Ready to explore our Yardi EHR mobile apps? Each app — Care Stream and EHR Assessments — has undergone a fresh round of enhancements built to help senior living staff succeed. Keep reading to learn about the latest functionality in both apps: New functionality & expanded compatibility in Care Stream Thanks to Care Stream’s 1.29 update and release, senior care staff can now utilize a simplified task workflow. Shown as either their resident or task summary view, the enhanced workflow displays upcoming tasks using clear, pre-configured icons — all crafted to help staff streamline daily responsibilities and deliver better care. When caregivers enter the task summary view, they’ll see a resident photo, an icon related to a particular task and a color-coded icon representing the level of assistance needed. So if a resident is due for a bath that day, caregivers will see a bath icon in conjunction with a green icon representing minimal assistance, a yellow icon for moderate assistance or a red icon indicating extensive assistance. This means staff members see exactly how to care for each resident — and how much assistance is needed — at a glance. For staff with vision impairments or non-English speakers, these icons are especially beneficial. In addition to viewing their entire task list, staff can also use the icons to filter by individual task for added convenience and time savings. And that’s not all — the Care Stream app also received a compatibility update. Windows 10 users can now download Care Stream directly to their laptop or tablet, rather than utilizing the desktop version. This allows more staff, across varying communities, to utilize the app and access its benefits. Ready to see more? Be sure to download the Yardi EHR Care Stream app on the...
Tap Into Clinical Data...
New Senior IQ Dashboards
When it comes to viewing clinical data, senior living providers need a solution that paints the full picture. How many resident falls occurred during a particular shift this week? What percentage of residents are vaccinated against COVID-19? Thanks to the latest Senior IQ update — 1.18 to be exact — these answers are available at the click of a button. That’s right, this business intelligence solution now draws clinical data directly from Yardi EHR and presents it in brand-new dashboards. You can track clinical trends, identify residents at risk, pinpoint problems and improve protocols — all from a single platform. No more digging for answers or making best guesses. With Senior IQ, you’re enabled to make smarter, faster decisions based on actionable information. Ready to see more? Let’s get right to it. See below for a highlight of the new dashboards and enhancements in Senior IQ: Analyze resident falls Courtesy of the new clinical falls dashboard, Senior IQ clients now have access to detailed fall metrics. Here you’ll see fall rates by month, check whether repeat falls are occurring, view falls categorized by time of day and more. With clear, valuable information presented in the dashboard, you’re equipped to tie falls back to staffing, identify protocol problems and ultimately uncover what’s jeopardizing resident safety. And these detailed fall reports help you develop action plans to prevent future incidents. Streamline reporting Ready to simplify your reporting process? With Senior IQ, you’ll tap into insightful data that’s automatically updated from the previous day. Each dashboard’s data points were carefully selected by Yardi’s clinical and compliance team to help you track quality measures and performance metrics. Track vaccinations We know the importance of vaccination tracking, especially in communities today. Luckily, the new clinical vaccination dashboard...
A Beautiful Mind
AIM 2022
Are you a right-brained creative or a left-brained pragmatic? And when it comes to property marketing, which is better? That is the subject up for discussion at the Apartment Innovation and Marketing Conference (AIM) this year. For years, there has been a belief that people favor one side of the brain or the other. The theory goes that people with right-brain dominance tend to be imaginative while those with left-brain dominance are inclined to be logical. Recent research shows that the brain is not nearly as dichotomous as previously thought. In fact, many talents are strongest when both halves of the brain collaborate. “The pop psychology notion of a left brain and a right brain doesn’t capture their intimate working relationship,” science writer Carl Zimmer explained in an article for Discover magazine. That said, the popularity of the theory still holds out. People love to find out which is the dominant side of their brain. So why not take a quiz? Then get marketing tips geared toward each talent and learn how to marry the two for property marketing success at AIM 2022. Right-brained or left-brained? Take the quiz. Tips for right-brained marketers Right-brained marketers are intuitive and expressive with a strong interest in storytelling and visuals. Use your creativity to build a strong brand on social media. Focus on creating a compelling visual library that tells the story of your community.Stay up to speed on design trends in different industries — including fashion, interior and tech — then challenge the larger marketing team to incorporate them into initiatives collateral and website updates. Tips for left-brained marketers Left-brained marketers are planned and orderly with a strong interest in results and analytics. Take charge of your company’s paid search campaigns. Compile performance data or use...
