From occupancy to staffing, various challenges circulate the senior living industry each year. Fortunately for providers facing these challenges, implementing technology solutions can ease the burden — and lead their communities toward a brighter future. Here at Yardi, we strive to help providers navigate obstacles with our senior living management software. This includes MBK Senior Living, who recently reached their 10-year anniversary as a Yardi client. From our team to MBK’s, it’s an honor to celebrate this special milestone! About MBK MBK Senior Living follows a people-first approach in senior living. Putting residents’ health and happiness first — emphasizing exceptional care, nutritious dining and the highest level of respect — is what makes their communities shine. Founded in 1990, MBK offers options in assisted living, independent living and memory care. And 30 years of service has led the organization to continuously evolve and innovate, ensuring residents receive the best possible care. Today, MBK owns and operates communities in California, Oregon, Washington, Utah, Colorado and Arizona. Navigating industry challenges Like other providers, MBK has worked to strategically navigate the staffing crisis. With help from Yardi software solutions and decades of experience steering their communities forward, they’ve found creative ways to attract and retain staff. Highlighted in a Senior Housing News article this year, MBK’s staffing approach includes an executive director training program, which has led to the promotion of several internal candidates across their communities. In turn, vital team members have stayed on board throughout the staffing crisis. In addition to promoting internal candidates, MBK has also recruited new, qualified staff by treating candidates the same way they approach prospective residents: with respect and kindness. As a result, the staffing crisis hasn’t impacted MBK’s inquiries, tours and move-ins. Instead, the Irvine, California-based organization continues to...
Changemaker Series
Announces Bryan McCaleb
If you’ve visited The Balance Sheet recently, you’ve likely seen our posts about Changemakers, an interview series that spotlights innovative leadership in senior living. As a sponsor for the fourth consecutive year, we’re honored to shine a light on each leader’s story. The in-depth interviews are released in batches by Senior Housing News (SHN). And the latest group of honorees includes Changemaker Bryan McCaleb, president of Sagora Senior Living and someone who embodies what it means to put residents first. About Bryan McCaleb As president of Sagora, a Yardi senior living client and resident-focused organization, Bryan McCaleb knows how to push boundaries and build success. Most importantly, he stands behind Sagora’s mission to help seniors enjoy retirement with style and dignity. Since joining the Sagora team in 2006, McCaleb has helped the organization serve seniors — exceeding their wants and needs — through exceptional residential alternatives. In his detailed interview with SHN, McCaleb shares how Sagora has grown in such a competitive landscape, sharing how promoting internal team members has made the difference. Read a portion of Bryan McCaleb’s interview below: SHN: As you think back on your career in senior living, what changes have you driven that you’re especially proud of? McCaleb: Our company has always made a difference through creating. The term “Resident first” may be a cliché in our industry, but it is not a cliché at Sagora, where we have a motto “Resident First, Team focused and Quality centered.” We’ve worked hard over the last six years to create a team member-first environment. If the team member is our focus, they can take the care focus from us. From my seat, it really makes a difference. When they’re happy to be there and they feel appreciated, every aspect of...
