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...
Meet the Athletes
Of Sagora Senior Living
We’re always searching for inspiring stories in senior living. And today’s story, brought to us by Yardi client Sagora Senior Living, is one you don’t want to miss. We’re here to spotlight Sagora’s blog series — Breaking Boundaries: Meet the Athletes of Sagora Senior Living — which recognizes resident athletes in Sagora communities. And while the series was inspired by the 2021 Summer Olympics, with the 2022 Winter Olympics in full swing, there’s no better time to feature these distinguished seniors. Breaking Boundaries: Meet the Athletes of Sagora Senior Living In an effort to help their residents shine, Sagora kickstarted a spirited blog series last summer. Each post follows a different resident and their exercise-related accomplishments. And while some residents are retired coaches or athletes, some simply found a passion for exercise within Sagora communities. Walking with Kay Meet Kay, a resident from Bristol Park at Cypress, a Sagora community in Texas. Kay’s blog post focuses on her inspirational journey: walking on her own. Since having a stroke over two years ago, Kay hasn’t been able to walk without assistance. After a conversation with the community’s lifestyle director, voicing her dream of walking again, Kay began a specialized exercise program. With the right equipment, Kay started reaching new personal records each day. And she’s no stranger to dedication. Her mantra is, “I believed I could, so I did!” Photos and videos were shared with Kay’s family, as well as on the community’s Facebook page. Ready to feel inspired? Watch Kay’s progress. Coached by Arlene Say hello to Arlene, who resides at Sagora’s Ansel Park community in California. This exercise guru was a competitive badminton player and winner of the Arizona singles, doubles and mixed doubles tournaments. From there, Arlene went on to...
The Brighter Side
Seniors Age Well Study
The pandemic has been a challenging time for seniors. But we’re here to show the brighter side, focusing on how resilient they’ve been through it all. We’re excited to share this Age Well Study by the Mather Institute. It’s full of interesting findings, but best of all, it highlights seniors’ strength during the COVID-19 era. See below for a summary: Study highlights seniors’ resilience during COVID-19 Shared by McKnight’s Senior Living, the latest release from the Mather Institute’s Age Well Study examines seniors’ stress levels and resiliency during the pandemic. The findings — gathered from year four of the five-year study — are based on responses from 3,441 residents at 122 different Life Plan Communities across the U.S. Taking a step back, the initial goal of the study was to assess the impact of residing in a Life Plan Community. Respectively, the impact on residents’ health and wellness over time. And since year four took place during the pandemic, the Age Well Study took a slight pivot. How has COVID-19 affected seniors’ health and wellness? Have seniors become more resilient during this worldwide health crisis? What strategies help them mitigate stress? To find out, the Mather Institute analyzed: Individual characteristics (personality, personal resources, demographics)Organizational characteristicsChanges in the quality of social relationshipsCoping strategies during the pandemic The findings At a glance, the Mather Institute’s research shows: Residents, on average, exhibited low levels of stress and high levels of resilience during the pandemicThose who were open to new experiences, who exhibited higher levels of extroversion and agreeableness, were less likely to exhibit stress and more likely to exhibit resilienceResidents who maintained quality relationships with children exhibited greater resilienceResidents who meditated during the pandemic were less likely to exhibit stressResidents who lived in smaller communities were...
Senior Living Webinar ...
Register today!
How should providers maneuver the latest roadblocks in senior Living? From staffing to compliance, there’s a lot to unpack. And it’s a crucial time for industry leaders to discuss these issues — and offer solutions for the year ahead. Fortunately, that’s exactly what’s happening on February 23. Get ready for an informative McKnight’s Power Panel — Pandemic Year III: Keys to Success — sponsored by Yardi. The virtual roundtable starts at 1 p.m. EDT and you don’t want to miss it. Pandemic Year III: Keys to Success The McKnight’s Power Panel will feature top experts from different verticals across long-term care. They’ll explore the latest issues in senior living, including staffing, compliance, reimbursement, technology and other vital subjects, then they’ll focus on tactics for the future. Join the webinar to see firsthand. You’ll learn from panelists like Yardi expert David Bellew, with takeaways on: Controlling labor costs through staffing analysisAutomating investor reportingProperty acquisitions: data planning and conversionOptimizing care service billingGoing mobile: enterprise mobile device strategies The webinar will also feature panelists TJ Griffin, chief pharmacy officer at PharMerica, Brendan McNamara, chief executive officer at Sound Physicians and Jesse Coiro, general manager and director of health and healthcare at Erlab, Inc. More on panelist David Bellew David Bellew is an accomplished leader in the healthcare industry. Currently serving as the Director of Client Services here at Yardi, David has over 20 years of experience implementing enterprise software systems. Through years of dedication, he has become highly skilled in requirements analysis, as well as managing implementations for ERP and clinical systems. Register today We hope you’ll join the conversation on February 23! Mark your calendar now and register for the McKnight’s Power Panel. To explore Yardi solutions in senior living, check out our Senior Living...
