Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, seniors and their families have experienced loneliness and isolation. From enforcing strict lockdowns to limiting in-person visits, senior living communities have seen this firsthand. So how can communities work to improve seniors’ quality of life? One theory, developed by two UC Santa Barbara professors, is through virtual reality (VR). Specifically, through VR sessions with seniors and their loved ones. This theory is being put to the test with seniors at Maravilla Santa Barbara. Testing the power of VR sessions With 21 pairs of Maravilla residents and remote family members, professors Tamara Afifi and Nancy Collins began their research in 2020. Their goal remains to show the impact of VR technology on social connection — and quality of life — for seniors residing in communities. Not to mention, the impact of VR sessions on these seniors’ family members. In this highlight, Collins explains the bigger picture of the study. “The long-term goal is to find ways to use innovative technologies to reduce social isolation, strengthen family bonds and improve quality of life for older adults with varying levels of cognitive impairment,” she said. According to the pilot study findings, VR sessions reduced feelings of loneliness, improved moods and helped enhance seniors’ quality of life. For families, the VR sessions led to better moods and less caregiver guilt. “A family is a system, so when you help one person, you’re helping the whole family,” explained Afifi. “This is especially true for caregivers, who can bear a particularly heavy burden in terms of stress and guilt.” Afifi and Collins also tested how memory decline effects seniors’ engagement during VR sessions. They found that seniors with mild cognitive impairment were more kinesthetically engaged in the VR experience, whereas seniors with mild to moderate dementia...

We’re always working to upgrade solutions in the Yardi Senior Living Suite. We chat with clients, test new ideas and make adjustments each year — all to help senior living providers succeed. Improvements and fresh features are bundled and released for our clients to enjoy.   With that, Yardi Voyager Senior Housing 7.15 is now available. It’s packed with exciting features and enhancements. We’re here to share it with you. Explore this rundown of the latest and greatest functionality in the Yardi Senior Living Suite:  Voyager Senior Housing New amenity-based pricing featureAbility to add attachments to move-in checklist itemsPrimary payer change function for residents whose services can’t be managedFresh reports including financial move-in and move-out activity Watch the overview video RentCafe Senior CRM Prospect persona and competitors trackingAmenities and inventory matchingOption to assess residents for billing recommendations, included in the leasing workflowNew preset report filters for your end users Watch the overview video EHR Ability to set minimum and maximum durations on default care plan actionsNew service plan audit report that shows changes in care plansOption to perform assessments on a prospect’s co-occupantUpdates to alert charting that enable separate corresponding alerts Watch the overview video eMAR Prescribers Connection interface now available for U.S. pharmacies, Kroll interface now available for Canadian pharmaciesNew EPCS feature for physicians to sign orders for controlled substancesOption to chart certain interfaced orders before they’re verifiedNew physician review queue to periodically review and digitally sign residents’ order profiles  Watch the overview video In addition to watching the overview videos, you can also read our new features guides. Ready to upgrade? Get in touch and we’ll get to work. If you’re new to Yardi, check out our brand-new infographic to learn about our solutions in senior living....

We’re back with another event recommendation, this time for the CALA 2021 Fall Conference & Trade Show. If you’re ready to connect with senior living leaders — and discuss the future of the industry — this is the conference for you. Meet CALA The California Assisted Living Association (CALA) is dedicated to the betterment of assisted living, memory care and continuing care retirement communities. As the only association solely representing the state’s residential care facilities for seniors, they’re an industry leader. Their members include over 660 providers and 150-plus businesses, all supported through CALA’s leadership, advocacy and education. This year’s CALA Fall Conference is a great chance to reconnect with colleagues and re-engage your drive in senior living. More about the conference Filled with informative sessions and networking opportunities, the CALA Fall Conference attracts top decision makers, clinical staff, marketing professionals and more. It’s set to take place November 8-10 in Palm Springs, California. To explore the full show schedule, start here. CALA has an expansive list of their planned sessions. Note you’ll need to show proof of a COVID-19 vaccination to attend the CALA Fall Conference. Their updated list of health and safety protocols can be found here. Back to the event sessions! From learning how to move forward with your business given the pandemic’s challenges, to learning about today’s top technology solutions, the conference has something for everyone. You can find team Yardi throughout the 3-day event, too. Be sure to stop by Booth #37, where we’ll chat about the Yardi Senior Living Suite — our single connected solution for senior living providers. We’ll show you how tools like Senior IQ can drive your business forward. We’re also pleased to be sponsoring the Awards Celebration Luncheon, planned for November 10 at 12:30...