Electronic Leasing Tools
In Senior Living
How can Yardi’s single connected solution simplify your move-in workflow? We have the answers, which we’ve compiled in our newest infographic covering all-things electronic leasing. In essence, electronic leasing tools in the Yardi Senior Living Suite make the move-in process seamless. With interconnected tools enabling customized online leases, electronic signatures and accessible digital documents, Yardi ensures you never miss a beat in turning prospects to residents. So if your communities aren’t utilizing electronic leasing tools yet, keep reading to see how making the switch can benefit you, your staff, residents and their families. Learn about electronic leasing functionality What is electronic leasing? In short, electronic leases — or eleases — are a digital version of the rental contract you already know. But with Yardi, electronic leasing is much more than a digital document. Our full-service, integrated electronic leasing management tools helps senior living providers streamline every step of the move-in process. Still curious how the process works, and which Yardi tools are key players? With our interconnected tools, you say goodbye to disparate systems and misplaced documents. Once your sales counselors generate a lease in RentCafe Senior CRM, it’s uploaded to RentCafe Senior Living online portal in real time. From there, prospective residents and family members get notified to complete their electronic signatures. They can log directly into the portal, or sign while in the community using a secure PIN, allowing for convenient access anytime, anywhere. All documents — including signed leases — are automatically tied to the resident record in Voyager Senior Housing. Deposits, recurring charges, one-time charges, lease terms, move-in incentives, care level, concessions, concession approvals and quote sheets systematically flow into the digital lease, eliminating the risk for errors and lost details. The challenge There’s a lot to unpack when it comes to electronic leasing functionality, and the challenges that arise when providers rely on paper-based process or siloed systems. Simply put, without an online leasing workflow, providers face: Hours spent generating leases and ancillary documentsLost prospects who wish to sign forms remotelyDisplaced documents scattered across siloed systemsA halted sales cycle and decreased move-ins Thankfully, full-service solutions like the Yardi Senior Living Suite eliminate these challenges by integrating and digitizing everything you need. The solution If you’re a visual learner, be sure to read the infographic to see how Yardi’s electronic leasing workflow operates from start to finish. This single connected solution allows providers to: Generate custom leases in RentCafe Senior CRM, our mobile-friendly sales and marketing toolEnable residents and families to sign forms in RentCafe Senior Living, our secure online portalSearch, find and update signed documents in Voyager Senior Housing, our community management powerhouse The benefits Going digital for your leasing needs has countless benefits. And with a system like the Yardi Senior Living Suite, housing everything on a single platform, those benefits include: Saving time — eliminate time spent sorting through paper documentsOffering convenience — give staff and prospects intuitive online platformsEnhancing resident satisfaction — help residents and families complete tasks with easeMaximizing occupancy — accelerate the leasing process at every level See firsthand success from Yardi clients Wondering how providers are benefiting from Yardi’s electronic leasing functionality? Read the infographic to see what our clients are saying. If you’re ready to chat with our team about electronic leasing tools in the Yardi Senior Living Suite, we encourage you to get in touch. We can’t wait to show you...
Yardi Clients Make
Best Senior Living List
Last year, we shared U.S. News & World Report’s plans to release a Best Senior Living list. And the waiting is over! That list is officially live — and it features nearly 1,300 senior living communities branching from over 80 operators. The list was crafted to help seniors and their families navigate the challenging process of choosing a community. For the communities listed, U.S. news includes detailed profiles with ratings and testimonials from current residents and family members. While each community listed deserves recognition for their exceptional efforts, we can’t help but share our excitement for the several Yardi clients who were recognized. To each client who earned a well-deserved spot on the list, congratulations! If you’re eager to learn more about the Best Senior Living list, keep reading for a snapshot. Yardi clients make Best Senior Living List In selecting which locations would make the list, U.S. News surveyed residents and families from more than 3,000 participating communities. From that pool, 1,274 were selected and deemed to excel in independent living, assisted living and/or memory care. That includes a batch of amazing Yardi clients who we’re proud to celebrate. Among the Yardi clients selected, several were even recognized as exceling in all three categories. Wondering how our senior living management software helps operators unify operations and enhance care? Read more about tools in the Yardi Senior Living Suite. About the Best Senior Living list Choosing a senior living community for yourself or a loved one can be difficult. But with resources like the Best Senior Living list, that decision-making process gets easier. Courtesy of U.S. News, in partnership with Activated Insights, residents and families from participating communities were asked to rate their experience on things that matter most, including: The kindness of...