Problem Solvers
Senior Living Client Support
Where would the world be without problem solvers? Certainly not far. Problem solvers propel innovation and help us make the most of the resources available to us. At Yardi, four departments of work behind the scenes to help Senior Living clients anticipate, mitigate and troubleshoot dilemmas. They are among the problem solvers that help clients explore innovative solutions and deliver quality services to customers. Yardi solutions rise to face new challenges Evolving client needs require evolving technology. As developers issue new features, client-facing team members are ready to help with change management. Craig Christensen, team leader, Consulting Practices at Yardi says, “We work in a rapidly changing environment that has been heavily impacted by COVID-19. Our developers worked quickly to implement new solutions like vaccine administration tracking for our clients.” To navigate such new functionalities, clients can access tools like on-demand resources in Client Central or live training calls. Such tools are also helpful during the onboarding and continue education processes. Senior Living has a comparatively higher staffing turnover rate compared to multifamily. The ongoing pandemic has made it even more challenging. Yardi helps clients deal with the workforce shortage by streamlining routine processes. Stephanie Joralemon, product specialist, CSD, explains, “Clients found themselves consumed with ongoing trainings. We’ve resolved this issue with a Train the Trainer approach.” Through Aspire software, client trainers gain access to role-specific trainings 24/7. Live calls and trainings help fill any remaining gaps. Clients get the education that they need to quickly and accurately move forward with their work. Improved communication where it matters most Improving communication is another challenge overcome by Yardi specialists. In the past, medical profiles received updates via facsimiles and phone calls between the pharmacy and care provider. Yardi EHR and eMAR resolve the communication issue...
Offline Charting
Enhanced in Care Stream App
It’s crucial for senior living providers to keep resident information accurate and secure — especially when it comes to medications. But when using an online system to execute point-of-care charting, errors can occur if your community loses power, or the Wi-Fi disconnects. Luckily, we have a solution. With the Yardi EHR Care Stream app, your resident data stays safe and up to date, no matter the circumstance. Say hello to offline charting. Keep reading to learn about the latest functionality. All about Care Stream The Yardi EHR Care Stream app allows caregivers to perform order resolutions, execute electronic point-of-care charting and complete related tasks. This includes medication orders, behavioral issues, daily assignments and more. With this simplified, mobile record-keeping solution, caregivers can spend less time on administrative tasks and more time with residents. Fully integrated with Voyager Senior Housing, providers can easily connect business and resident care to keep their communities moving forward. For added convenience and efficiency, the Yardi EHR Care Stream app is compatible with both smartphone and tablet devices. Meet offline charting How does offline charting help providers eliminate errors, empower caregivers and pass medications securely? It’s simple. Offline charting allows senior care staff to work offline, without an active internet connection, all from one central platform. And thanks to the newest functionality, caregivers can remain offline as long as needed, even if the internet is down for days. So if you’re facing connectivity issues, whether briefly or for extended periods of time, it’s not a problem. Caregivers can still log in to Care Stream and complete their work. Every input automatically saves and syncs when the system comes back online. At Yardi, we’re passionate about helping you deliver the best possible care — and making care-related tasks seamless....