Optimizing Tech
In Tough Situations
You never want things to go wrong, but when they do, you want to be prepared. In many cases, property management tech can help. When news broke of a resident in distress and it seemed like they could injure themselves or others within a quiet New Jersey apartment community, police were quick to arrive on scene to alleviate the situation. But things escalated when the issue couldn’t get resolved. As police arrived to assist, residents in the apartment complex were asked to shelter in place. “We had to immediately communicate to our residents not to leave their apartments due to the fact that police were active on the property,” said Jack Linefsky, vice president of Value Companies. Value Companies owns more than 3,200 multifamily units in New Jersey and New York. They’ve been a Yardi customer for over 30 years, but they’ve never had to use Yardi technology the way they used it that day. As law enforcement entered the premises, Linefsky and the Value Companies team took advantage of RentCafe to communicate with residents and help authorities. First, they leveraged the RentCafe resident portal to quickly get a message out to residents. “We were able to send voice messages, text messages and emails to all residents,” Linefsky said. “We crafted it on the go and made sure everyone was aware of what was happening.” When authorities needed a visual guide to help navigate the property, Linefsky knew exactly how to assist. “The police needed our floor plans, so I was able to easily pull it up on our RentCafe website,” Linefsky continued. “I just showed them the plans on my phone, and they were able to take action.” After an hours-long standoff, the situation was resolved peacefully. Linefsky and his team then used...
ASCHA Trade Show
Visit Yardi Booth 7
Looking for your next senior living event? We’ve got you covered. The annual ASCHA Convention & Trade Show is coming up on April 11-13 and it’s a great opportunity to connect with colleagues, discuss industry trends and see what’s new with Yardi solutions. Keep reading to see the event details. ASCHA Trade Show set for April The ASCHA Convention & Trade Show is bound to be an interactive event. This year, ASCHA is gathering 400 senior and community housing organization leaders to discuss strategies for the industry’s future. You can check out the full event agenda for more information, but know that discussions will focus on taking the housing sector to The Next Level. And ASCHA is offering fun, strategic sessions for you to join forces with trailblazers from all levels and places. Get ready to network, view insightful presentations, enter giveaways and more. ASCHA 2022 will take place on April 11-13 at the WinSport in Alberta, Calgary. And if you’re unfamiliar with ASCHA, the Alberta Seniors & Community Housing Association, here’s a quick introduction: ASCHA advocates on behalf of its members who provide housing options for Albertans. They’re a member-driven association acting as a center of excellence for education, best practices and member resources — all to assist seniors and community housing operators. Over 100 member organizations serve approximately 60,000 Albertans in seniors and community housing settings. Note that to attend ASCHA 2022, proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours is required. Find Yardi at Booth 7 Each year, we get excited to see the lineup of senior living events and the opportunities they provide. And ASCHA 2022 is one we’re looking forward to! You can find Paul Alexa-Janzen, our senior account executive in senior living and product...
Clearwater at Riverpark
Named Showcase Community
We love seeing our senior living clients earn recognition for their amazing communities, thoughtful amenities and dedication to residents. And we’ve got a special shoutout for Yardi client Clearwater Living, whose Riverpark community just earned an impressive accolade. Congrats to Clearwater at Riverpark for being named a Showcase Community by Sodexo! Clearwater at Riverpark named Showcase Community Clearwater at Riverpark, a luxury independent senior living community in Oxnard, California offers abundant opportunities for an active and fulfilling lifestyle. And among their resort-style amenities is exceptional culinary experiences created by the community’s professional chef. That amenity certainly hasn’t gone unnoticed, as Clearwater at Riverpark was recently named a Showcase Community by Sodexo, a global food service management company. The community was selected out of 600 senior living communities who partner with Sodexo — and is one of two California communities to receive the honor. “Our Riverpark team strives to go above and beyond to deliver on Clearwater’s philosophy of Empowered Living through impactful emotional, physical and social experiences in a stimulating and comfortable environment,” said Danielle Morgan, president & chief operating officer at Clearwater Living. “We are honored to have been recognized by Sodexo for our joint commitment to provide delightful culinary experiences that feed both body and soul.” Each honoree community, including Clearwater at Riverpark, was chosen based on dining services, building services, safety, third party quality surveys, regulatory standards and more. About Sodexo Sodexo North America is part of a global Fortune 500 company. They’re a leading provider of integrated food, facilities management and other services that enhance organizational performance, contribute to local communities and improve quality of life for millions of customers. About Clearwater Living Clearwater Living provides living experiences that celebrate individual relevance, from residents and their families to the company’s family of associates. At Clearwater, every community includes cutting-edge technologies and care practices that work to improve residents’ lives. And trust us, Clearwater at Riverpark is an exceptional example of Clearwater’s values. The state-of-the-art community defines a new age of senior living where residents receive the best care while accessing best-in-class amenities. It’s a pleasure to spotlight Clearwater’s success and recognition as a Showcase Community. We’re empowered from supporting clients like Clearwater with our senior living management software, connected on a single platform. From Yardi EHR to Senior IQ, Yardi tools help communities like Clearwater at Riverpark thrive. Read more on Clearwater at Riverpark. And if you’re looking for another read here on The Balance Sheet, check out this post on team Yardi’s tour of Clearwater at Riverpark a few years...