Changemaker Series
Recognizes Joel Nelson of LCS
“Often I’ve found that change comes at the most unexpected times, but I believe that’s what makes our work so meaningful.” Those words come from LCS President and CEO Joel Nelson, a member of this year’s Changemakers class. The annual Changemakers series recognizes bold, strategic leadership in senior living. With leaders like Nelson interviewed by Senior Housing News (SHN) throughout the series, you get an inside look at how industry pioneers are sparking change. Yardi is proud to sponsor Changemakers for the fourth consecutive year. Introducing Joel Nelson Joel Nelson’s career at LCS — a Yardi client and one of the nation’s largest senior living organizations — has been full of change. From starting the company’s real estate business to now operating over 130 communities in the LCS Family of Companies, Nelson is skilled at navigating challenges and developing solutions. In his SHN interview, Nelson shares how being prepared for change is critical, and discusses which changes he believes are vital for the industry’s future. Keep reading for a highlight. SHN: Thinking back on your career in senior living, what are some of the changes you’re especially proud of leading? Nelson: I’ve had the good fortune to be in the industry for the last 36 years, and there have been many changes in LCS and the senior living industry during that time. The one I’m most proud of is when I was given the opportunity to start our real estate company back in 2010. It was transformational for the company and who we are, and it has driven even more changes as a result. There’s a lot to be proud of in this industry, which is why I stuck around for so long. I’ve been on multiple association boards, and for the last couple...
Commonwealth Senior Living
Named Great Place To Work
73 percent of employees at Commonwealth Senior Living say it’s a great place to work compared to 57 percent of employees at a typical U.S.-based company. That’s according to a survey made possible by Great Place To Work, and it’s exactly why this senior living provider earned a place on the 2022 Great Place To Work list. Great Place To Work makes it easy to survey employees, uncover actionable insights and get recognized for exceptional company culture. Across industries, earning a place on the list means employees report a positive work experience — and a true appreciation for their employer and company as a whole. From our team here at Yardi, congratulations to Commonwealth Senior Living for earning a place on the 2022 list! Commonwealth named 2022 Great Place To Work Creating an environment in which employees feel respected and empowered is no easy task. And when it comes to senior living, employers need to treat employees in a way that positions them — and empowers them — to provide excellent resident care. Earning a spot on the 2022 Great Place To Work list, Commonwealth embodies what it means to maintain a great workplace. Drawing from the administered survey, Commonwealth employees reported the following: 89 percent feel their work has special meaning: this is not “just a job”84 percent feel they make a difference at the company82 percent feel a sense of pride when looking at what the company accomplishes82 percent say when you join the company, you’re made to feel welcome80 percent feel people at the company are given a sense of responsibility Great Place To Work also draws top words from employee comments within the survey, which included things like love, care, team and family for Commonwealth. Read more about what makes Commonwealth employees love what they do. Learn about Commonwealth Senior Living Flipping the organizational chart upside down, Commonwealth firmly believes that all home office and regional management positions exist to support the services that are being provided at their communities. Ultimately, the people who are providing the care to residents are the most important asset to the company. Commonwealth has roughly 1,722 employees based throughout the U.S and offers services in independent living, assisted living and memory care. Explore what makes Commonwealth different. This provider’s success with Yardi In order to serve residents with excellence and provide the best care possible, Commonwealth draws help from the Yardi Senior Living Suite. From RentCafe Senior CRM, to Yardi EHR to Yardi eMAR, Yardi’s integrated tools give Commonwealth employees everything needed to devote their efforts to improving residents’ lives. Learn about Yardi’s single connected solution for senior living. We couldn’t be happier to share Commonwealth’s Great Place To Work certification — and congratulate them for their amazing company culture. Be sure to read more about Commonwealth and their efforts in senior...
