming, and resident experience - to provide their collaborative insights into how to effectively leverage each of these components together to drive the success of your organization. Moderated by our own co-founder, Matt Reiners, along with panelists Melanie Perry of Elegance Living, Leslie Rae Symonds of Milestone Retirement Communities, Ryan Elza of Volunteers of America National Services, and Rhonda Thiel of Heritage Communities
Peter Stinson, Executive Director for the Twilight Wish Foundation and Randie Duretz, National Director of Chapters, Ambassadors and Volunteers for the Twilight Wish Foundation share some of their best stories of wishes granted to seniors, some insight into who they serve, and what we can do to help these seniors in need.
Margaret DeVinney, Director of Sales for Senior Living at Enseo has now been on the operator and vendor side of senior living. She shares her perspective of not just how we've seen a boom in demand for technology in senior living, but what that looks like across different levels of care and the simplification that they've needed as staffing shortages persist. As this millennial and baby boomer talk tech, we also address how these generations are going to be pivotal to how tech is received.
Jessica Daily, the National Director of Resident Programs at Senior Lifestyle Corporation, has been working with other members on her team to take an honest look at what their communities are doing to be more inclusive. What started as a simple question among staff, has turned into an amazing journey of discovery for both the staff, and the residents alike.
Molly Davis Nedley, National Director, Entertainment & Programming for Spectrum Retirement has broadened her communities' and residents' reach into the world through progressive programs and becoming a part of a collective energy outside of the community. Their efforts have garnered them a following of 92,000 followers in a few months on TikTok and a greater initiative inside some communities to start what they call an "Adventurer's Club". This is a great illustration of challenging the aging philosophy can do for individuals and the community as a whole.
If you take one thing away from this, it's that spending time and resources on the happiness of your current residents and staff it can still pay dividends for your bottom line. Happier residents stay longer and tell their friends about it, and happier staff means that they give a better experience too.
Jon has had the unique experience of being both on the operator and capital partner side of the senior living industry. Matt works through what those two roles can learn from each other with him, bringing out how those relationships can be strengthened. Jon also talks about how mentorship has changed his thinking throughout his life and how it helps us be more open to positive change as a whole.
Digital Marketing in the senior living industry has come a long way since the beginning of the pandemic, but Mary Cate has insights into habits and techniques that are still hurting rather than helping brands. We cover things from tracking your digital marketing efforts, to explaining why ROI can be a misleading metric, to something that she calls, localization at scale.
Hearing how the United States does senior living on a regular basis can sometimes feel siloed, so we thought we'd bring in some outside help. Phil Moorcraft is the VP at CLB, a company based in North Holland but Phil resides in the UK. There is obviously some overlap, but we find some interesting ways that our differences manifest when it comes to things like how finances of their prospects change the market or how much space there is available.
Sean Rowe, CEO of MealSuite, brings light to the backend of 330 million meals per year. We all know that the pandemic changed a lot for the world and senior living when it comes to technology. What we didn't ever expect is how quickly the golden generation and the senior living industry would pickup technology, including things like robots, automation, and how much it's opened up our industry to help solve ongoing issues like staffing problems, or even create others. Listen in as we dig into these issues and how Sean sees the best path forward.
Matt compares with Nick Nemer at LifeLoop how vendors becoming partners has become a necessity to senior living providers if they're going to be adopted, and how that affects the culture of being a partner to these communities.
In this episode, we are joined by Cole Smith, Corporate Director of Dementia Care Services at Brightview Senior Living, who has spent much of his career supporting people living with dementia. He shares his perspective on providing a high-level of care to these residents in your community and how we as an industry can better serve them.
Mark MacIntyre, Chief Experience Officer of Fully Managed, formerly known as CareWorks, a provider of managed IT services specializing in senior living, joins us to discuss cybersecurity. He shares ways senior living communities can mitigate risk, and the type of security options available to the industry.
