It hasn’t been an easy year, especially for senior living providers. But that hasn’t stopped certain employers from empowering their staff. Fortune has announced the Best Workplaces for Aging Services™ 2021 — recognizing companies in residential senior living and care. Fortune partners with Great Place to Work® and Activated Insights to select and honor each workplace. The recognition doesn’t come easy, either. To be certified as a Great Place to Work®, providers have to survey their employees using a 60-question trust index survey. If 70% of employees confirm the workplace’s greatness, their employer earns the Great Place to Work® honor. This year’s survey collected feedback from over 220,000 employees working in senior living across the U.S. The selected providers include 25 large workplaces, 25 small to medium employers and 15 home care companies. So which providers landed a spot on this year’s list? We’re excited to spotlight several deserving Yardi clients who have created exceptional work environments for their employees:   Brightview Senior LivingSilverado Senior LivingThe Springs LivingRetirement Center ManagementAegis LivingContinuing LifeSagora Senior LivingMBK Senior LivingBenchmark Senior LivingSenior Resource GroupSummit VistaCascadia Senior LivingDominion Senior Living And these providers don’t just maintain great work environments for their employees. Each organization is committed to providing the best resident care, which surely contributes to their staff feeling motivated, fulfilled and united.   To read what employees said about their prospective workplace, check out the full Great Place to Work® list. We’re proud to provide integrated senior living management software that helps these organizations create a foundation for success.   Senior living thrives on Yardi The Yardi Senior Living Suite is a single connected solution that eliminates the gap between senior living property management and clinical services. The range of products — united on a single platform —...

With COVID-19 vaccines readily available across the nation — and with vaccine mandates becoming more common — senior living providers have an important job to do. They’re tasked with helping residents receive vaccinations, offering resources and lending support. But how can providers manage the process? Monitor symptoms? Track vaccination statuses? It’s all possible thanks to the latest upgrades in Yardi’s electronic health record solution. Tracking vaccinations with Yardi EHR Yardi EHR is a full-service solution that helps providers deliver the best resident care. And with the ongoing pandemic, the newest functionality in managing resident vaccinations may be most helpful for today’s providers. With the system’s latest infection surveillance and immunization dashboard, providers and senior care staff can document essential information relating to COVID-19 and other diseases. More specifically, staff can … Document if a resident has received, declined or missed COVID-19 vaccination appointmentsCollectively schedule vaccination appointments and track follow up assessments for community-wide vaccine clinicsBulk chart vaccine administration during clinicsLog information on a resident’s side effects post-vaccineIdentify residents who show symptoms consistent with COVID-19Send alerts to the dashboard when COVID-19 symptoms are documentedRecord when residents receive booster shots for their COVID-19 vaccineAdd indicators for other infectious diseases — all populated to the dashboard in real-time Best of all, the assessments are built-in and easy to navigate. Each assessment incorporates Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines for administering COVID-19 vaccines. If you’re an existing Yardi EHR client, adding the infection surveillance and immunization dashboard couldn’t be easier. The implementation and training process is quick — and efficient. This is especially beneficial for providers today, given the roll out of COVID-19 booster shots is around the corner. Senior living providers are navigating the pandemic day by day. And while there are many challenges, managing...

Alzheimer’s is a devastating form of dementia currently affecting millions of people worldwide. But despite being universally known, the disease can be misunderstood and met with stigma.   With that, in an effort to raise global awareness, people are coming together for World Alzheimer’s Month. Led by Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI), the month-long campaign takes place during September each year. ADI’s goal is to provide impactful information and challenge persisting misconceptions. This September marks the 10th year of the global awareness campaign. September 21 also signifies World Alzheimer’s Day, in which ADI launches their annual report to help educate the public.    Raising awareness To drive the awareness campaign all month long, ADI works with associations across 120 countries. They aim to support people living with dementia, along with their dedicated caregivers and related organizations. The campaign calls for dementia to be the global health priority it needs to be. And this year’s theme, “Know Dementia, Know Alzheimer’s” focuses on the power of knowledge. The theme is present in ADI’s World Alzheimer’s Report for 2021, which stresses the importance of understanding warning signs and getting a timely diagnosis. The report also raises challenging questions for healthcare systems, governments, care managers and researchers — including powerful testimonies from those living with the disease.   Getting involved ADI is sharing creative ways to get involved in this year’s campaign. Given the ongoing pandemic, most are virtual, but still a fantastic opportunity to join the conversation. You can … Engage with ADI on social media, as well as national Alzheimer’s associationsShare your own thoughts, advice and experience with Alzheimer’s in online communitiesSpread the message by using ADI’s official hashtags, including #KnowDementia, #KnowAlzheimers and #WorldAlzMonthShow support by attending a virtual event, such as an online memory walk or...

