AI50

In this episode of Boomer Living, we have Tom Egan. He provides overall executive leadership for FSL [Foundation for Senior Living], oversees the day-to-day operations, provides fiduciary oversight, and is actively involved in fund development. Tom promotes greater awareness of FSL within the community and guides the vision and strategic direction for FSL.

We discuss why he started FSL, his focus on clients and their caregivers, one-on-one customized care, the state of affordable housing, the effect of the pandemic on affordable housing, and much more...

[00:00] Affordable housing, particularly for seniors is a challenge.
[01:22] Introduction
[02:14] Why did you start FSL, Foundation for Senior Living? And what problem did you see that you set out to solve?
[03:01] Why do you choose to focus on the clients as well as their caregivers?
[03:47] How are you able to provide one-on-one customized care at scale?
[07:49] Can you tell us a bit about the state of affordable senior housing in Arizona?
[08:46] How is Arizona different from affordable housing on a national level?
[10:21] What more needs to be done to ensure everyone has access to affordable senior housing?
[10:58] What effect is the pandemic having on affordable housing?
[12:10] Are any of these changes, part of a larger trend that's likely to continue even after the pandemic is gone?
[14:02] Why is it important to you to focus on the poor and the vulnerable people?
[15:08] People often think these problems that we're facing, systemic and too big for one person to make a difference. What would you say to someone like that to motivate them, to make the changes that are so necessary in our world?
[16:43] On a personal level, what do you think is your biggest strength that enables you to have a unique, impactful effect on older adults?
[17:33] Do you think working closely with older adults changed you in any way?
[19:09] Would you like to share anything about affordable senior housing? Do you have any last thoughts?
[20:24] Parting words of wisdom and wrap-up.

Tom Egan has 20 years of experience in non-profit organizations, including 16 years of nonprofit management experience and he holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy.

You can learn more on his web site at https://www.fsl.org

In this episode of Boomer Living, we have Todd Andrews, Division President, responsible for overseeing Asbury Communities CCRC’s that encompass a portfolio of 8 communities in 3 states. These communities serve 4300 residents and employ more than 2800 associates. This role encompasses full operational accountability, innovation, and service delivery to support Asbury’s mission of Doing All the Good We Can.

During Todd’s 28 plus years serving residents, he has provided strategic leadership in both the not-for-profit and for-profit sectors. A staunch advocate for helping others live their best life, Todd’s leadership focuses on enhancing lifestyle opportunities and meeting people where they are in their lives.  He is responsible for driving the strategic plan, organizational vision, and growth of the mission to both our residents and staff alike.

We discuss why he believes senior living communities are the best place to be during the COVID-19 pandemic and the bad press these communities have received, attracting good talent, why communication throughout the organization is the most important focus we need to have in these times, and how it is essential for retention of staff and much more...

[00:00] Pre-Introduction discussion
[01:20] Introduction
[01:48] Can you explain why you believe that senior living communities are the best place to be during the pandemic?
[03:11] Why do you think so much of the bad press around COVID was aimed at nursing homes and other assisted living communities? Do you think they were easy targets for the media?
[04:18] Have you found it harder to attract quality talent in these times? How can we continue to attract talent to our field nowadays?
[05:43] What shifts in talent acquisition do you think are vital to the industry's success in a post-COVID world?
[07:29] In 10 or 20 years, what changes do you think the senior living industry will undergo?
[10:16] What are those factors that define a successful senior living organization?
[12:52] Will the factors that describe a successful senior living organization change in the future, post-COVID?
[16:04] What is stopping us from getting to a successful senior living organization, sooner?
[18:57] How do you try to embody Asbury's mission of doing all the good we can in your day-to-day job?
[20:44] Is Asbury's mission something that you carry into your everyday life as well?
[22:30] A senior living community is more than a business.
[23:45] How do you empower such a large workforce, over 2,800 associates, to also live by Asbury's mission?
[25:16] What do you think is your biggest strength that enables you to have a unique, impactful effect on older adults?
[26:38] Do you think working closely with older adults has changed you in any way?
[27:21] Do you have anything else that you would like to share?
[28:44] Wrap-up

Todd Andrews holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Administration from Binghamton University and resides in Richmond, Virginia with his wife Melissa, 3 children, and French bulldog Bella.