Talent Recruitment
How Social Media Can Help
With multifamily property management – and businesses of all types – currently struggling to find enough staff as well as retain existing employees, a recent session at the Multifamily Social Media Summit focused on how social media can be utilized to find new hires and hold onto existing talent. Jennifer Staciokas, executive managing director for property management at Western Wealth Communities, and Jen Piccotti, chief learning officer at Swift Bunny, focused on practical takeaways that owners and managers can use immediately. Jennifer Staciokas, left, and Jen Piccotti speak at the Multifamily Social Media Summit in Napa. Photo by Leah Etling. “We have a problem out there right now. We can’t find people, and we can’t keep good people. That’s the number one thing we hear: ‘How do I find, hire, and retain employees?’” Piccotti said. Another common issue is that it is tempting to leave current staff in their existing roles due to the inability to find new hires. “We need every single employee we have and we need them in the positions they’re in currently. It can be very tempting to hold them in that position, but that’s the worst thing we can do,” she said. Here are five of the social media tips for attracting and retaining talent that the duo offered for companies to consider: Make it easy for applicants to use social media to apply for open positions. If you’re not already using LinkedIn to accept applications for open roles, you’re missing out on a huge pool of talent, Piccotti said. Today’s applicants expect to be able to apply for open roles with just a few clicks of their mouse. Up to 86 percent of new hires apply directly to their positions through LinkedIn or other job sites, a huge amount. From the very first contact, your brand matters. “Among prospective hires, 82 percent consider the employer’s brand before they submit that application,” Piccotti said. They’re considering factors like whether the executive leadership is respected by employees (often using Glassdoor’s rankings for this info), whether employees at the company are dedicated and hard-working, and whether the company has a supportive and positive culture. Caring about the community around you through support of non-profits, employee volunteerism and expression of corporate values is also important. Show new and current hires they have a chance to grow with you. This is a pivotal consideration for prospective employees, who want to see that they will have the chance to move up and advance in their careers. They’re also interested in future training opportunities to help broaden their skills. Ways to showcase include creating certificates for in-house training courses, celebrating current employee promotions, and talking about chances for lifelong learning at your company. “They want to see that there is opportunity, it’s not just going to be a dead end once they get their foot in the door,” Piccotti said. Showcase what employees have to gain from joining your team. This is the place where company culture can really stand out. What’s the employee culture like? Will they have a good time on the job, in addition to working hard? Examples of employee gains included posts from Bozzuto Group, which created SOUL, an employee resource group for members of the Black community. Another example was a creative Instagram job post from RedPeak of Denver, which described its culture as including “no scripts, no stuffy suits, no sales pitch.” Celebrate what’s special and unique about your company, daily. The most repeated acronym at the Multifamily Social Media Summit was UCG – user-generated content – and it also played a large role in the company case study presented by Jennifer Staciokas for Western Wealth Management (a Yardi client). She demonstrated the various ways that social media has played a positive role in hiring and retention of this growing, woman-led owner management firm based in Phoenix. “We’re a people first business. We’re not...