The senior living industry has faced unprecedented challenges this year. And while the ongoing pandemic changed the way assisted living staff provides care, these individuals have remained dedicated to residents and their families. They’ve continued to provide the highest quality care without fail. To honor these heroes — individuals who reside, work and volunteer in assisted living communities across the country — the National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL) leads a nationwide celebration each year. Known as National Assisted Living Week (NALW), the 2021 celebration will take place from September 12-18. Each year’s celebration has a theme, too. NCAL has deemed “Compassion, Community, Caring” as the 2021 theme given the endurance and resilience of staff members during the pandemic.   About National Assisted Living Week Established by NCAL back in 1995, NALW provides a unique opportunity for residents, their loved ones, staff, volunteers and local communities to celebrate senior living staff. The annual observance encourages assisted living communities to host a variety of events to honor the individuals they serve, while educating the public about long term care. This year’s celebration The NALW theme for 2021 — Compassion, Community, Caring — represents the resilience of assisted living heroes. The pandemic has created some of the most trying situations we’ve ever known, but these individuals stayed strong. This year’s NALW is the perfect opportunity to show thanks. And while NCAL encourages assisted living providers to modify events with COVID-19 safety protocols in mind, they’re still advocating that communities come together. They’re offering inspiration through their annual planning guide, a free online packet with ideas for how to recognize staff, honor residents and commemorate NALW in a safe and meaningful way. Here’s a few ideas outlined by NCAL: Engage residents in creative art projects to promote...

It’s not every day one celebrates their 100th birthday. For Pacifica Senior Living resident Theodore Albertus Mertz, a World War II veteran, his 100th year was commemorated in style.   Pacifica Senior Living is a dynamic organization with communities across the U.S. Utilizing Yardi solutions in senior living since 2009, Pacifica provides personalized care services in independent living, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing, namaste therapy hospice and more. Pacifica honored Theodore with a 100-year birthday celebration at their Vacaville community. Best of all, the celebration is highlighted in this summer edition of Vacaville Magazine. The feature covers Theodore’s life story, his honorable war service and the Pacifica-led birthday extravaganza. We’re pleased to share a highlight here on The Balance Sheet. Pacifica honors veteran resident In early June, Theodore was honored with a gathering of local citizens, the Vacaville Fire Department, Travis Air Force Base and more. Over 200 vehicles passed by Pacifica Vacaville in commemoration of Theodore’s 100th birthday — and war service. Visitors also showed their appreciation with special gifts and heartfelt tributes. “We are so proud that this inspiring World War II Veteran and Centenarian is part of our community,” shared Pacifica on LinkedIn. The special gathering was made possible by Pacifica Community Relations Director Rosa Gracida, who noted Theodore’s upcoming birthday when he became a resident. She crafted the idea for a 100-car parade to memorialize his 100 years and to no surprise, local agencies were honored to join. “This is a milestone,” said Gracida in Vacaville Magazine. “I just feel so blessed — this is part of our story, our freedom. My heart just feels so full. He deserves all the respect.” Theodore’s Navy career began in 1941 where he was stationed in the Philippines. From inspecting and repairing...