Todd's LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/todd-andrews-54035832/

On this episode of Boomer Living, we have Dr. Nate Bergman, Chief Scientific Wellness Officer for Kemper Cognitive Wellness, speaking about brain health and the concept of "Scientific Wellness" and how it relates to brain aging and wellness.

[01:24] Introduction
[02:04] Is memory loss preventable in any way or is it inevitable as we age?
[03:16] Aside from memory loss, what other kinds of cognitive loss are possible and how can we pick up on this early both for ourselves and observing it in our loved ones?
[06:49] Do you think our lifestyle lends ourselves to constantly be bombarded with information flashing in front of us and just taking us in so many different directions, does that contribute to it?
[08:28] What should we do if we or someone we know are experiencing these types of loss?
[10:37] Can you give an overview of what dementigens are?
[12:08] What are the most common dementigens, and how do we best avoid dementigens in our own lives?
[17:55] Planning for longevity, aging, attitude towards aging, and caregiving should start in you're younger years.
[20:52] Finding the strength to be a caregiver.
[22:51] What is "Scientific Wellness" and how was it relevant to brain aging and wellness?
[24:34] Is there anything beyond lifestyle factors that is evidence-based that may help delay or improve the effects of cognitive aging, perhaps technology?
[27:23] What other types of anti-memory loss technology do you think we'll see in the next decade?
[29:09] Kemper Cognitive Wellness is launching a new course for caregivers which gives theoretical and practical information to help new caregivers navigate the ins-and-outs of caregiving for someone with Alzheimer's and dementia.

Dr. Nate Bergman is a board-certified physician currently acting as the Chief Scientific Wellness Officer for Kemper Cognitive Wellness in Cleveland, Ohio.  He formerly co-developed the brain health program at Cleveland Clinic's - Center for Functional Medicine. The author of peer-reviewed medical articles, a podcaster himself, and father of 5 very neurodiverse children!

Dr. Bergman's podcast "Evolving Past Alzheimer’s" brings you the highest caliber information on Alzheimer’s prevention and reversal and pathways to thriving in life’s “second half.” The challenge of Alzheimer’s has provided humanity with an opportunity to upgrade its collective consciousness. Listen here: https://evolvingpast.com/

On this episode of Boomer Living, we have Barry Jacobs and his wife, Julia Mayor. Both are clinical psychologists and together they co-authored two books: "Love and Meaning After 50", and "Meditations for Caregivers".

[01:24] Introduction
[02:02] As you get older, how does the role of marriage change?
[04:58] Why is the divorce rate among married couples over 50 increasing in the US?
[07:07] Do you think any of this is because of a lack of understanding of relationships, changing roles as we age? What can couples do to lessen the risks of divorce and stay together and happily married?
[10:01] What is the impact of caregiving on relationships of couples over 50? And how does caregiving affect relationships?
[16:06] Can you give suggestions, how can couples make sure that this doesn't create tension in the relationship?
[18:16] What are some key ways to revitalizing the marriage in the last third of life?
[20:16] How can senior living communities create marriage enrichment programs and family care, giving support programs?
[22:14] How can senior living communities support residents who have lost their partner and are still dealing with the emotional impact of it?
[23:29] What motivated you to write two books together as a couple? And can you share with the audience about your books?
[25:26] Can you say what the names of the books are and can listeners find it on Amazon or where can they find it?
[25:50] Closing thoughts

Barry J. Jacobs, Psy.D. is a clinical psychologist and Principal in the Philadelphia office of Health Management Associates, a national healthcare consulting firm. He is a monthly columnist on family caregiving for AARP.org and an honorary board member of the Well Spouse Association.