Changemakers Series
Honors Tana Gall
Now in its fourth consecutive year, the Changemakers series showcases forward-thinking leadership in senior living. But not just any leaders earn the honor. The Changemakers title is reserved for those who drive positive change across the industry — and who pursue innovative strategies along the way. It’s empowering to see how each honoree is transforming the industry as we know it. That’s made possible through in-depth interviews conducted by Senior Housing News (SHN) and sponsored by Yardi. And lucky for you, the first batch of interviews is live. That includes one from Tana Gall, president of Merrill Gardens, a family-owned company and Yardi client. Her story is one you don’t want to miss. Meet Tana Gall From decades of experience in senior living, Changemaker Tana Gall is skilled at problem solving. That comes from her initiative to take risks and forge new paths, which Gall has done throughout her career. Now as president of Merrill Gardens, she has an important perspective on what it takes to spearhead change. In her interview, Gall tells SHN about her bold but calculated risk-taking approach, plus she shares lessons learned from her 27 years in the industry. Keep reading for a highlight. SHN: Thinking back on your career in senior living, what are some of the changes you’re especially proud of leading? Gall: In the early 2000s, I was able to work with a group on changing our industry messaging. For my first few years in the industry, a lot of the same words were used to describe what we did — respect, integrity, independence. They were generic and didn’t capture what the industry represented, so we took a leap. During my time at Leisure Care, I worked with a very creative group of people to roll...
Changemakers Series
Meet Tom Grape
Remember Changemakers — the annual series recognizing pioneers in senior living? It’s a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the innovation, drive and commitment circling the industry, and honor the leaders behind it all. We’re pleased to announce the 2022 series has officially begun. Proudly sponsored by Yardi for the fourth year in a row, the Senior Housing News (SHN) Changemakers series will showcase some of the most dynamic leadership senior living has to offer. Released in batches over the next several months, this year’s interviews will feature never-before-seen insights from visionaries across the industry. In that spirit, meet our first Changemaker: Tom Grape. About Tom Grape As founder, chairman and CEO of Benchmark Senior Living, a dedicated Yardi client, Grape is well versed in spearheading change. Having founded the company in 1997, he embodies what it means to shape senior living as we know it. In his interview with SHN, Grape details how he’s led Benchmark through change to attract a more complex consumer, his mission to increase diversity at the leadership level and more. Here’s a snapshot: SHN: What changes have you driven at Benchmark or in the industry that you’re especially proud of? Grape: I’ve been in the industry for a long time, and I’m proud of having been, at least in the assisted living side, there from the ground up. I was one of the founding members of, then ALFA, now Argentum, and was a chair many years ago. I founded the Massachusetts chapter, helping write legislation in Massachusetts and as a founder of the Connecticut chapter, I take pride in being one of the early folks. Benchmark was an early champion of promoting positive culture, and we are still defined by that characteristic today. The Boston Globe has named us in their “Top Places to Work” list each of the 14 years they’ve had it. We’re the only company to accomplish that in their large company category, and I’m so proud of that. We’re continuing to be a strong proponent of culture. Care, in general, is something on which we’ve worked hard to differentiate ourselves from others. And we’ve become a pioneer in capital over time. We were the first one to bring opportunity fund capital and international capital to the sector, and we were one of the first RIDEA deals. SHN: How do you think about timing so that a company like Benchmark can innovate without getting so far ahead that a new idea is just too new? Grape: The best way to drive change is to do it in increments. We’ll start with a pilot, depending on what kind of change it is, to test it, tinker with it and work out some of the kinks. If it’s not being well-received but you think the execution is OK, then maybe you’re doing it too soon. I would try to avoid too many broad-scale changes at once without having done some form of test or early introduction. SHN: If you could change one thing about the senior living industry, what would it be? Grape: I’d love the senior living industry to find a way to have our product/service received in a more universally positive fashion. Our product is a real gift to the people we serve and yet, it is not always received as such. It’s not always delivered as such. If we can have it delivered, received and portrayed more consistently it would be a great advance for the industry. Read Tom Grape’s entire interview To read the rest of Tom Grape’s conversation with SHN, check out the full interview. To learn how Yardi solutions help providers like Benchmark drive positive change, explore our Senior Living Suite infographic or product...