While senior living providers have faced occupancy challenges throughout the pandemic, according to the latest survey from the National Investment Center for Seniors Housing & Care (NIC), demand for senior housing is on the rise. In surveying providers from July 12 to August 8 of this year — deemed the Wave 31 survey — NIC found an acceleration of move-ins across the senior living industry. And with increased demand for senior housing and care, providers need the right tools to stay ahead of the curve. They need a comprehensive solution to market their communities, streamline care, boost resident satisfaction and more. Occupancy insights in senior living NIC Executive Surveys aim to provide transparency in the senior living industry. The Wave 31 survey — gathering responses from senior housing and skilled nursing providers within 70 small, medium and large organizations — shed light on summer occupancy levels. And according to NIC’s findings, resident demand is the driving force behind increased move-ins. Here’s an overview of NIC’s other key discoveries: Between roughly 55% and 60% of respondents said the pace of move-ins has accelerated in the past 30 daysFewer nursing care organizations reported accelerated move-ins, compared to previous surveysIncreased resident demand was cited by nine out of ten respondents as a reason for accelerated move-insBetween approximately 50% and 70% of organizations reported an occupancy increase, with the memory care segment showing the most improvement61% of organizations anticipate their occupancy will rebound to pre-pandemic levels sometime in 2022100% of respondents said their organizations are experiencing staffing shortagesAmong organizations with multiple properties, 80% have staffing shortages in more than half of their propertiesFour out of five respondents indicated that attracting community and caregiving staff — and staff turnover — were the biggest challenges facing their organizations today. Roughly...

For many of us, in person events bring a sense of enlightenment and inspiration. Plus, they provide a chance to connect with others. And with shutdowns across the span of COVID-19, events have gone virtual. Now, as more people get vaccinated and the world emerges from the pandemic’s challenges, many associations are welcoming attendees back in person. This holds true in the senior living industry. Professionals are once again tasked with choosing which events to attend, aiming for those that are educational and prioritizing attendees’ health and safety. We’re pleased to offer an event that meets said criteria: The Argentum Senior Living Executive Conference & Expo, set to take place September 13-15 in Phoenix, Arizona. Argentum 2021: Better Senior Living Together This year, Argentum invites you to partake in the ultimate networking opportunity. With over 2,500 attendees from 750 different companies, you’ll have the chance to connect with transformative executives, gain fresh perspectives and discuss solutions for today’s senior living challenges. By joining like-minded leaders across the industry, you’ll take home ideas to enhance your own operations — and enrich the lives of your residents. And the health and safety of all attendees is a priority for Argentum. According to the association’s website, “Argentum has committed to instituting a variety of measures aimed at protecting your health and safety. Specific event details around the measures below will be updated on a regular basis and communicated to all attendees, exhibitors, vendors, and speakers.” You can read more about their health and safety commitments here. Ready to network, learn and explore? Yardi is sponsoring the registration and we invite you to come meet our team, learn about our pioneering software solutions and attend our speaking session on business intelligence.   Attend our session: Driving Performance with...

A majority of online seniors — seniors segmented by their tech adoption and utilization — spend at least six hours a day online and own an average of five digital devices. That’s according to data collected by Google and research firm Known, who partnered to analyze seniors’ digital habits in 2020. Digging deep into their online behaviors, the research shows that a majority of online seniors are digital enthusiasts. What does that mean for senior living providers? For one, it sheds light on the need for digital marketing strategies to attract new residents. With a large group of seniors active online — for six hours a day, in fact — providers have an opportunity to showcase their communities in the digital world. But not any digital marketing tools will attract prospects. Providers need leading-edge services with a wide reach, equipped with tools like SEO and pay-per-click advertising (PPC), to stand out from the crowd. Looking at the findings from the Google and Known research below, senior living leaders may see why investing in effective digital marketing services is crucial. Digital habits of today’s seniors Most of us recognize that younger generations are active online. And while it may be less obvious to some, seniors are too.   Pulling a statistic from the Pew Research Center, Google and Known explain that “80% of Americans 55 and over are online, and today’s 65-year-olds have spent much of their adult lives experiencing advances in technology firsthand: They were only 36 when the first internet browser was introduced in 1992 and 42 when Google was founded in 1998.” Analyzing the digital habits of both boomers and seniors, their research sought to understand how — and why — these age groups navigate the online world. Here’s what they found...