Julia L. Mayer, Psy.D. is a clinical psychologist in private practice in Media, PA. She specializes in helping individuals and couples with trauma and family caregiving.

They are married and have co-authored two books: AARP Meditations for Caregivers (Da Capo, 2016) AND AARP Love and Meaning After 50 (Hachette Go, 2020).

Visit Julia and Barry on the web at https://loveandmeaning.com/ where you can view their books and learn more about relationships as we age.

Dr. Regina Koepp is the founder and CEO of Gero Champions, a company that provides training and education to enhance the mental health and wellness of older adults and their families. Dr. Koepp is the creator and host of the Psychology of Aging Podcast where she discusses aging and caregiving. She has been featured in the Chicago Tribune, Baltimore Sun, Insider, and is a contributing writer at Psychology Today.

Topics of Discussion:

• [02:12] Introduction
• [02:58] What is the best way to study caregiving and what are some of the important roles of a caregiver?
• [09:14] What do you think it is like to be a caregiver during the pandemic?
  • This is a very painful time, please take care of yourself. If you or someone you know is in crisis or struggling with thoughts about harming yourself or others, please reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255  or click on the link: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat/
• [12:21] What policies need to be changed to better support caregivers?
• [16:50] Loved ones doing the caregiving many times are scrutinized by Families members
• [18:15] The Caregiver’s Journey, discussing the 6 stages of caregiving
  • [18:28] Stage 1: Pre -caregiving stage
  • [21:35] Stage 2: Early caregiving stage - "The Ambiguous Caregiver"
  • [26:24] Stage 3: "Yes, I'm a caregiver - There is no denying it"
  • [30:17] Stage 4: Moving toward death - "The Steward Stage"
  • [33:01] Stage 5: The bereavement stage - Your loved one has passed and you're grieving
  • [34:02] Stage 6: The rebuilding stage
• [37:54] What are some things the average person can do to maintain their mental health as they grow older?
• [40:56] Why do you think it’s so uncomfortable in our culture to discuss aging and end-of-life plans?
• [43:19] Which has a bigger impact on mental health for older adults?

Dr. Regina Koepp is a board-certified Clinical Psychologist, Gerontologist, former Assistant Professor at Emory University School of Medicine’s Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences assistant professor, and former staff psychologist at the Atlanta VA Health Care System (VAHCS), where for more than a decade she provided direct patient care and consultation on the Gero-Psychiatry Outpatient Mental Health team.

This is a very painful time, please take care of yourself. If you or someone you know is in crisis or struggling with thoughts about harming yourself or others, please reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or click on the link: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat/

Learn more about Dr. Koepp at https://www.drreginakoepp.com/

You can also watch our interview on Youtube: https://youtu.be/6Ok2dbYg3uY

Calvin Schnure, Senior Vice President, Research & Economic Analysis for Nareit shares with us his thoughts on the 2021 senior housing market.

• Impact of the pandemic on senior living communities
  • What has been the impact on occupancy rates?
  • What has been the financial impact of this on the communities?
  • What is driving this lower demand? Is it preference or fear of COVID, or are there bigger macroeconomic factors at play here like unemployment?
• What makes the recession caused by this pandemic different from other historical recessions?
  • What will the impact of this difference be on senior living real estate specifically?
• What have been the most effective ways senior living communities curbed the spread of the pandemic?
  • What role does educating the residents play in keeping viral spread to a minimum?
  • What has been the most effective way to communicate the danger to seniors living in these communities?
  • Has this varied based on the health level of the seniors? For example, I imagine it’d be much more difficult to explain the seriousness of the pandemic to a senior with cognitive impairment or a memory disorder.
• Prior to the pandemic, what did you think the future of the senior housing sector would be?
  • Did the pandemic change this course, or simply accelerate it?
  • Do you think the pandemic will accelerate industry consolidation among operators of senior living facilities? Why?
• Once we move past the pandemic, what issues will we still be facing in senior housing?
  • Modern facilities attract a younger crowd, but what problems will communities targeted at the age 80+ face?