Kindness Experiments
By Aegis Living
For Dwayne Clark, founder and CEO at Aegis Living, spreading kindness is second nature. This senior living leader enacts generosity inside Aegis communities — and out. And this story focuses on a gesture by Clark at a local Walmart, where he rewarded a pair of hardworking parents for their own kindness. Keep reading to get the full picture. Kindness experiments at Aegis Living Back on December 14, with holiday spirit in full swing, Clark joined influencer Jimmy Darts for an inspired grocery store trip. Darts is known on social media for posting videos of pranks and random acts of kindness. Covered by McKnight’s Senior Living, the duo entered the store with a drive to help others. Upon asking a randomly-selected couple for a $2 loan to buy milk, which they gave without hesitation, Clark and Darts responded by taking them on a three-cart shopping spree. That’s a special act of kindness if we’ve ever seen one, but the generosity didn’t stop there. After paying for the couple’s groceries and loading up their car, Clark took things one step further. He surprised them with $10,000 in cash — deeming it a reward for their initial kindness, and for being hardworking parents to five children. Although it’s a great story to read, there’s nothing like watching the video. Check out Darts’ post on TikTok, which went viral in 48 hours. According to McKnight’s, the video is part of Aegis Living’s kindness experiments on social media. The company created the initiative as part of its annual “Empowering People, Inspiring Consciousness” conference. The conference includes a program called “Transform a Life” that focuses on bettering the lives of others. The videos can be found throughout Aegis Living’s LinkedIn feed. We hope you’ll take the time to watch! About Aegis At Aegis Living communities, the goal is to make every day count. That’s why they’re known for their exceptional employee culture and commitment to resident care. Founded in 1997 and headquartered in Washington, Aegis now operates 35 senior living communities across three states. And Dwayne Clark is always working to transform standards, elevate care and exceed the expectations of Aegis’ residents and families. Read more about Aegis Living. Aegis connects on Yardi With growing communities, Aegis knows the importance of a single connected solution. More specifically, a solution built to streamline operations, transform care and ultimately, power their business. Yardi is proud to help clients like Aegis Living drive success with our senior living management software. To learn more about which tools can best serve you and your communities, get in touch with us. Remember that each piece of the Yardi Senior Living Suite unites on a single platform — eliminating the risks commonly associated with disparate systems. A big shoutout to Dwayne Clark and Aegis Living for their kindness experiments. We love sharing positive stories just like Clark’s here on The Balance Sheet. Seen anything else that’s inspired you...
Immersed In Nature
At Watercrest Macon
Looking for a creative approach to senior living design? Look no further. Watercrest Senior Living is developing a biophilic-inspired community and it’s a sight to see. Meet Watercrest Watercrest Senior Living is all about dedicated care. This provider upholds their mission “To Welcome, To Care, To Serve” in their thoughtfully-designed communities built to provide security, comfort, health, happiness and opportunities to help residents live their best lives. The biophilic design theme will live at Watercrest Macon, a Georgia-based community offering assisted living and memory care options. Biophilia explained Defined as the innate human instinct to connect with nature and other living beings, Biophilia makes for an ingenious design foundation. In this case, it’s the foundation for amenities at Watercrest Macon. Building a biophilic space means incorporating natural materials and patterns in the design process. The ultimate goal is to develop a strong connection to nature — and ensure that connection is maintained. But what’s the benefit of living in a biophilic, nature-inspired environment? Research suggests that nature living can enhance mood, decrease stress, increase concentration, reduce blood pressure and more. And according to Watercrest, their biophilic-themed community is being purposefully designed with these benefits in mind. Immersed in nature at Watercrest Macon Come early 2022, when the new amenities are scheduled to be finished, Watercrest Macon will take nature living to a whole new level. Deeply rooted in biophilic themes, their fresh architectural elements aren’t often found in senior living communities. With that, congratulations are in order! Shoutout to Watercrest Macon for creating a unique, positive experience for their residents. The community’s amenities will include an oversized atrium, therapeutic moss walls, landscaped walking paths, a signature water wall, gardening stations and even an outdoor putting green. See for yourself in Watercrest Macon’s LinkedIn...