With a range of industry events taking place this year, it’s an exciting time for senior living providers. There are several opportunities to learn, network and grow.  We’re here to share an upcoming event — an impactful conference that joins health care leaders and senior living executives. Check out the NIC 2021 Fall Conference: Investing in Seniors Housing & Care Properties.   The conference will take place on November 1-3 in Houston, Texas and is welcoming attendees in person. Yardi is pleased to be a sponsor of the event, as we partner with NIC to drive transparent data in the seniors housing sector. We hope you’ll attend to get an inside look.   Come together at NIC 2021 The 2021 conference marks the association’s first in-person event since the onset of the pandemic. With the goal of reuniting thousands of providers and stakeholders, NIC is gearing up to make this their best conference yet. It’s an exceptional opportunity to learn from business leaders across the industry. Specifically, the 67% of attendees who are senior-level executives. How can you drive your business forward now — and in a post-pandemic world? What new approaches can you take to care for residents? The 3-day event will be packed with discussions and answers. Note that NIC is requiring proof of vaccination to attend. You can explore the full scope of their health and safety measures here.   See what’s in store  Attendees can expect three days of educational programing focused on a variety of topics. If you’re ready to hear insights and perspectives from industry leaders, policy makers and more, this is the conference for you. According to NIC, topics will include: Capital for operationsDebt market trendsCase for investing in seniors housingForgotten middle marketMacroeconomic and capital market trendsPolicy...

For Pacifica Senior Living, this year’s National Assisted Living Week (NALW) was spent gathering residents, paying homage to assisted living caregivers nationwide and celebrating their own staff.  It’s always a pleasure to spotlight our clients, like Pacifica, during NALW. Led by the National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL), the annual celebration encourages organizations to honor those who reside, work and volunteer in assisted living communities. Pacifica did just that, going above and beyond to honor their care staff. Celebrating NALW Honoring this year’s NALW theme — Compassion, Community, Caring — Pacifica invited their staff and residents to an array of uplifting events. They shared a snapshot on social media, too. In communities from North Carolina to California, Pacifica’s week-long celebration gathered everyone with delicious food, an in-house “Price Is Right” game and NALW-themed arts and crafts. There’s more, but we’ll let you explore the photos for yourself! You can find a range on Pacifica’s LinkedIn page. The dynamic senior living company also shared their appreciation for staff members with words of gratitude. They highlighted the resilience of their caregivers — and assisted living staff across the nation — during the pandemic. “The COVID-19 pandemic has brought new challenges to all assisted living communities in America for the past year and a half,” shared Pacifica on LinkedIn. “This National Assisted Living Week, we want to recognize all the efforts put forth by the staff of Pacifica Senior Living communities for all they have done and continue to do. Thank you.” Last but not least, they took the time to honor individual employees. Check out this spotlight of Enrique, a personal care assistant at Pacifica. Get to know Pacifica Utilizing Yardi’s senior living management software, Pacifica Senior Living strives to create communities where residents feel at...

The senior living industry has undergone extreme changes in the last year. But leaders are banding together to develop new roadmaps at this year’s LeadingAge Annual Meeting + EXPO. Taking place in person on October 24-27 in Atlanta, Georgia, the event offers an opportunity to join the senior living conversation. How should you navigate the field today? What tools, services and practices can help your communities prosper? Experts and fellow attendees alike will share their answers.   Not to mention, you’ll have the chance to connect with team Yardi at Booth #1331. Our representatives will show you firsthand how technology drives success in senior living. Look ahead at LeadingAge 2021 LeadingAge is a dedicated senior living association working to help the next generation of older adults live their fullest life. They strive to empower their members to transform the aging experience for everyone. With that, they spearhead one of the industry’s biggest events each year — the LeadingAge Annual Meeting + EXPO. The event is packed with four days of invaluable sessions that encourage learning, networking and more. You don’t want to miss this one. And despite going virtual in 2020, this year’s event will allow everyone to reunite in person. That said, LeadingAge is prioritizing your health and safety. Among their many protocols includes the requirement that all attendees, speakers and exhibitors show proof of vaccination. Read more about the event’s COVID-19 safety measures.   Visit Yardi Booth #1331 Ready to find the right tech-enabled tools for your organization? We invite you to stop by Yardi Booth #1331. Our team is excited to show you around the Yardi Senior Living Suite — a single connected solution for senior living management. Whatever questions you have, we’ll be there to answer them. You can expect...