Coworking Trends
Explored at YASC Global
Yardi sought insight into a key office property management trend – flexible workspace arrangements – from a panel of clients at YASC Global. The three panelists, including Yael Urman, chief information officer for New York City-based commercial property developer Silverstein Properties, spelled out why the changing landscape requires greater flexibility. The days of the simple 15-year-lease-and-renew are over, Urman said, having been superseded by demands for work arrangement flexibility that can encompass everything from personalized work area coloring and furnishings to private offices. “We’re in the productivity, flexibility and well-being business now, not just providing four walls,” Urman said. “Our priority now is to offer any option that enables cooperation and enhances productivity for our clients.” Panelist Willie Gutierrez, COO/CFO of Premier Workspaces, an Irvine, Calif., coworking company that owns and leases flex office space, agreed that “it’s the experience, not the four walls” that matters for tenants in today’s office work environment. Gutierrez, whose company’s offerings include offices and conference rooms for as little as an hour, added that private offices for small and medium size businesses is Premier’s most popular offering. The third panelist, Brandon Van Orden, senior vice president and CIO for Atlanta office REIT Cousins Properties, senses a desire among workers to “get back in the office, collaborate in person and enjoy the social aspects of work. They still want big conference rooms for in-person meetings.” Accordingly, Van Orden and his Cousins colleagues describe their offerings as “flexible,” rather than “hybrid,” which implies that some workers remain permanently remote while others are permanently in the office. Cousins is also piloting technologies that create a seamless visitor experience that extends from the parking deck to the building entrance to the office, Van Orden said. Another key trend noted by the panelists...
Top Takeaways
From the 2022 #MultifamilySMS
The largest Multifamily Social Media Summit ever brought more brilliant suggestions to multifamily marketers on Thursday at the Meritage Resort and Spa in Napa, Calif. REACH by RentCafe is the social media, photo booth and platinum exhibit sponsor of the 10th anniversary event, which concludes today. Andrew Davis, acclaimed marketer, best-selling author and filmmaker, opened Day Two of the event with a humorous and engaging talk about how constraints – as small as technology challenges and as large as a worldwide pandemic – can breed creativity for any business. “I started to realize that this was really an unexpected experiment that we had been gifted,” Davis said of the unforgettable global events of the last two years. “It allowed us to ask: What happens when every business in the world is faced with the exact same disruptive forces?” The solution to extreme disruption, as presented by Davis, is to forget the adage “think outside the box” and instead go INSIDE a box that he calls “The Cube of Creativity.” Read on to learn how the Cube works and glean more takeaways from this trend-defining marketing event. The four sides of the Cube of Creativity Davis presented two dynamic case studies from non-housing businesses that faced extreme challenges during the pandemic. One was a flower delivery service that had to relocate its distribution channel to Ecuador because of California’s non-essential worker shutdown. Another was a sustainable farm that previously relied on in-person events for its livelihood. 1. Eliminate the unnecessary: Taking on dynamic new initiatives means that some existing work will have to drop off. “Ask yourself, what are we going to drop doing in order to pursue this brand new initiative,” Davis said. “Every time we take on something new, we have to kill...
Social Media in Focus
Day One of the Multifamily Social Media Summit
REACH by RentCafe is excited to be at the Multifamily Social Media Summit in Napa this week as the social media, photo booth and platinum exhibit sponsor of the event, which kicked off Wednesday afternoon. Celebrating its tenth anniversary, this edition of the #MultifamilySMS is the best attended ever, shared Adam Japko, founder of Esteem Media, which produces the conference. Multifamily providers from around the U.S. are on hand to gain knowledge, improve their social media marketing best practices, network and meet with industry vendors. A significant focus of the first day’s learning workshops was on the importance of User-Generated Content (UGC) to a successful and current social media strategy. Speakers Erica Byrum and Delany Duke both dedicated portions of their energetic presentations on how UGC, both from residents and employees in the multifamily housing realm, can generate trust and engagement from users. “In 2022, what makes good marketing is authenticity. The majority of consumers are looking for an authentic experience,” said Duke, digital services manager for Landmark Properties, a student housing provider. “UGC is important because it allows us to market our properties through the eyes and ears of our residents.” Three key statistics to consider: 92 percent of marketers think they’re creating authentic contentBut just 51 percent of consumers think their favorite brands offer authenticityMeanwhile nearly 80 percent of consumers say that UGC impacts their decision to make a purchase. Duke suggested a variety of ways to encourage staff and residents to create social posts, particularly videos for TikTok and reels for Instagram, which have become overwhelmingly popular especially for the Millennial and Gen Z demographics. Contests and giveaways, always a mainstay to encourage content, are one. Other ideas from both presenters include working with micro-influencers and harnessing the creativity of your site teams. Many marketers have struggled with how to create TikTok videos and reels that capture compelling housing content, and Byrum, co-author of Youtility for Real Estate, offered myriad suggestions to meet the challenge. “There’s definitely a niche audience on TikTok that loves a good apartment tour, and opportunities to tap into lifestyle drivers,” she said. Content like recipes, home décor, budget and finance tips, health and fitness and city highlights are all great fodder for housing-focused TikTok accounts that would reach renters. And when it comes to working with staff on on-site content for TikTok and Instagram, Duke offered advice that got big laughs: “The most common thing I hear from site teams is: ‘I’m not going to dance!’ But you don’t have to dance.” (Although you can, if you want to! And it will probably do well.) Here is a quick list of trend takeaways from Wednesday’s sessions: Spend time on the social channels where your residents are most engagedStrategically adapt your content strategy for social in accordance with today’s trendsBrand consistency takes you to the next level in marketingVideo content will continue to dominateMicro influencers may be among your residents – take advantage!Engage your on-site employees for UGCFair housing laws must still be followed on digital channels. Make sure your team is trained and educated If you’re in attendance at the event, meet REACH representatives at booth 36. Pick up a special gift, learn about the many ways REACH can improve your social media marketing, and snap fun photos at the photo booth! You can also check out our free social media toolkit at https://bit.ly/3irV2Lc for resources and tips to keep you connected all week. Follow #MultifamilySMS to keep up with the event...