Senior Tech Tips
From Maplewood
It’s no secret that technology is beneficial. For seniors in particular, tech can help with socialization, safety and everyday tasks. That’s according to Yardi client Maplewood Senior Living, who published a stellar blog post analyzing the role tech plays in older adults’ lives. So if you’re curious how certain tech solutions can benefit residents in your communities, you’re in the right place. Benefits of seniors using technology Citing research, Maplewood shares four ways technology can enrich seniors’ quality of life: Socialization — especially during the pandemic, seniors face an increased risk of loneliness and social isolation. Fortunately, tech can be used to prevent serious, long-term effects. According to a study shared by Maplewood, Internet use by seniors resulted in lower depression and higher levels of social support. Safety — rightfully so, family members may worry about the safety of their loved ones as they age. But tech solutions are built to help. From tools that track a senior’s care patterns to devices built to alert medical professionals in an emergency, the right system can reduce risks and provide peace of mind. Entertainment — tech can provide various entertainment options for seniors. This includes online classes, games and movies. Smart devices can also provide accessibility, catering their features specifically to seniors, allowing them to receive the maximum benefit. Exercise and health tracking — prioritizing mental and physical health is key for all ages, seniors included. With the right tools, seniors and loved ones can easily track important health information like activity levels or medication schedules. Ways to utilize technology There’s a wide range of possibilities when it comes to technology. For seniors, different solutions can transform their day-to-day lives. Maplewood offers five key ways older adults can utilize tech: Manage financesSchedule appointmentsMaintain social...
Thrive with BI
Explore Senior IQ
How can business intelligence (BI) software provide insightful data? Our resourceful infographic has the answers, painting a detailed picture of BI and its benefits. We’re here to share it with you. Keep reading to discover why a BI solution like Senior IQ uncovers the information needed to make smarter, faster decisions — and drive growth in your communities. Data scattered across siloed systems leads to incorrect, outdated information Senior living business intelligence is crucial for today’s providers. But disparate systems don’t compare to a single connected solution. And our infographic has the research to match. According to BI-Survey, out of companies drawing data from disparate sources, only 5% report having no significant problems. A centralized business intelligence solution is key By accessing data from a single and accurate source, senior living providers can steer their communities forward. But what are the specific benefits? How can a single connected solution transform your business? For starters, a centralized BI solution helps providers … Streamline operationsMeasure successSave timeMinimize risksEmpower staffImprove resident care Not convinced? Take a look at the findings shared directly in the infographic. But while you’re here, we’ll point to a few: 54% of enterprises say BI is critical or very important to their current and future strategies, according to ForbesFinances Online reports that companies with CEOs that spearhead data-driven decisions are 77% more likely to achieve business goals64% of users reported that BI data helped improve their efficiency, says Finances Online Transform your business with Yardi Senior IQ Senior IQ is a single connected BI solution designed for the unique needs of senior living providers. With this specialized system, you’ll gain access to … Real-time reports and dashboards450+ pre-configured KPIs plus custom optionsInternal benchmarks and industry comparison dataPrecise insights for presenting to investors or...
Smart Staffing
By Aegis Living
In the age of staffing shortages, senior living providers need creative approaches to attract and retain employees. And we’ve seen some effective strategies this year. But our newest discovery is from Yardi client Aegis Living, who’s launching a standalone agency focused solely on staffing. Meet Aegis Staffing. Smart staffing by Aegis In creating Aegis Staffing, Aegis Living is bringing originality and resourcefulness to the staffing crisis. This Washington-based provider will pilot the new, in-house agency for 12 to 18 months starting in January. Initially, the agency will focus on staffing improvements at Aegis’ Seattle communities, but CEO Dwayne Clark isn’t stopping there. In an interview with Senior Housing News (SHN), Clark says there may be opportunities to expand the service to other areas — and companies — down the road. In developing the new agency, Aegis is doing a full overhaul of the staffing philosophy they’ve followed for years. This entailed hiring full-time workers at competitive wage rates, offering time off and providing additional perks. But given the latest shifts in staffing, employees have new expectations related to work-life balance. And that’s what led Clark to take action. Aegis Staffing seeks to recruit workers and incentivize staff members in a whole new way. Attracting a new workforce While Aegis already employs seasoned caregivers, they won’t draw from their own workforce to staff the new agency. Instead, the company will recruit employees from outside agencies. They’re also widening their pool of considered applicants to include recent refugees, retired military personnel and older adults. “That’s a workforce that we haven’t been exposed to,” Clark told SHN. Aegis plans to incentivize with a high hourly rate — one that’s competitive to staffing agencies where prospective employees currently work. Although the staffing agency isn’t up to speed...