In this episode, Matt is joined by Avi Friedman, COO of Link Home Therapy, who also holds his Doctor of Physical Therapy and teaches as an Adjunct Professor. With this experience, Avi brings a unique perspective to providing care and combatting loneliness amongst senior living residents.
We find out that the hot topic of person-centered care is actually decades old. Alisa Tagg, the Association Director of the National Association of Activity Professionals, talks with us about how this conversation has changed over time and the new ways that we can address it. Alisa gives great insight into why residents gravitate towards certain issues in the community, and how you can leverage that to stand out to prospective residents.
Nate Jones, VP of Sales at Dash Media, joins Matt to discuss how his background in coaching has effected his perspective on the senior living industry, as well has how content can be key driver of success in the industry. In this episode, you'll also hear Nate share some of his tips and best practices for maximizing the effectiveness of social media.
Melanie has been an important lead for a handful of organizations over the past 29 years in her career with senior living, and we can see why. She makes sure that her organization walks the walk when they make promises to seniors and we talk about how they get there. She also explains how we can overcome systemic challenges in corporate structure, regulatory restrictions, and more.
Cameo and Miekka came into the senior living industry with a mission to change the culture outside of it from seeing aging as all sadness. Cameo and Miekka bring a vast breadth of knowledge that they've learned from every corner of the industry from their impressive combined experience. We hope that their perseverance is as contagious to you as it is to us in helping flip the script on what it means to be in senior living.
Originally recorded in September 2021
This was in a time where the COVID-19 was starting to pick back up again in the US and there was still (and still is) a lot of uncertainty about how it would affect move-ins and motivating residents and staff. Greg talks about how the blanketed approaches of incentivizing sales staff with a monetary bonus or burning out prospects with too much outreach isn't as effective and stepping back and taking a look at the bigger picture, and being realistic.
We are joined by Evan Friedkin, Head of Business Development at Roobrik, which provides an engagement platform for senior care. He shares his insights on the must-haves for any senior living community's website, the quality of leads for new residents across the industry, as well as general best practices for marketing leads for senior living providers.
Originally recorded & posted October 2021
James Lee, the "Senior Living Guy". This episode brings into question what leadership has traditionally been defined as and flipping the script on personal development in your organization. Take the time to be problem oriented rather than solutions oriented, and take risks. Sometimes, passion, purpose and taking a leap can bring you farther than any previous knowledge could. Listen in to see the wealth of insight that James brings to this episode. Here's a quote that we think sums up the episode well, and we hope it entices you a little more:
"Nice makes you feel good amount me while I'm there. Kind makes you feel good about yourself when I leave. Kindness is candor, vulnerability, having tough conversations..." In this case kindness is helping you build leadership skills to help sustain you more than any wellness package would.
Follow James Lee's Level Up podcast at bearwiseconsulting.com/leveluppodcast
Sarah Pedretti, Life Enrichment Coordinator at Bluffview Memory Care joins host, Matt Reiners, to discuss how to stand out in senior living by promoting yourself and your community. She also shares how this has benefitted both her professional development and the quality of care for the residents of her memory care community.
This episode was originally recorded Oct 13, 2021
Dean has led many communities, including the largest in Ohio, so we thought we'd get his ideas around how the next generation of leaders will be different, and what they can bring.
Stefano is one of the next up and comers changing how we think about educating seniors on technology and how it can give them the confidence in more than just using technology. Getting comfortable with new technology doesn't just have to be for the seniors though. We should also be thinking about changing marketing strategies with the times and social media trends. Take it from Stefano who has seen views of 1 million plus from his senior focused videos!
Heather has grown through the ranks from a marketing director at a single community to managing 35 locations as a COO & VP of Sales. Matt chats with her about all that she's learned on her journey of making hard decisions and getting the whole company behind it by bringing a person-centered approach to employee management.