Brightview’s Botanist...
Passion for Plants
Looking for tips to help your indoor plants thrive? It’s a good thing that Dr. Joan Gottlieb, a resident at Brightview Commons, has years of expertise and knowledge to share. We’re loving Joan’s feature on Brightview’s blog, which dives into her botanist journey, top tips for keeping indoor plants alive and more. We hope Joan’s story and ideas make your day a little brighter — and help you channel your inner botanist. A passion for plants: Brightview’s resident botanist From earning her undergraduate degree in biology to completing her Ph.D. thesis on plant hormones, Brightview resident Dr. Joan Gottlieb has always loved botany. After finishing school herself, Joan went on to teach science and biology courses, plus she led botany seminars for advanced students. But Joan didn’t stop there. She also traveled the world as part of botany field study programs visiting New Zealand, China, Costa Rica, Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands, Hawaii, Trinidad and Tobago to study the local flora. Outside of the classroom and her travels, Joan kept her passion alive by housing over 180 ferns in her home garden. “I’ve had a wonderful life with this passion of mine,” said Joan. “It’s taken me around the world, makes me happy to be indoors and I can write about them. I’m happy to have that. You only live once, and you want to do something that pleases you, has some youthfulness and makes the world a better place.” Now residing at Brightview Commons, Joan continues her passion by caring for her own plants, working on the community’s garden and teaching classes to fellow residents. Start your own garden with Joan’s tips Inspired to start your own indoor garden — or revitalize the plants you have now? Look no further! Joan shares four...
Reimagine Staff Resources
5 Affordable Housing Trends
Attracting top talent and retaining valuable employees is a top priority for many organizations, including those in the affordable housing industry. As economic systems evolve during the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, affordable housing providers have an opportunity to rethink what to expect from their onsite workers. Many are finding that this is a great time to change their strategy and improve the services they offer to prospects and residents. Ready for a look at what the makeup of your onsite staff and compliance team could be? Here are 5 ideas to consider: 1. Prioritize Customer Service Safe and healthy communities start with your onsite team placing the highest priority on resident services. Hire onsite workers for their property management skills and leave the complexity of compliance to a dedicated team of experts. And don’t neglect your investment in technology, today’s workforce expects the right set of tools to do the job. “Property management is a hard job, and affordable housing compliance makes things even more complicated. The next generation of property managers can only be comfortable with a certain level of technology in place to help them be successful. The old ways of paperwork, phone calls and in-person meetings just aren’t an option moving forward,” says Anna DiSabato, vice president of Dunlap and Magee in Phoenix, Arizona. 2. Outsource Compliance Work Speaking of compliance experts, Yardi RightSource offers scalable services that fit your specific needs. Affordable housing providers that use Yardi Voyager can securely send data to RightSource and get: Fast file reviews and audits with guaranteed response timesFull-service certifications and recertificationsAutomated forms management for programs across the country Dunlap and Magee is in its final stages of implementing Yardi RightSource and is already seeing measurable results. With RightSource, they see file audits complete within 24 hours and can have fully approved, move-in ready tenants usually within five days of initial contact. 3. Solve Compliance Challenges Is there a particular affordable housing compliance challenge that your organization can’t seem to fully resolve? Or, is there a new initiative or affordable housing program your team is taking on? Yardi RightSource can help with consulting and training services built on decades of combined affordable housing experience. 