Calvin Schnure
Senior Vice President, Research & Economic Analysis

Calvin Schnure is Senior Vice President, Research & Economic Analysis, and joined Nareit in March 2011. He analyzes developments in the macro economy and their impact on REITs and commercial property markets, and on financial returns to REITs. He monitors performance of mortgage REITs and conditions in the U.S. mortgage market. He also conducts original research on REITs' stock market returns and economic fundamentals.

Calvin began his professional career in the 1990s as Economist at the Federal Reserve Board. While at the Fed he analyzed the non-bank financial sectors for the Flow of Funds Accounts, corporate profits and commercial paper markets in the Capital Markets group, and also analyzed business fixed investment, including capital spending on nonresidential structures, for the Fed's economic forecast. Subsequently he was Vice President for US Economics at JPMorganChase, where he analyzed and forecast economic and financial market conditions, and advised senior management and clients. He was Senior Economist at the International Monetary Fund from 2002 through 2006, and Director of Economic Analysis at Freddie Mac from 2006 through 2011.

Calvin earned a B.A. in Economics from Williams College, a Master of Arts in Law and Diplomacy from the Fletcher School at Tufts University, and a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of California, Berkeley.

He can be contacted at [email protected]

You can also watch our interview on Youtube: https://youtu.be/owrPEUe4nQQ

I discuss the COVID-19 vaccine with Dr. Rhonda Collins, M.D., Chief Medical Officer for Revera, an owner, operator, and investor in the senior living sector with an aim to improve the aging experience by celebrating the ageless spirit of older adults. She joins me today for the second time on Boomer Living to discuss the new coronavirus vaccines that have been in the news so much recently.

Topics of discussion:

• Why is it so important that our older adults get vaccinated quickly? [02:17]
• What is different about this vaccine? How does the vaccine work? [03:13]
• Myths and Facts about the vaccine [11:05]
• Should the vaccine be mandatory for Senior Living Staff? [13:00]
• Share with me the journey at your community and the rollout of the vaccine. When did it start? How has the the rollout been for you? [15:28]
• How has the pandemic affected you over the last year? [20:44]

Dr. Rhonda Collins
Chief Medical Officer

Dr. Rhonda Collins brings passion and expertise in memory care, dementia, falls prevention and clinical quality improvement to the role of Chief Medical Officer – a first for the seniors living sector in Canada.

Dr. Collins is a family physician with a certificate of added competence in Care of the Elderly from the College of Family Physicians of Canada. She has been lead physician for the Outpatient Primary Care Memory Clinic at Shaver Hotel Dieu Health and Rehabilitation Centre in St. Catharines, and Medical Director and attending physician for several long term care homes in the Niagara Region. She regularly consults on neuropsychiatric behaviours of dementia for the Niagara Seniors Mental Health Outreach program. She is Associate Clinical Professor with the Department of Family Medicine at McMaster University School of Medicine where she developed and leads a Care of the Elderly rotation for family medicine residents.

You can reach Dr. Rhonda Collins M.D. via LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhonda-collins-96ba4067/

Riley Gibson
President, Silvernest

Riley Gibson is the president of Silvernest, a unique online homesharing service designed to pair boomers, retirees, empty nesters and other aging adults with compatible housemates. He is responsible for overseeing the company’s strategic vision and day-to-day execution, driving innovation and growth for its technology platform, and creating housing solutions that serve as a model for the future.

Prior to assuming the role of president, Riley was Silvernest’s senior vice president of product, responsible for running a high-performing team through all aspects of the design and development process, as well as defining the go-to-market strategy. 

Riley is a visionary with an optimal combination of business leadership and technological skill. He joined Silvernest to pursue a long-term interest in applying design and technology to solve the nation’s mounting issues surrounding aging and longevity. 