Originally posted June 7, 2021
In the middle of 2021, we started broadcasting learnings from industry leaders after seeing a rough year after the COVID-19 pandemic started. Whitney Lane helped us understand the impact that it had on the quality of life for staff and recruiting new help on an already stressed situation. Almost a year later, how have things changed? What are we still struggling with? Listen in and find out.
Originally recorded in April of 2021
We've had some great conversations before we started this podcast, and we think you'd enjoy them here too in our "Listen Again" series of over twenty episodes. We'll be posting these episodes weekly in addition to our other episodes, so stayed tuned for a look back at last year and how some ideas still hold merit.
Who knew that after this much time burnout, recruitment and team cohesion would still be as big of an issue? We hope this episode can help you this year as well.
Jack has been one of our first connections in the senior living industry, and our philosophical partners that has been someone solid to welcome us in from the very beginning. We talk about how relationships in the senior living industry are different and how we found success in being unashamedly ourselves, including sharing a bit of our personal lives through our kids.
In this episode, we dive into training within the senior living industry, from both providers and vendors. Laura Ellen Christian, Vice President of Client Engagement at AGE-u-cate, who has experience being as an Activity Director herself, joins us to provide her insight on best practices and guiding principles that should be in place when it comes to training senior living staff.
In this episode, Mary-Kate Hansford, Academic Administrator, at Retirement Unlimited brings a unique perspective to the conversation around technology and education within the senior living industry from her years in higher education. She also shares more about RUI University, its curriculum, and the overall importance of lifelong learning.
Christy lives MBK Senior Living's motto of Yoi Shigoto, doing the right thing. Is that part of the reason that some of her communities have been able to reach 100% occupancy? Listen and find out how they got there.
In this episode we are joined by Gary Jones, General Manager of Customer Experience at vcpi, an IT services firm specifically serving the senior living industry. We discuss technology's role in this industry, how it's evolving, and what providers need to do to get ahead.
Sevy and I talk about discussing business over holiday meals and how to maintain the family business culture with scale in her family-run communities. How we can think outside of what's been done? How can we support our front-line and regional staff, and make sure everyone is represented? What does all this do for personal and the cultural well-being? Let's talk about that.
Jolene Moore, AVP of Resident Experience at Discovery Senior Living, has an extensive background in Senior Living while also having some experience as a High School teacher and a professional athlete. We talk about how her past experiences sculpted her career in Senior Living, where you can coach up and open up to the opportunities in front of us today.
As a Director of Implementation for a technology vendor, Director of Education and Experience for a Provider, and now, overseeing Resident Programming for Five Star, it's safe to say Scott has a holistic view of how vendors and communities interact. Join us as we talk about what technology adoption actually looks like in senior living communities and how you can collaborate to automate.
Ginna lights up any room she walks into and has been super kind to Eversound team and myself and know we would not be where we are today without her. She gives us an idea of what kind of technology that Amazon is designing for senior living and what that looks like for a vendor AND for a provider. All of this to make sure that technology can make your life easier in senior living.
When it comes to branding, networking, or just giving off AMAZING energy, no one is better than Micah. He reinforces the importance of building your own personal brand and how to use that brand to help your place of employment, as well as how networking has changed during the pandemic.
Jayne and I hit the conference circuit together and have been known to attend a Jazzercise class or two, where she is an official Jazzercise Instructor. We talk about employee retention in these trying times, new and old employees' role in your community, and getting residents to help you in your employee retention programs.
Greg Mehfoud, Director of Culture at English Meadows joins Matt to discuss using innovation to drive culture. He shares what he learned from the effects of the pandemic, and his experience working to improve the culture amongst his communities’ caregivers. The episode highlights how new technology and other innovations can play a role in your strategy for developing community culture.
This is our jump off the diving board as we leap head-first into what drives the senior living industry. Your host, Matt Reiners, will be keeping his ear to the ground as leaders from across the senior living industry bring knowledge, learning and understanding in these approximately 15 minute episodes.