Ready to network?
Argentum Executive Conference
Argentum is well known for their advocacy efforts in senior living. From influencing policy decisions to informing the public about pressing issues, they’re always working to better the lives of older adults. This makes their annual conference a can’t-be-missed opportunity. The event gathers thousands of senior living professionals, operators, owners, executives and community leaders to discuss the future of senior living. And this year, you can connect with team Yardi at booth 805. Ready to network at the Argentum Senior Living Executive Conference? We’ll see you May 16-18 at the Minneapolis Convention Center. Come to booth 805 There’s no denying the importance of technology in today’s senior living landscape. Integrated, comprehensive solutions like the Yardi Senior Living Suite have the tools needed to unify operations, increase move-ins and enhance resident care. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Our single connected solution has undergone some powerful enhancements lately, and each improvement was built to power your communities like never before. With that in mind, we invite you to meet team Yardi at booth 805 come Argentum 2022! We’ll answer any questions you have, whether it be on the Senior Living Suite as a whole, or individual tools like RentCafe Senior CRM and Yardi EHR. We can’t wait to show you what’s new with each product — and demonstrate how everything connects on a single platform. Want to get something on the books in advance? Schedule time to meet with us at Argentum. Start exploring our single connected solution Eager to learn more about Yardi before Argentum? Check out our newest infographic to see how our software evolves — with functionality like electronic signatures — to help operators succeed. We walk you through every step of our electronic leasing process, and offer testimonies...
Celebrate NSNCW 2022
Creating & Nurturing Connections
It’s National Skilled Nursing Care Week (NSNCW)! Established by the American Health Care Association (ACHA) in 1967, this week-long observance recognizes the essential role of skilled nursing care centers in caring for America’s seniors and disabled population. Skilled nursing care centers across the country are hosting events to mark the occasion, which runs through May 14. And this year’s theme — Creating and Nurturing Connections — is especially inspiring. We’re here to share the meaning behind NSNCW and offer some ideas to celebrate. We hope you’ll join us in recognizing skilled nursing care centers, and their staff members, for all that they do to improve residents’ lives. All about NSNCW Skilled nursing care centers and their staff are no stranger to dedication. They continuously strive to provide high-level care for their residents, no matter the circumstance. And we’ve seen just how committed they are throughout the last two years of the pandemic. They’ve worked to provide exceptional care without fail, protecting residents around the clock during periods of limited visitation and social distancing. Staff members became family members and friends when residents needed social connection more than ever. It’s why this year’s theme, developed by ACHA, is perfectly fitting. The focus of this year’s NSNCW is simple: celebrate the essential role that skilled nursing care centers and staff play in creating and nurturing connections for their residents. Learn more about the role of skilled nursing care centers and staff, as well as details on NSNCW 2022. How to celebrate Don’t miss your chance to celebrate NSNCW! Drawn from ACHA’s 2022 planning guide, we have a list of activities designed to help residents staff and families create new connections — and nurture existing ones. Working together, we encourage you to create and...
Senior Living Suite
Your 7.16 Update
Senior living is an ever-changing industry. It’s important for software solutions to adapt, grow and advance to meet providers’ needs as they shift. That’s our approach here at Yardi — our team constantly works to gather client feedback and enhance tools in the Yardi Senior Living Suite. From adding new features to improving usability, we bundle everything into a fresh release for our senior living clients to enjoy. And you guessed it, we’re sharing the latest release with you today, packed with exciting new functionality. Keep reading for a look at what’s new in 7.16, including enhancements to Yardi Voyager Senior Housing, RentCafe Senior Living, EHR and eMAR. Voyager Senior Housing Voyager Senior Housing, our comprehensive financial accounting tool, received multiple enhancements. Access a new reapply payments option, track payer type history and more. Assign maintenance tasks thanks to an updated unit make ready feature, plus utilize an editable service charge rate option and new import ETLs. Watch the overview video RentCafe Senior CRM Enjoy various new features in RentCafe Senior CRM, our mobile-friendly sales and marketing platform. Explore a new lead manager dashboard, lease signing updates and detailed move-in data based on physical or financial dates. Enjoy the ability to create bulk activities for a prospect — and see automatic updates to move-in, lead and tour goals based on occupancy budgets. Copy setup information with ease when adding a new community to your portfolio. Watch the overview video EHR Our full-service electronic health record solution, Yardi EHR, is equipped with fresh functionality. Tap into a late entry feature in the wounds dashboard, as well as strikethrough functionality in both the wounds and behaviors dashboards. Schedules can now be defaulted like care plan actions for wound progress checks, and assessments can now be...