Riley was previously with Kapost, where he led product and design and, following its acquisition by Upland Software, was tapped for a senior position in its $75 million marketing tech business unit. Before that, he co-founded and served as CEO of Napkin Labs (acquired by Chaordix), which built open innovative software for some of the world’s biggest consumer brands. 

Riley has been a contributing author to Fast.Co Design, Harvard Business Review and Inc. magazine, and has a passion for bringing technology and design together to rewrite the rules in mature industries.

Topics of Discussion:

• Tell us more about the mission of Silvernest and what need you’re looking to fulfill
• Can you explain how Silvernest homesharing works (walk through process from start to housemate)?
• What are some specific benefits for homeowners, housemates and the community as a while?
• Who is homesharing a good choice for and what do people like about it? 
• Boomers sharing a house isn't a new concept - thinking about "Golden Girls" 30 years ago. Why is it trending now? Is anything different?
• Can you share some success stories?
• Do you see many intergenerational pairings on your platform or is it mainly boomer roommates?
• Understanding that your solution is for the aging population, what impact have you had in providing this demographic with an affordable housing option?
• Previously, retirement was about safety, security and hopefully comfort. Are today's aging adults looking for more? Are they reinventing retirement living?

Riley's Links:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rileygibson/
Chaordix: https://www.chaordix.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/rileygibson

Thomas Sanders is a photographer who shoots for a wide variety of clients, from Esquire magazine to senior living communities. A professor of photography at the Savannah College of Art and Design, Sanders is also the author of two photography books, "The Last Good War: The Faces and Voices of  WWII” was published by Welcome Books in 2010.

As the winner of the 2010 Foreword Reviews' Book of the Year Award for Editor's Choice Nonfiction as well as a selection of The History Book Club and The Military Book Club, this collection of portraits was called “meticulously rendered and brilliantly lit” by the Chicago Tribune. In 2020, Sanders published his second book, “Vietnam War Portraits: The Faces and Voices.”


Topics of Discussion:

• Overview on my journey of doing films and photo shoots for senior living companies
• How to represent seniors in marketing: Some companies want realistic residents and some want seniors that are younger than their resident age demographic
• Photos and films for baby boomers are going to become more modern and hip, how do boomers want to be perceived?
• How to pick senior stock photos?
• A few tips on how employees can take good social media photos of residents

Thomas' Links:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-sanders-b372b1139/
SLP Senior Living Photography: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-sanders-b372b1139/
Senior Stock Photos: https://seniorstockphotos.com/

Jill Johnson is a two-time business Hall of Fame consultant whose work has influenced more than $4 billion worth of decisions for numerous senior living clients located throughout the United States. Jill’s engagements have encompassed the entire continuum of senior living services including active adult housing, independent housing with services, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing, post-acute care, home healthcare and hospice services. She has personally visited more than 2,000 senior living communities across the nation and studied at least a thousand more.

Topics Discussed:

• Differences in all types of senior housing
  • What are the key differences in types of senior housing options?
  • How do these housing environments support the transitions as you age?
  • Are there any downsides to moving into senior housing?
• Healthy Aging and how senior living environments can support this
  • What are some of the key strategies for healthy aging?
  • How important are Lifestyle elements to keep you healthy and interested in life?
  • Why is living with other seniors a good option to consider?
• What to look for when considering senior housing for yourself or a loved one
  • How should I bring this topic up with my parents?
  • How should I talk about this topic with my children?
  • What should I do to prepare for evaluating senior housing?
  • What should I look for when going on a tour?
• What to consider as you are thinking about making this decision
  • I am not ready for this kind of living yet. Why should I plan ahead?
  • How do you make the decision that it is time to move?
  • What do you do if you have too much stuff?
  • How should someone budget or plan to pay for this?

Jill's Links:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jilljohnsonusa/
JCS: https://www.jcs-usa.com/
JCS Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JohnsonConsultingServices
Speaking Clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bkH7C6-OUvk
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JillJohnsonUSA