4. Boost Institutional Knowledge People want to work for an employer that can make them more valuable, and offering top-notch training is a great way to make it happen. By elevating employee knowledge, affordable housing professionals not only become more knowledgeable, and promotable but also are able to demand higher wages. While that may sound like a cost to employers, you can also look at it as a great way to attract top talent and inspire less experienced team members to grow. Create an employee university with Yardi Aspire, Yardi’s comprehensive learning management platform. Aspire includes customizable online coursework that covers every major real estate management industry, including affordable housing. With Aspire you can assign tracks of courses, view learning metrics, make company announcements and more. 5. Get More from Remote Workers Enduring the challenges of COVID-19 taught us that it’s possible, and not too much of a challenge, to keep business processes moving even as workers transitioned to remote workspaces. Developing technologies for affordable housing are helping to make remote workers and contactless service delivery more effective. Yardi mobile solutions streamline payment processing, procurement, compliance workflows, resident communication and more. RentCafe Affordable Housing has changed traditionally paper-based affordable housing applications into online forms that can be completed and worked on 24/7 from most handheld devices and personal computers. Affordable housing applicants use RentCafe to search for a unit, submit documentation of eligibility, work with case workers to qualify and complete the leasing process without coming in for multiple in-person meetings in an office space. Yardi Procure to Pay and Payment Processing are perfect solutions for accounting departments that need remote access. Procure to Pay enables online shopping for property supplies with fast and...
YASC GLOBAL
2022 Event Recap
Yardi held three days of educational online programming for clients March 8-10. This year’s digital Global Yardi Advanced Solutions Conference (YASC) focused on how technology can help meet the needs of today’s real estate industry across multiple verticals. More than 15,000 Yardi clients worldwide attended the three day event, and viewed more than 300 classes covering all aspects of Yardi’s technology offerings. More than 100,000 classes were attended over the the three days. In today’s challenging economy, efforts to automate and improve processes wherever possible can help overcome staffing challenges. Yardi executives showcased the company’s multiple product suites during overview spotlight sessions, which can be of tremendous help for business efficiency. Read on for some of the highlights. Meeting the changing needs of commercial clients Perhaps no real estate sector has experienced more changes during the pandemic than commercial real estate. Many offices have sat dormant for months or more while employees worked from home. The retail and restaurant landscape has been altered greatly. And the industrial and self storage sectors have seen a huge boom in demand. More than two years since the first U.S. lockdowns, impacts are being observed across CRE, said Yardi senior vice president Rob Teel. “I spend a lot of time with our office clients, executives and users of Voyager and our commercial product suite. It is true that vacancy is starting to creep up. Occupancy numbers are hipping a little bit – though not as much as people thought would happen during the pandemic.” As a result, creative owners and managers are exploring alternative uses for office space. They include coworking, either self-managed or working with a partner, which the Yardi Kube suite is perfectly positioned to help manage. Others are turning to mixed use, which opens the...
LCS Recognized In
Architecture & Design Awards
If you’ve kept up with the Senior Housing News Architecture & Design Awards, you may have seen this spotlight on Life Care Services (LCS), a Yardi senior living client. In any case, we’re sharing a snapshot below and extending a big congratulations to LCS. Keep reading to learn how LCS channeled forward-thinking design to create a one-of-a-kind community. The SHN Architecture & Design Awards The SHN Architecture & Design Awards, an annual series, provides a chance to recognize cutting-edge design, excellence and innovation in senior living. Among this year’s winners is Life Care Services, a senior living operator offering assisted living, independent living, skilled nursing and memory care options. LCS earns best independent living design of 2021 While LCS operates fantastic communities nationwide, their Sagewood life plan community in Phoenix, Arizona earned them the SHN accolade. Since the community’s opening in 2010, LCS has focused on providing resort-style living — and they’ve recently taken that approach to the next level. Their latest expansion includes a 101-unit independent living building equipped with an underground parking garage, game rooms, an art studio, a cafe, three unique dining venues and an 18-hole golf putting course with real grass. To no surprise, the expansion is almost fully occupied today, which shows just how much residents love the design and amenities. And it explains why LCS earned a spot in the SHN Architecture & Design Awards, honored for best independent living design of 2021. There’s much more to cover, so we invite you to read the full SHN coverage featuring LCS’ Sagewood community. More on LCS For Life Care Services, an exceptional lifestyle is not created by one moment, meal or gesture. It’s defined by an unwavering promise to quality and unmatched commitment to enriching experiences for...