As pandemic restrictions loosen, senior living providers face new challenges. They need the right tools to streamline workflows, empower staff and provide quality care — while still prioritizing safety. Luckily, a recent online roundtable gathered experts to guide providers through it all. Sponsored by Yardi, the McKnight’s Senior Living Executive Power Panel assembled Yardi Director of Healthcare Solutions Fil Southerland, along with two other industry executives, to discuss tactics for navigating the current landscape. But in case you missed it, their discussions are highlighted in a brand new ebook — available for you to explore. Today’s industry experts offer fresh insights   Given the ongoing pressures of the pandemic, McKnight’s recognized the need for expert insight in senior living. Their online roundtable covered a range of topics — with discussions centered on the latest industry obstacles. How can providers approach today’s challenges? How can they prepare for the future of senior living? Each executive aimed to answer these questions and bring something insightful to the table. The ebook captures their expert opinions, pieces of advice and more. At a glance, you’ll learn: How to improve staffing levels & retentionThe importance of digital workflowsToday’s best infection control practicesAnd more! About panelist Fil Southerland 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 healthcare 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 and LTPAC policy and interoperability initiatives, Fil is passionate about using technology to improve outcomes for residents and care providers. Explore the ebook to start...

As an expert who’s redefining the future of senior living, it’s no surprise that Ben Burke has earned a place in this year’s Changemaker class. Recognized by Senior Housing News (SHN) in a special interview series — proudly sponsored by Yardi — Ben embodies what it means to be a senior living leader.   About Ben Burke Yardi client Ben Burke is the president of Anthology Senior Living, a platform that develops, acquires and operates communities as an affiliate of CA Ventures. With extensive experience in the industry, Ben has brought unique, strong ideas to Anthology — including the initiative to create high quality communities at an attainable price point. Under Ben’s leadership, Anthology is leveraging smart and economical design, technology and operational flexibility to stay ahead of the curve. Through the Changemakers series, Ben shares the fresh ideas he’s put into action at Anthology. He delves into the advantages of being vertically integrated, the importance of putting residents first and more. Here’s a highlight from the SHN interview: Can you speak to the ability to develop better products by being vertically integrated? The advantages from the new development side are endless. The heads of our development team, investment team and acquisition team sit at a table every single Monday with the heads of our operations and asset management teams. We talk about every single deal in detail. Then, once a month, we have what we call a “Super Thursday Meeting,” and we go through everything that links operations and development. Whether that’s design, construction timelines, or some of the areas like sales trailers and pre-opening and signage, we talk in detail about all these topics. FF&E [furniture, fixtures and equipment] is a huge area. The business is so nuanced from both an operational...

In a one-of-a-kind series sponsored by Yardi, Senior Housing News (SHN) is recognizing pioneers driving the future of senior living. Deemed 2021 Changemakers, these leaders have taken unique steps to transform their organizations — tackling unforeseen challenges along the way. Say hello to Adam Kaplan Adam Kaplan is an accomplished Yardi client and the founder and CEO of Solera Senior Living. Selected as a member of this year’s Changemakers class, Adam has shown that taking an innovative approach to senior living is key to evoking positive change. Since founding Solera in 2016, he’s pursed a focused strategy to take on complex projects — helping Solera grow into an organization with a hospitality-driven culture, empowered teams and a commitment to resident care. With insights captured in his Changemaker interview, Adam shares where Solera is headed next, how he’s driven change and what he’s learned during his years in senior living. Here’s a highlight: As you think back on your career in senior living, what changes have you driven that you’re especially proud of? Many of the changemakers [in this series] are the pioneers who paved the way for people like myself. I don’t see myself as a changemaker, I see myself as somebody who has been fortunate enough to build on a foundation that was put in place by the incredible senior living entrepreneurs who came before me. That said, the industry today is still led by many of those pioneers. While we’ve attracted a lot of talent to the industry, I think we’ve done a pretty poor job of attracting talent into operations as the industry matures. Many entrepreneurs have come into the industry through startups in technology, services and media, but the same cannot be said for operating companies. When I left Senior...