Making Seasons Bright
In Senior Living
‘Tis the season to spread holiday cheer! For us, that involves spotlighting our senior living clients — sharing how they’re making seasons bright for residents. And Watercrest Senior Living is no stranger to holiday activities. They’re organizing festive experiences for residents across their communities, which we can’t help but share. Here’s a roundup to get you in the holiday spirit: Festival of Trees Ever dreamed of walking in a winter wonderland? For residents at various Watercrest communities, winter wonderlands became reality during the organization’s annual Festival of Trees. And it’s exactly what it sounds like. At Watercrest Santa Rosa Beach, residents explored a magical showcase of holiday trees, all of which were donated by community partners. Families joined residents to stroll the festively-decorated grounds searching for their favorite tree, snacking on holiday desserts and mingling over hot cocoa. “These events, both big and small, make our Watercrest community truly a family,” shared Watercrest on LinkedIn, along with photos of the event. At Market Street Memory Care Residence Viera, owned and operated by Watercrest, the Festival of Trees was combined with another celebration: their fifth anniversary of serving seniors with Alzheimer’s. Residents and families experienced the splendor of the holiday season — gathering around decorated trees and enjoying live jazz — while celebrating the community’s important anniversary. We can say with confidence, the gathering was something special. Watercrest Winter Park joined the annual tradition, too. This Florida-based community gathered local businesses for a silent auction, raising over $1,200 for the AdventHealth Neuroscience Institute. How amazing is that? Of course, residents were immersed in a winter wonderland, sipping on holiday-themed drinks while admiring the trees. “At Watercrest Winter Park, we are always looking for creative ways to give back to our local community,” said MaryAnn Howell, executive director of Watercrest Winter Park. “This event is a meaningful way to celebrate the season and put our creative talents to good use.” Baking, decorating & more Watercrest proudly encourages residents to channel their creativity. And the holiday season is the perfect time to do so. At their Market Street location, seniors partook in the signature Aprons & Appetizers program — but with a holiday twist. Residents dressed in festive colors and baked sweet, holiday-themed treats. We’re loving the collage of photos Watercrest shared on LinkedIn. Watercrest Sarasota took a similar route, inviting residents to bake an all-time favorite sugar cookie recipe. Time was spent decking the halls at Watercrest Santa Rosa Beach and St. Lucie West. From painting ornaments to decorating trees, residents let their creativity shine. Watercrest shared photos of the spirited decorations at Santa Rosa and St. Lucie West on social media. Matinee musicals We all have our favorite holiday movies and plays. For some, the classic comedy “Elf” makes the list. If that’s you, you would’ve loved to join Watercrest Columbia residents for a daytime matinee of “Elf the Musical.” Performed at a local theatre, the musical was based on the beloved holiday film, and it was smiles all around. Happy holidays from team Yardi From our senior living team to yours, we hope you’re enjoying the holiday season. It always makes us happy to spotlight our senior living clients, like Watercrest, and the dedication they bring to their residents. Especially this time of year! To explore more holiday stories from Watercrest, check out their LinkedIn page. Want to learn how Yardi supports clients like Watercrest with our senior living management software? Let’s schedule a time to...