Yardi Buildings Earn
ENERGY STAR Certification
Yardi has successfully incorporated energy efficiency at multiple locations across the property management industry – including the home front, where the company recently earned separate ENERGY STAR® certifications for two office buildings at its corporate headquarters campus in Santa Barbara, Calif. ENERGY STAR, a voluntary U.S. government program that certifies buildings and consumer products as meeting certain standards of energy efficiency, rated one building a score of 86, signifying that it’s more energy efficient than 86% of similar properties nationwide. The second building received a score of 80. The certification threshold is 75%. Yardi benchmarked the two buildings, which encompass 170,000 square feet, in Portfolio Manager®, an ENERGY STAR interactive online resource management tool that measures and compares building energy use. On average, certified buildings use 35% less energy and generate 35% fewer greenhouse gas emissions than their peers, according to ENERGY STAR, which is jointly managed by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy. The buildings’ certifications continue a years-long series of Yardi energy efficiency achievements. For example, the company helps hundreds of clients benchmark energy and water consumption in thousands of buildings, participates annually in Energy Efficiency Day, and promotes energy optimization software in client conferences, industry publications and other educational venues. In 2021 Yardi received a Partner of the Year Sustained Excellence Award, the ENERGY STAR program’s highest honor, after earning Partner of the Year designation for three consecutive years. Also that year, the company earned a regional Energy Project of the Year award from the Assn. of Energy Engineers for helping to optimize HVAC performance in a 58-story building in New York City. Referring to the building certifications, Joe Consolo, industry principal for Yardi, said, “Yardi is pleased to meet ENERGY STAR standards in its own operations using...
Sports Arenas
Score Sustainability Points
Sports arenas attract vast attention with their aesthetic qualities, luxurious amenities, association with high-profile teams and iconic imprint on city skylines. But did you know that beyond their opulence, many modern arenas represent leadership in sustainability? “Many sports venues have jumped on the sustainability bandwagon to construct or renovate their structure in a race to minimise their carbon footprint, preserve their green legacy and take the lead in innovation,” says London-based Climate Action, which partners with business, government and public entities on sustainability projects. Sports arena sustainability is a global trend. Examples include: The Johan Cruijff ArenA (formerly Amsterdam ArenA), home of the Ajax football club. The Netherlands’ largest stadium employs more than 4,200 solar panels and a wind turbine. Its main building includes an energy-generating escalator and an energy system powered by second-life batteries from used electric vehicles.Mercedes-Benz Stadium, where the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons play their home games. In November 2017, soon after it opened, Mercedes-Benz became the first professional sports stadium to receive a platinum Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) certificate for meeting rigid standards for carbon, energy, water, waste, materials and other factors. The arena’s energy consumption is reportedly 29% less than what the average stadium consumes thanks to LED lighting and 4,000 rooftop solar PV panels. A stormwater management system can store over 2 million gallons onsite, preventing flooding in surrounding areas.Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif. The home of the NFL’s San Francisco 49ers since 2014 has earned two LEED certifications, including the first Gold LEED certification awarded for a stadium that hosts a professional team, plus a second Gold certification for operations and maintenance. Levi’s also incorporates 1,000 solar elements and sources 78% of its food from within 150 miles of the stadium. Seattle’s Climate Pledge...
Conservation Ideas
World Water Day: March 22
World Water Day has continued to draw attention to the importance of conserving fresh water since our report on the annual observance four years ago. With the United Nations reporting that 2.2 billion people lack access to safe water, preserving the 0.5% of the world’s water that’s available fresh is a more urgent priority than ever. Created by the UN and observed on March 22 every year since 1993, World Water Day focuses on sustainable management of freshwater resources, with a different theme every year: groundwater this year, valuing water last year, water and climate change in 2020, leaving no one behind in 2019. “These observances aim to highlight that water and sanitation measures are key to poverty reduction, economic growth, and environmental sustainability,” notes the Indian Express news service. Like many conversation efforts, small efforts close to home can yield big results. Consider these tips from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and other experts: Repair leaky faucets, indoors and out. The EPA says installing water-efficient fixtures and applicants can cut water use by at least 20%. Check your meter, don’t running water in the house then check two hours later. If the reading moved, there’s a leak. Monitor your water bill for unusually high use. Consider replacing old washing machines, dishwashers and other equipment with more efficient models. Look for appliances and systems with ENERGY STAR® or WaterSense® labels.Eliminating just one load of dishes per week can save nearly 320 gallons of water annually. Replacing a clock-based irrigation controller with a WaterSense-labeled one can reduce an average home’s use of irrigation water by up 30% and save up to 15,000 gallons of water annually. Just turning off the tap while brushing your teeth can save eight gallons per day.WaterSense showerheads can save $70...