Yardi is pleased to applaud client Brightview Senior Living — a Baltimore-based company that’s delivered over 20 years of senior living services — for earning a spot on the Fortune Best Workplaces in New York™ 2021 list. The impressive accolade comes after Brightview ranked on the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For® list earlier this year.   Brightview’s company culture gains recognition In addition to operating vibrant senior living communities and delivering excellent care, Brightview has created an exceptional culture for their employees. They’ve developed a workplace where associates feel empowered and cared for — and their hard work hasn’t gone unnoticed. Earning the Fortune Best Workplaces in New York™ recognition is something to be proud of. The accolade is largely based on direct feedback from employees, whose survey results are benchmarked against other organizations. Placement on the Fortune list means Brightview’s New York associates have spoken volumes about the company’s enriching environment.   Brightview owns and operates three communities in the state including Brightview Lake Tappan, Brightview Sayville and Brightview Tarrytown. “We are THRILLED to announce that Brightview has ranked on the Fortune Best Workplaces in New York™ 2021 list for its exceptional company culture,” wrote Brightview on LinkedIn. They also announced the news on their company blog, where President Doug Dollenberg celebrated the recognition. “We know that if we’re a great place to work, in turn, our communities will be a great place to live,” shared Dollenberg. “For Brightview associates to have provided such extraordinary feedback during the challenge of a pandemic is truly humbling.” Some survey feedback from Brightview associates included: 94% believe “You are made to feel welcome when you join the company”93% believe “I feel good about the ways we contribute to the community”92% believe “My work has...

COVID-19 has changed the way we look at senior living. It’s forced us to question the structures and policies currently in place — the systems designed to care for our aging population. How and where do seniors prefer to age? Are the current systems reflective of their preferences? How did COVID-19 shed light on the values underpinning these systems? These questions were covered in a recent webinar: The Future of Elder Care in Canada. Presented by The Empire Club of Canada, the webinar gathered experts including: Panelist Linda Knight, CEO at CarePartnersPanelist Dr. Samir K. Sinha, Director of Geriatrics at Sinai Health System and University Health NetworkModerator André Picard, Health Columnist at Globe and Mail With important questions posed by André, Linda and Samir’s insightful conversation revealed how Canada’s healthcare system needs redesigning. From exposing society’s view on elder care, to discussing the effects of COVID-19 to explaining the overwhelming need for home care support — they shared eye-opening information. Let’s take a look. COVID-19 reveals need for home care options Starting the panel with information on COVID-19’s effect on Canada’s seniors, the discussion turned to Linda, who explained the flaws in the country’s healthcare system. Mainly, how the shortage of public support workers (PSWs) and nurses working in home care has increased in recent years, with that trend being further amplified by COVID-19. “The PSW shortage hit us about four or five years ago, but what also has come shortly behind that is the nursing shortage in home care. We’ve lost pace with being able to pay them what they could make in a hospital — so there’s been unintended consequences,” explained Linda.   She continued by noting that when COVID-19 first hit, a large portion of home care nurses made the switch...

This year, Senior Housing News (SHN) has honored a variety of senior living leaders through their Changemakers series. And without fail, each member of the Changemakers class is inspirational, unwavering and transformative in their approach to industry obstacles. That certainly describes Yardi client Fee Stubblefield, founder and CEO of The Springs Living. Headquartered in McMinnville, Oregon, The Springs Living owns and operates multiple senior living communities across Oregon and Montana. Fee started the company in 1996 with a mission to create communities that felt like home and since then, he’s elected positive change in the company’s design and operations. That’s exactly why he was chosen as a 2021 Changemaker and interviewed in this special series, sponsored by Yardi. In this excerpt from his SHN interview, you’ll learn how Fee has led The Springs Living through a period of change — and how he’s preparing for the future. Plus, you’ll get an inside look at Fee’s approach to innovation, his dedication to senior living and his tolerance for risk. Do you agree that change-makers are risk-takers, and secondly, how do you describe your own personal tolerance for risk? I would say that we’re probably categorized as both innovators and risk-takers, but I don’t see it that way. I don’t see it as risky. This is what we’ve learned. This is what we believe the market wants and we have hedged it in ways that we think makes sense — that eliminates risk. It’s been really fascinating to see how different people look at the mountain from a different side. When you go on a hike, you look up the hill and you think, okay, I’ll remember that spot when I get there, and then when you get up there, it looks completely different. Our view...