Elevating Senior Living
Argentum White Paper
The senior living industry is ever-changing. To no surprise, the skills and training needed for senior living careers are changing, too. That’s the focus of Argentum’s latest white paper — a resource sponsored by Yardi. Keep reading to unlock insights from three higher education leaders, learn how to coach today’s emerging sales professionals and discover how technology is changing the way senior living organizations operate. Elevating the Senior Living Profession: Perspectives from higher education Analyzing the senior living profession calls for expert insight. Argentum opens the white paper with interviews from academic leaders Nancy Swanger of Washington State University, Andrew Carle of Georgetown University and Jennifer Pryor of Virginia Commonwealth University. These leaders share how senior living careers are perceived today, and how we can shift those perceptions for the better. They also touch on skills needed for those entering the senior living profession. And based on their experience, it all starts with higher education. Swanger, Carle and Pryor discuss: The need to shift career paths in senior living toward intentionalityWhy the impact of the industry warrants more curriculaHow educators and providers can — and must — come together Perspectives from sales As the senior living profession evolves, so do the roles within prospective organizations. Experts Michelle Moreland and Mary Benoist of Solstice Senior Living explain the importance of fresh sales roles, training and tactics as the industry changes. Moreland and Benoist answer questions like: How have senior living sales changed over the past year?What kind of environment are entry-level sales professionals walking into?How does educating the public and prospects about senior living fit into sales? Perspectives from technology There’s no denying the powerful impact of technology. This holds true for senior living communities, who now more than ever, are training staff members to use tech in their day-to-day tasks. The pandemic in particular has accelerated the use of tech to connect seniors with their families. In the final section of the white paper, industry veterans Breck Austin, Dave Eskenazy, Dennis McCarthy and Nicole Graham share their experience with tech solutions from the Yardi Senior Living Suite. From improving resident care to keeping families connected, their interviews showcase how the right technology helps their communities keep pace. Continue learning by reading the white paper in full. If you’re interested to chat in detail about Yardi’s solutions in senior living, we’d love to hear from you! Don’t hesitate to get in touch....
Exactly How COGIR
Advances Resident Care
Despite the ongoing challenges in senior living, certain providers have pushed forward, raising their level of excellence and enhancing residents’ experience. COGIR Senior Living certainly illustrates that point, and we’re here to share an in-depth look at their journey to date. That’s right — we’re rolling out our newest case study! It’s all about this leading provider’s ability to raise the bar with help from senior living technology. Courtesy of Benoit Levesque, senior regional director at COGIR Management USA Inc. and our inspiring interviewee, this piece offers an inside look at COGIR’s road to success. Keep reading to see exactly how the Yardi Senior Living Suite gives COGIR the tools to streamline care, increase move-ins and more. Meet COGIR Senior Living COGIR Senior Living puts their residents first. As a subsidiary of COGIR Real Estate, COGIR draws upon 25 years of residential and senior living management, as well as hospitality services. Their unwavering drive to build more homes for seniors — and their dedication to quality — has positioned the company as the industry leader they are today. The challenge with disparate systems At the time they established a strong U.S. foundation, COGIR’s day-today operations involved manual processes. From tracking leads to developing new care plans, teams across the company were navigating a mixture of paper-based and electronic systems. While COGIR did have some software tools in place, each system wasn’t necessarily connected to the next. Leadership worked to unite every piece on their own using different strategies. Ultimately, the integration of the different systems — a custom infrastructure — brought new challenges. “The integration between all our moving pieces worked with some restrictions, but there was a lack of operational efficiency,” said Levesque. “Too often we were hearing, ‘I don’t know if...
Argentum President
Named Top Lobbyist
For Argentum, a passion to help seniors, caregivers and families is the driving force behind their advocacy efforts. This year in particular, Argentum is fighting for targeted federal pandemic relief for assisted living caregivers. At the forefront of that mission is James Balda, president and CEO of Argentum. And given the association’s commendable efforts, it’s no surprise that Balda made Washington, D.C.’s list of top lobbyists for 2021. James Balda Argentum earns national recognition Released by The Hill newspaper, the list of top lobbyists is an annual tradition. It recognizes people who’ve effectively drove change for their clients — those who stand out from others in the field. The 2021 honorees, like Balda, have delivered results in halls of Congress. Crediting Argentum’s staff, Balda pointed to the success of the association’s latest grassroots efforts in a company press release. This includes outreach to Congress and the White House to save the Provider Relief Fund (PRF), intended to aid healthcare providers suffering pandemic-related losses. “Argentum members and all stakeholders in the assisted living profession marked 2021 as a crucial pivot point for our work given the financial and workforce crises our caregivers face,” said Balda. “Making The Hill’s top lobbyist list is a reflection of the hard work Argentum staff and our member providers put in and continue to put in as this pandemic is not over, nor is our fight for adequate financial relief and support.” The association’s mission Since 1990, Argentum has supported companies operating professionally managed, resident-centered senior living communities. Not to mention, the seniors and families they serve. The association is in the midst of a “Don’t Leave Us Behind…Again” campaign, urging the current administration to direct PRF funds to senior living caregivers. It’s a great honor to drive positive...