Power Panel Ebook
McKnight’s & Yardi
From staffing to compliance to technology, there’s no shortage of pressing topics circling the senior living industry. And the latest McKnight’s Power Panel — Pandemic Year III: Keys to Success — gathered experts to discuss it all. The online roundtable prompted panelists to debate today’s issues and offer solutions for the year ahead. And to help a larger audience access the insights, McKnight’s put together a fresh ebook that presents the biggest takeaways from their conversations. That ebook is available now. Whether you attended the roundtable or not, the ebook is worth a read. See below for a quick highlight of what you’ll find: New Mcknight’s Power Panel ebook With panelists from different verticals in long-term care, the McKnight’s Power Panel was full of varying perspectives. How will operating conditions continue to shift with the pandemic? How is the “new normal” changing again for providers? These types of questions received a range of answers throughout the roundtable, and lucky for you, they’re recapped in the ebook. Featuring insights from Yardi expert David Bellew, read the ebook to learn: Technology’s role in the industry todayPredictions for a post-pandemic landscapeStrategies for the futureAnd more About panelist David Bellew David Bellew is an accomplished leader in the healthcare industry. Currently serving as the Director of Client Services here on the Yardi senior living team, 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. If you have questions for team Yardi about our solutions in senior living, we encourage you to reach out to us. Download the resource Yardi is pleased to sponsor events like the McKnight’s Power Panel that spark insightful conversations in...
New Case Study
Cascadia & Senior IQ
How can senior living providers use business intelligence (BI) tools to elevate their communities? We have the answer for you, and it comes in the form of a brand-new case study. We sat down with Michael Schefter, chief financial officer at Cascadia Senior Living to learn how Yardi Senior IQ has changed the company’s day-to-day processes for the better. From streamlined operations to saved time — Cascadia is reaping the benefits of a single connected BI solution. Here’s a quick snapshot of the case study, which covers exactly how Senior IQ helps Cascadia prosper. An introduction to Cascadia Senior Living Cascadia Senior Living & Development is devoted to their residents. Founded in 2013 and based in the Pacific Northwest, Cascadia manages over 13 senior housing properties with a focus on independent living, assisted living, memory care and respite care. Cascadia believes it takes a group effort — residents, their families, their friends and the Cascadia staff — to create vibrant communities. Most importantly, they’re always striving to better their communities. With help from technology, Cascadia drills into individual communities to uncover specific details — finding new ways to improve residents’ quality of life. The challenge with siloed solutions & jeopardized data Before adopting a single connected solution, Cascadia was manually pulling data from disparate sources. Finance, accounting and operations teams were devoting hours to extracting raw data each month, searching for specific metrics, making calculations and transposing data into graphs and slide decks. Digging for specific answers was part of the job — but it wasn’t an efficient use of time. With rapidly expanding communities and a larger pool of metrics, time wasn’t the only issue. Data integrity became a primary concern. Cascadia faced increased discrepancies, manual errors and ultimately, jeopardized data. They...
