Bryan McCaleb

On Senior Living Perseverance

By Yardi Blog Staff on Mar 24, 2021 in People

Bryan McCaleb, president of Sagora Senior Living, a Fort Worth, Texas-based Yardi client and operator of more than 30 properties, discusses how his company has handled two major challenges – the pandemic and severe weather – in excerpts from an interview originally published in Multi-Housing News.

How would you describe 2020 from the perspective of a senior housing operator?

McCaleb: The pandemic led us to introduce new safety protocols and change what our day-to-day routines looked like. Our teams came together to implement changes for the best protection of our residents and associates, and I feel like our organization is stronger than ever before.

How has technology helped you during COVID-19?

McCaleb: At all of our communities, we have communication stations set up and equipped with iPads where residents have the ability to schedule virtual visits with their loved ones. More seniors have taken to social media to keep up with their families, which has broadened their reach with grandchildren and out-of-state loved ones.

How did you keep your residents safe during the recent severe weather conditions in Texas?

McCaleb: Some communities experienced power outages, water outages, water leaks and/or boil-water orders. For these challenges, we relied on onsite generators for heat and power, bottled water for our residents, and constant communication with our residents and their family members. Our associates stayed at our communities when needed to ensure that our residents were safe, comfortable and cared for. Although communities in Texas and Oklahoma had damage, we are thankful that all of our residents and associates weathered the storm safely.

What was the most difficult thing for you in the past 12 months? The most satisfying?

McCaleb: The most difficult thing was seeing how COVID-19 affects people—even beyond health complications, such as emotional and financial strife. The most satisfying part of 2020 was seeing how our teams came together and remained dedicated to our residents throughout the pandemic. They brought the life, joy and care to our communities during such uncertain times. I am humbled by and grateful for our associates’ unwavering passion for our residents.

What measures did you take to prevent the spread of the virus after some residents tested positive?

McCaleb: To mitigate the spread of COVID-19, any residents who tested positive were quarantined from all other residents, mostly offsite. Additionally, after a positive case we perform contact tracing and cease all communal dining and group activities. We continue to practice social distancing, frequent handwashing and disinfecting guidelines set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

What has been your approach to collective activities at your communities since the onset of the pandemic?

McCaleb: We’ve done our best to continue to provide the vibrant lifestyle that our communities are known for in a safe manner. Our communities continue to hold group activities and events, but in smaller groups, where social distancing can be maintained.

What can you tell us about the vaccination process at Sagora communities?

McCaleb: We are proud to say that we have indeed started COVID-19 vaccinations. In fact, many of our residents and associates are fully vaccinated or on their way to full vaccination.

Please talk about your expectations for the senior housing sector in 2021 and beyond.

McCaleb: We see a bright future with vaccinations underway. With the vaccine, we expect to put COVID-19 behind us and celebrate a new tomorrow with our family of communities.

Read the full interview with Bryan McCaleb in Multi-Housing News.