LCS Ranks #1
In Resident Satisfaction
Putting senior living residents first — providing the best possible care year after year — takes a unique level of dedication. Operators need to focus on every detail of the resident experience. And Yardi client Life Care Services (LCS) is the perfect example. A big congratulations to LCS for ranking number one in resident satisfaction among independent senior living communities in the 2021 J.D. Power U.S. Senior Living Satisfaction Study. Not only did LCS earn this impressive accolade, they’re also the first and only senior living company to do so three years in a row. LCS ranks #1 in resident satisfaction The J.D. Power U.S. Senior Living Satisfaction Study evaluates resident satisfaction among top independent living providers. To rank the highest, organizations need to provide outstanding services and compassionate care. And you guessed it — LCS fits the mold. Their number one ranking, with a tremendous score of 817, is based on responses from residents across their communities. The Iowa-based company also achieved the highest score in all six factors of satisfaction, including: Resident activitiesCommunity staffPrice paid for services receivedResident apartment/living unitCommunity building and groundsDining “Life Care Services is honored to be recognized by our customers as the best among independent senior living communities for the third consecutive year,” shared Joel Nelson, president and CEO of LCS. “We are privileged to serve nearly 40,000 seniors across the nation. This recognition is meaningful because our residents recognize and value our commitment to serving them first and foremost, even as our industry navigated challenges over the past year.” The pandemic has certainly shifted all aspects of senior living. It’s created unparalleled challenges for providers and their staff, who’ve worked tirelessly to care for residents despite ongoing restrictions and unforeseen obstacles. So it’s a special honor to...
The Purr-fect Remedy
Kitten Therapy at Pacifica
Do you ever get tired of kittens making headlines? Neither do we. Yardi client Pacifica Senior Living transforms the lives of residents one purr at a time. Its property, the Meridian at Anaheim Hills, is warming hearts and improving outcomes for residents with weekly Kitten Therapy Day! 1051922 The program offers benefits for residents and felines. Kitten Therapy Day: the start of something wonderful Meridian business manager Lori Irby first brought kittens to the office back in 2019. She is an ASPCA foster caregiver . When newborn kittens were abandoned at the Orange County animal shelter, she took them into her home and into her office where she could feed them every few hours. Shortly after setting up a playpen for the kittens in her office, residents took interest. Irby received an influx of guests. She noticed how quickly the kittens made their impact on the residents: disinterest transformed into engagement and smiles graced faces that had been chronically tense or sad. Irby decided to collaborate with the site activities director to begin Kitten Therapy Day every Wednesday. The event shifted from Irby’s office into one of the community’s shared spaces. All residents who are cat allergy-free are welcomed to snuggle up with the kittens. For residents who cannot leave their rooms, Irby places a few kittens in a stroller for kitten therapy on the go. “For many, it’s the highlight of the week. It’s given residents something to look forward to, especially during the pandemic when no visitors could come in. There’s just something really warm and comforting about holding a purring kitten,” says Irby. The kittens usually stay in the Meridian program for about eight weeks before they are formally put up for adoption through the ASPCA. More often than not, there’s already...