Senior Living Events
Your 2022 Lineup
There’s no shortage of senior living events this year — but which are worth attending? How should providers fill their calendar for the remainder of 2022? While there are many trade shows packed with valuable takeaways, we’re here to share a few recommendations. These events offer opportunities to connect with experts, discover emerging solutions and ultimately, explore the future of the industry. You’ll find team Yardi in attendance at each, ready to greet you and answer questions about our senior living management software. Keep reading for a roundup of upcoming events to put on your radar. FALA Annual Conference & Tradeshow Happy 30 year anniversary to the Florida Assisted Living Association (FALA)! With decades of industry success, FALA’s Annual Conference & Tradeshow is a fantastic setting to learn tips for navigating an ever-changing industry. Whether you’re eager to network with other professionals, receive updates about the latest industry trends or connect with vendors who can help you deliver better care, this year’s conference has it all. You’ll find team Yardi at booth 423. We’ll show you how our single connected solution helps providers streamline operations and deliver excellent care. Schedule time to connect with us at the conference. Event details: Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Orlando, Florida May 31-June 2, 2022 CALA Spring Conference & Trade Show Join over 900 providers and top decision makers at the 2022 CALA Spring Conference & Trade Show, including CEOs, CFOs, COOs, executive directors, clinical staff, marketing professionals and more. You’ll tap into a wealth of resources and learn what’s driving the senior living industry forward. Be sure to meet our team at booth 52 where we’ll discuss how the Yardi Senior Living Suite works to empower staff, automate workflows and enhance resident satisfaction. Visit this page to schedule...
Yardi Care Apps
Release New Features
Ready to explore our Yardi EHR mobile apps? Each app — Care Stream and EHR Assessments — has undergone a fresh round of enhancements built to help senior living staff succeed. Keep reading to learn about the latest functionality in both apps: New functionality & expanded compatibility in Care Stream Thanks to Care Stream’s 1.29 update and release, senior care staff can now utilize a simplified task workflow. Shown as either their resident or task summary view, the enhanced workflow displays upcoming tasks using clear, pre-configured icons — all crafted to help staff streamline daily responsibilities and deliver better care. When caregivers enter the task summary view, they’ll see a resident photo, an icon related to a particular task and a color-coded icon representing the level of assistance needed. So if a resident is due for a bath that day, caregivers will see a bath icon in conjunction with a green icon representing minimal assistance, a yellow icon for moderate assistance or a red icon indicating extensive assistance. This means staff members see exactly how to care for each resident — and how much assistance is needed — at a glance. For staff with vision impairments or non-English speakers, these icons are especially beneficial. In addition to viewing their entire task list, staff can also use the icons to filter by individual task for added convenience and time savings. And that’s not all — the Care Stream app also received a compatibility update. Windows 10 users can now download Care Stream directly to their laptop or tablet, rather than utilizing the desktop version. This allows more staff, across varying communities, to utilize the app and access its benefits. Ready to see more? Be sure to download the Yardi EHR Care Stream app on the...
Tap Into Clinical Data...
New Senior IQ Dashboards
When it comes to viewing clinical data, senior living providers need a solution that paints the full picture. How many resident falls occurred during a particular shift this week? What percentage of residents are vaccinated against COVID-19? Thanks to the latest Senior IQ update — 1.18 to be exact — these answers are available at the click of a button. That’s right, this business intelligence solution now draws clinical data directly from Yardi EHR and presents it in brand-new dashboards. You can track clinical trends, identify residents at risk, pinpoint problems and improve protocols — all from a single platform. No more digging for answers or making best guesses. With Senior IQ, you’re enabled to make smarter, faster decisions based on actionable information. Ready to see more? Let’s get right to it. See below for a highlight of the new dashboards and enhancements in Senior IQ: Analyze resident falls Courtesy of the new clinical falls dashboard, Senior IQ clients now have access to detailed fall metrics. Here you’ll see fall rates by month, check whether repeat falls are occurring, view falls categorized by time of day and more. With clear, valuable information presented in the dashboard, you’re equipped to tie falls back to staffing, identify protocol problems and ultimately uncover what’s jeopardizing resident safety. And these detailed fall reports help you develop action plans to prevent future incidents. Streamline reporting Ready to simplify your reporting process? With Senior IQ, you’ll tap into insightful data that’s automatically updated from the previous day. Each dashboard’s data points were carefully selected by Yardi’s clinical and compliance team to help you track quality measures and performance metrics. Track vaccinations We know the importance of vaccination tracking, especially in communities today. Luckily, the new clinical vaccination dashboard...