To effectively serve their communities while navigating a growing portfolio, senior living organizations need support. For many, implementing integrated senior living management software is key. Meet Anthology Senior Living, CA Venture’s senior living platform that develops, acquires and operates 34 senior housing communities across the United States. Their portfolio includes independent living, assisted living and memory care with uniquely designed communities that provide residents with meaningful hospitality and care. Kim Smart As they grew and expanded their community footprint, Anthology needed the right software solution — a single connected system built for the unique needs of senior living providers. They welcomed the Yardi Senior Living Suite. To dive deeper into the importance of utilizing a single connected solution, we sat down with Kim Smart, director of systems and support at Anthology. Smart discussed the organization’s journey to now operating 34 communities, explaining the role the Yardi Senior Living Suite has played in driving Anthology’s success. Here’s a highlight: The Challenge: Navigating a Growing Portfolio With a range of communities to serve and rapid expansions underway, Anthology Senior Living needed a solution that did it all. They searched for senior living software that combined resident care, marketing, sales, finance and more on a single platform. To fulfill the needs of their many communities, Anthology chose a single connected solution they knew they could trust — The Yardi Senior Living Suite. The Solution: Yardi Senior Living Suite The Yardi Senior Living Suite is powered by a secure cloud-hosted database and unites property management, finance, marketing, resident care and more on a single connected solution. The Story: Single Connected Success, Efficiencies Gained & Unparalleled Support With extensive experience in systems analysis, Director of Systems and Support Kim Smart knew the value of interconnected tools. Whether it be...

To earn a spot in this year’s Changemakers class, you have to be a special type of leader. It takes a natural catalyst for change — and someone who’s an exceptional visionary in the senior living industry. That describes Doug Leidig, president and CEO of Asbury Communities.   Since joining the Maryland-based nonprofit over 20 years ago, Doug has dedicated himself to enhancing the lives of seniors. And since becoming president and CEO in 2015, he’s implemented fresh ideas to transform Asbury into a diversified aging services organization. His drive and innovation earned him the Changemaker title for 2021. Brought to you by Yardi and Senior Housing News (SHN), interviews are conducted with Changemakers like Doug. This gives you an inside look at their path to leadership, plus a chance to access their advice and expertise. In the below excerpt from Doug’s SHN interview, you’ll learn how he’s creating a lucrative future for Asbury Communities. Doug also talks about how he’s pushed through obstacles in the face of change.   Can you walk me through the evolution from a CCRC provider to more of an aging services model? Was it strategic or did it come together piece by piece as you diversified the company? It’s been purposeful, but it’s taken us about three or four years. I had been convinced for quite some time that standalone senior living CCRC businesses are at risk. Maybe not tomorrow or five years from now, but moving down the line, I think there are risks. We all know that we have to change our offerings on our campuses, especially to meet the next generation’s demands. I also knew that 98% of our revenue comes from CCRCs, from the resident rates, so you have to think, “How do I...

What are the benefits of business intelligence in senior living? How can providers, investors and other leaders choose the right BI solution? These questions were answered in a recent webinar with Yardi and McKnight’s Senior Living — Differentiators in Business Intelligence Technology.   The June webinar gathered Yardi clients Trey Allen of Dominion Senior Living and Michael Bowles of Dial Senior Living, with discussions led by Yardi Marketing Campaigns Specialist Rochelle Throckmorton. The panel also featured Yardi Associate Technical Account Manager Chris Golden. The panel started with an in-depth look at business intelligence, moving into the tools and tips needed to select an effective BI solution. Attendees then heard insights from Allen and Bowles, who explained the challenges their communities faced before adopting BI tools. They continued by sharing their firsthand experience implementing Yardi Senior IQ — a single connected BI solution — describing how it’s transformed their operations for the better. Here’s a highlight: Throckmorton: How does Senior IQ help you and your team? Allen: Yardi Senior IQ has been very helpful to our team here at Dominion Senior Living, mainly in the way of convenience. A lot of business intelligence information can be arranged on a single screen — from community management information to marketing or EHR — and the financial information, too. We no longer have to pull 8 different reports. Rent roll, trial balance, trend activity and incident reports — it can all be arranged on one dashboard. Plus it has graphs, tables and comparisons. It’s very helpful and expedient. Throckmorton: How much time is saved when using business intelligence tools? Allen: The time saving is in the convenience. Our community management and financial team members were having to run 8 different reports each month, all to see the same...