Senior Living Ebook
How Tech Supports Staff
The current staffing shortage is a pressing challenge in senior living. How can providers support their staff, improve resident care and keep their communities in sync? That’s the focus of this brand-new ebook, a collaboration between Senior Housing News and Yardi. This resource — Workforce in Crisis: 4 Ways Tech Supports Senior Living Staff — offers key tips for today’s providers. Explore this senior living guide Curious how technology is helping senior living communities through the staffing shortage? Here’s a snapshot of the four areas covered in the ebook, complete with input from real-life providers using tech solutions: 1. Easing the burden with an EHR Given the staffing crisis, electronic health records (EHRs) are more important than ever. A well-designed tech solution like Yardi EHR optimizes care plan workflows, promotes dynamic staffing management and more. Yardi client Anthology Senior Living offers insight in the ebook, noting the benefits of a connected EHR system. “There’s just a lot more opportunity for growth and development, and of course efficiency, when you start utilizing an EHR,” says Kim Smart, director of systems and support at Anthology. 2. Easing the burden with an eMAR When coupled with an electronic medication administration record (eMAR), the benefits of an EHR are enhanced further. The ebook dives into the importance of this integrated duo, exploring exactly how it helps senior living staff maximize efficiencies. Yardi client Sagora Senior Living knows firsthand how Yardi eMAR, an integrated solution, streamlines medication management and enables emergency staffing patterns. “We cross-trained the key associates in our communities in the ways of managing medications, in case they needed to assist — and in many of our communities they actually did have to assist,” says Brenda Abbott-Shultz, RN, VP of resident services at Sagora. 3. Easing...
Argentum Leadership Summit...
Meet With Yardi
It’s nearly time for the annual Argentum Senior Living Leadership Summit, a 4-day event gathering thought leaders and policy makers in senior living. This one takes place December 5-8 in Amelia Island, Florida. With a range of speakers set to host inspiring sessions, the can’t-be-missed event will spark conversations on the most pressing topics in senior living. Most importantly, leaders will discuss relevant solutions for today’s challenges. You’ll find team Yardi at the summit, too. We’re pleased to be a sponsor and we can’t wait to meet you there. Check out the details Argentum is a leading association in senior living. They’ve proudly advocated for choice, independence and quality of life for all seniors since 1990. They’re expert at bringing industry leaders together for insightful discussions, networking and learning. And this year’s summit, inviting C-suite and corporate leadership from senior living’s most influential companies, is no exception. Hosted at the Ritz-Carlton in Amelia Island, the schedule includes: The Argentum Board of Directors and member group meetings (December 5-6)The Argentum Advocacy Fund Golf Classic (December 6)The Senior Living Leadership Summit (December 7-8) Speaking sessions start December 7, covering intriguing topics such as: Tested Strategies for Driving OccupancyDemographic Strategies for the Post-COVID EraWorkforce Technology and Solutions You can check out a more detailed agenda from Argentum. For a list of event speakers, visit this page. Meet with us at the Argentum Senior Living Leadership Summit Not only is this a stellar opportunity to convene with fellow leaders, address industry obstacles and discuss the future of senior living, it’s also a chance to explore innovative solutions built to drive your business forward. We invite you to find team Yardi to chat about our single connected solution, designed for the unique needs of senior living management. We’ll...
American House
Joins SAGECare
Founded in 1979, American House Senior Living Communities is continuing their legacy of care today. Their vision has been — and still is — to provide quality housing for seniors at an affordable price. American House operates over 54 communities centered in Michigan and spread throughout the Midwest, New England and Florida. This Yardi client is the gold standard for passionate resident care, which they’re currently taking to the next level. We’re proud to spotlight American House for working through SAGECare, an inspiring step toward building LGBT-inclusive communities. American House joins SAGECare What does SAGECare entail? First, let’s cover who SAGE is. Dating back to 1978, they’re a fast-moving organization with a mission to support LGBT seniors. Their advocation efforts extend across federal, state and local levels. More specifically, SAGE works to: Mobilize LGBT people and alliesEducate policy makers on LGBT aging issuesRelease original policy briefs and other key resourcesLead coalitions that include diverse seniors in policy conversationsMarch and rally with LGBT seniors, plus allies SAGECare is SAGE’s training and consulting division, which assists senior care agencies in creating LGBT-inclusive services. They’ve proudly trained over 60,000 providers across the country — all of whom earned the respected SAGECare credential. Completing the training is a purposeful mission for American House. SAGECare focuses on improving providers’ knowledge in the LGBT space, teaching them to identify bias against LGBT seniors and ultimately, helping them address prejudices that impact LGBT seniors’ quality of care. SAGECare also provides marketing materials to companies like American House, offered once the training is complete. This includes symbols for providers to highlight their earned credential, along with their commitment to LGBT seniors. They’re also listed as a credentialed provider on SAGE’s website. Learn more about SAGECare, a cultural competency training program for providers...