Fil Southerland
Named HITAC Member
Yardi Director of Health Care Solutions Fil Southerland has been appointed to the Health Information Technology Advisory Committee (HITAC). The Comptroller General of the United States and head of the U.S. Government Accountability Office announced the appointment of Southerland, along with 6 other members, to serve a 3-year term. Southerland brings extensive experience and perspective to the HITAC, where he’ll be a strong advocate for implementing health information technology in senior living. Members in other health care industries that were recently appointed include Hans Buitendijk, Steven Eichner, Rajesh Godavarthi, Hung Luu, Aaron Neinstein and Eliel Oliveira. The HITAC was established in 2016 under the 21st Century Cures Act. The committee provides recommendations to the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology on policies, standards, implementation specifications and certification criteria. Specifically, relating to the implementation of health information technology that advances the electronic use of health information. “I’m honored to serve on the Health Information Technology Advisory Committee,” said Fil Southerland, director of health care solutions at Yardi. “The opportunity gives myself, and my fellow appointees, a platform to discuss pressing issues and advise the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology accordingly. I’m pleased to bring my experience to advocate for the electronic access, exchange and use of health information in the LTPAC industry.” Fil Southerland has been involved with the LTPAC industry for over 15 years and currently serves as director of healthcare solutions at Yardi, where he leads initiatives in electronic health care records and interoperability. Prior to his time at Yardi, Fil served as Founder and CTO of ALMSA, Inc., a nationally recognized cloud-based electronic health provider in the assisted living industry. With expertise in health information technology, digital privacy, LTPAC policy and interoperability initiatives, Fil is passionate about using technology to...
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...
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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...
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....
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...
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....
Abby Development
Senior Housing Success
“We had to identify a single solution that could do what we needed, out of the box, instead of pursuing ten different vendors for ten different things. That was a big piece of choosing Yardi.” That’s what Chief Financial Officer Marc Abraham says about Abby Development’s path to Yardi solutions. From financials to business intelligence, this Texas-headquartered provider needed an integrated system — one built for their exact needs. That’s just the beginning of Abby Development’s story. Luckily, we hopped on the phone with Abraham to get the full picture, learning all the details of their experience with Voyager Senior Housing and Senior IQ. And these interconnected tools are driving real success for Abby Development, company-wide. Keep reading for a highlight: The Challenge: Limited Analysis Abby Development was using a software system with limitations. As a fast-growing company, frequently compiling data and running reports, they needed a solution that enabled a deeper level of analysis. They searched for a single connected solution to capture real-time insights, eliminate errors and save time. The Solution: Yardi Voyager Senior Housing & Senior IQ Yardi Voyager Senior Housing unifies property management, finance and business oversight on a single platform. Built for the unique needs of senior living providers, Voyager ensures Abby Development has every tool needed to manage their communities. With Yardi Senior IQ, a senior living business intelligence solution, Abby Development accesses real-time data in attractive, sharable dashboards. Drawing portfolio-wide information from Voyager, Senior IQ helps Abby Development act confidently and make informed decisions. The Story: Comprehensive Insights Describing the system used prior to Yardi, Abraham noted, “It wasn’t the at level we needed — the functionality just wasn’t there.” By selecting solutions from the Yardi Senior Living Suite, Abby Development now accesses key metrics, reports...
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...