Selecting the right senior living community isn’t always easy. Whether you’re exploring communities for yourself or a loved one, it’s challenging to know which will be the best fit.    So in an effort to help consumers make better decisions, U.S. News & World Report has launched a “Best Senior Living” initiative. The well-known publication will rate U.S. senior living brands, ultimately curating a list of trusted communities. Set to be released in the first quarter of 2022, this will cover individual independent living, assisted living, memory care and continuing care retirement/life plan communities. Meet the “Best Senior Living” initiative Best known for their lists of hospitals and colleges, U.S. News & World Report is entering a new arena — senior living. And unlike their “Best Nursing Homes” ratings, which incorporates data from public sources, “Best Senior Living” will survey residents and families from participating communities.   To conduct the surveys — between now and the end of 2021 — U.S. News has partnered with Activated Insights. Coming from the 2,500-plus communities who have already pledged participation, C-suite executives shared their input in the program’s early stages. Others who gave advice include Argentum President and CEO James Balda, NIC President and CEO Brian Jurutka, NIC Co-Founder and Strategic Adviser Bob Kramer and LeadingAge President and CEO Katie Smith Sloan. U.S. News has already incorporated feedback, with one change being the results for CCRCs will now be presented in two categories — entry fee communities and rental communities. How to participate For communities looking to participate, the first step is taking part in the survey. Crafted for residents and families, the survey includes assisted living CoreQ questions developed by the National Center for Assisted Living. Additional questions will focus on dining, management, services, amenities and...

Did you know women hold 70% of senior living management jobs? Still, despite being dominated by female leadership, the senior living industry lacks equal representation in the C-suite. That’s exactly why leading association Argentum is stepping in to drive change. We’re pleased to highlight Argentum’s Women in Leadership (WIL) mentorship program, a monumental grassroots effort to develop C-suite diversity. The program was officially launched at this year’s Argentum Senior Living Conference & Expo. Argentum kickstarts Women in Leadership program If you attended Argentum 2021, you may have witnessed the WIL launch in the “Are you building relationships or leveraging them?” session. Team Yardi was proud to attend and learn about the impactful program, which is all about opportunity and balance. Led by Collette Gray, president and CEO of Integral Senior Living, the program will guide women on their paths to more senior-level positions. And the program’s support subcommittee is something special. Including two inspiring Yardi clients, CEO of Clearwater Senior Living Danielle Morgan and COO of Thrive Senior Living Nicole Moberg, the group will support women in the program.   Other subcommittee members include COO/EVP of Century Park Esmerelda Lee, CEO of Arena Myra Norton and the group’s chairwoman, CEO and Co-Founder of Connected Living Sarah Hoit.   The program has four pillars of focus including education, support, celebration and measurement. Argentum anticipates an abundance of interest, too. Mainly because they’re making it easy for women to sign up via a quick online survey. Once they’re signed up, women are matched with mentors and the supportive journey begins. The Women in Leadership program is paving the way for females in senior living. We encourage you to read more about WIL...

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...

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...

We love sharing positive stories from senior living communities, especially those that involve residents working together to make a difference. That’s certainly the case with Yardi client Harmony Senior Services, whose residents at their Greensboro, North Carolina community have been aiding the local homeless population. Residents come together With a dedication to help those in need, residents at Harmony at Greensboro have been working to aid the local homeless population for the last six months. It was resident Peggy Yow who came up with the idea — creating sleeping mats from plastic grocery bags — and her fellow neighbors joined in to help. “I thought of all the cold nights, the wet ground, that maybe this will help them at least sleep and rest a little better,” said Yow to WFMY-TV. The inspiring story was also recognized by Argentum Senior Living, who shared it in their e-newsletter.   If that alone doesn’t show how caring these senior living residents are, just wait! Each sleeping mat required over 2,000 grocery bags to be completed. It was no easy undertaking, but the Greensboro residents saw the value in the project — helping those in need. Their goal was to make 12 mats in total. Yow shared that the project “has brought us much closer, we know each other better. It’s been very enlightening for each of us.” About Harmony Senior Services Harmony Senior Services was founded on the belief that people deserve higher quality senior living options. They proudly provide the same excellent care and love to residents and their families as they would their own. Their goal is to meet each resident’s individual needs while exceeding expectations. Harmony offers living options such as independent living, assisted living and memory care. And for Harmony at Greensboro,...

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...