Connect with Yardi
NIC Spring Conference
It’s nearly time for this year’s NIC conference, an important gathering of operator, investor and health care decision makers. If you’re ready to explore the latest trends and data in senior living — while discovering new models of care — the NIC Spring Conference is the place for you. The conference will take place in person on March 23-25 in Dallas, Texas. We look forward to seeing you there! Connect with Yardi Team Yardi can’t wait to speak with you at NIC 2022. We’ll be available to chat about the Yardi Senior Living Suite, our integrated software solution built for the unique needs of operators like you. And since the conference is data-focused, we’ll show you how our business intelligence solution offers metrics that matter for your business. Senior IQ presents actionable information in attractive, sharable dashboards to help your teams work smarter. Plus, we’ll explore how this uniquely-designed tool allows operators to gauge performance using industry comparison data from NIC. That’s right — Senior IQ uses anonymized NIC MAP data from nearby providers to present benchmarks like occupancy, average rent and more. Ready to schedule time to connect? You can fill out this form to meet us at NIC 2022. We’re also pleased to sponsor NIC Café at the conference, where attendees access complimentary, all-day service of breakfast, lunch and snacks. More info on NIC 2022 The National Investment Center for Seniors Housing & Care (NIC) supports access for America’s seniors by providing data, analytics and connections that bring together investors and providers. This mission is the foundation of the 2022 NIC Spring Conference. NIC 2022 offers an opportunity for all attendees to build strategic partnerships and discover new models of community. Don’t miss your chance to connect with forward-thinking leaders...
Fil Southerland
Named HITAC Member
Yardi Director of Health Care Solutions Fil Southerland has been appointed to the Health Information Technology Advisory Committee (HITAC). The Comptroller General of the United States and head of the U.S. Government Accountability Office announced the appointment of Southerland, along with 6 other members, to serve a 3-year term. Southerland brings extensive experience and perspective to the HITAC, where he’ll be a strong advocate for implementing health information technology in senior living. Members in other health care industries that were recently appointed include Hans Buitendijk, Steven Eichner, Rajesh Godavarthi, Hung Luu, Aaron Neinstein and Eliel Oliveira. The HITAC was established in 2016 under the 21st Century Cures Act. The committee provides recommendations to the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology on policies, standards, implementation specifications and certification criteria. Specifically, relating to the implementation of health information technology that advances the electronic use of health information. “I’m honored to serve on the Health Information Technology Advisory Committee,” said Fil Southerland, director of health care solutions at Yardi. “The opportunity gives myself, and my fellow appointees, a platform to discuss pressing issues and advise the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology accordingly. I’m pleased to bring my experience to advocate for the electronic access, exchange and use of health information in the LTPAC industry.” Fil Southerland has been involved with the LTPAC industry for over 15 years and currently serves as director of healthcare solutions at Yardi, where he leads initiatives in electronic health care records and interoperability. Prior to his time at Yardi, Fil served as Founder and CTO of ALMSA, Inc., a nationally recognized cloud-based electronic health provider in the assisted living industry. With expertise in health information technology, digital privacy, LTPAC policy and interoperability initiatives, Fil is passionate about using technology to...
YASC Global
Virtual Event March 8-10
The Yardi Advanced Solutions Conference, which gives real estate industry practitioners valuable insight into software innovations and industry issues, adapted to pandemic conditions with successful interactive virtual presentations in 2020 and 2021. That new tradition will continue March 8-10 with YASC Global, presented free to all Yardi clients. YASC Global delivers education and business growth with hundreds of on-demand classes and executive spotlight sessions. All class content from the May 2021 event is being recreated for YASC Global. Attendees can interact with colleagues and direct questions to Yardi experts via a proprietary live chat feature. All clients are automatically preregistered in YASC Global, making it easy for them to connect, innovate and grow in their business. As with previous virtual YASCs, the event will feature customized education content from the Yardi® Aspire platform. The virtual YASC presentations in 2020 and 2021 drew tens of thousands of participants from more than 60 countries. Along with YASC Global, Yardi is planning to offer in-person YASCs in San Diego, Sydney, London and Singapore in 2022. Learn more about YASC activities. Read client feedback on the value of...
