In Part 2 of our conversation on the impact of interior design in senior living, Vickie, Brian, and Chris continue discussing how thoughtful design can improve safety, independence, connection, and quality of life.From natural light and outdoor spaces to furniture, memory care layouts, and the expectations of the next generation of seniors, this episode explores why beautiful spaces also need to be functional and intentional.At the heart of it all is creating communities where residents feel loved, welcomed, and at home.Grab your favorite coffee, pull up a seat, and join us around the table.

What does interior design have to do with quality of life in senior living?

On this episode of Around The Table With Vickie, Vickie and Chris welcome back Brian Runk for a conversation about the importance of creating beautiful, comfortable, and functional spaces for seniors.

Vickie shares nearly 40 years of experience in senior care and explains how she discovered the powerful impact that colors, lighting, furniture, and thoughtful design can have on residents and their families.

From transforming an old assisted living home on a limited budget to designing spaces across Runk and Pratt, the conversation explores why senior living communities should feel inviting rather than institutional, how design can help residents adjust to leaving home, and why future generations of seniors will expect more from the environments they live in.

Vickie, Chris, and Brian also look ahead to how senior living design will continue to evolve as the baby boomer generation enters senior living.

Grab your favorite coffee, pull up a seat, and join us around the table.

Growing older isn't necessarily expensive. Getting sick without a plan is.In this episode of Around the Table with Vickie, Vickie Runk and Chris Runk discuss with Patrick Hurt why aging is becoming more financially difficult than ever before. From rising healthcare costs and inflation to Medicare misconceptions, long term care planning, and the growing loneliness crisis among seniors, this conversation is packed with practical advice every family needs to hear.They discuss why planning early protects your independence, why Medicare doesn't cover everything many people assume it does, and why families often regret waiting too long to have difficult conversations.Whether you're planning for yourself, helping aging parents, or simply preparing for the future, this episode offers valuable guidance to help you avoid unnecessary financial and emotional crises.Grab your favorite coffee, pull up a seat, and join us around the table.

Is America prepared for the financial realities of aging? In this episode of Around The Table With Vickie, Vickie and Chris Runk tackle one of the biggest challenges facing today's seniors and their families: the rising cost of growing older.From Medicare misconceptions and long term care planning to inflation, healthcare expenses, isolation, and the importance of preparing early, this conversation offers practical advice for anyone with aging parents or anyone planning for their own future.Whether you're in your 40s, 50s, 60s, or helping care for a loved one today, this episode will help you better understand the financial, emotional, and practical realities of aging before a crisis occurs.Preparation isn't about giving up independence. It's about protecting it.Grab your favorite coffee, pull up a seat, and join us around the table.

How does someone go from an activities assistant in a nursing home to founding one of the region's leading senior living organizations?In this episode of Around The Table With Vickie, Vickie Runk shares the remarkable story of how her career in senior care began while studying psychology and social work at Liberty University. What started as a part time activities position became the foundation for a lifelong mission of serving seniors and their families.Vickie reflects on the lessons she learned as an activities assistant, her transition into social services, the mentors who shaped her journey, and the experiences that ultimately led to the creation of Runk and Pratt Senior Living Communities. Along the way, she discusses persistence, leadership, faith, family, and the importance of meeting people where they are.This inspiring conversation offers valuable insight for anyone interested in senior care, leadership, entrepreneurship, or discovering how God prepares us for the calling He has planned.Around The Table With Vickie is presented by Runk and Pratt Senior Living Communities, where faith, hospitality, and compassionate care come together to serve seniors and their families.Grab your favorite coffee, pull up a seat, and join us around the table.

What does it look like to walk beside someone through Alzheimer's with unwavering faith, friendship, and love?In this heartfelt continuation of our conversation with David Benoit, we explore the daily realities of caring for Dr. Elmer Towns, co-founder of Liberty University, author, professor, and lifelong servant of Christ.David shares powerful stories about helping Dr. Towns continue teaching, maintaining routines, finding joy in everyday moments, and navigating the challenges that come with memory loss. Along the way, he offers practical wisdom for families facing Alzheimer's and dementia, reminding us that compassion, patience, and presence can make all the difference.Vickie and David also discuss the emotional toll Alzheimer's takes on families, the importance of preserving dignity, the hope emerging from new research, and why no family should walk this journey alone.This episode is filled with laughter, wisdom, encouragement, and a powerful reminder that even in the hardest seasons, friendship and faith remain strong.Grab your favorite coffee, pull up a seat, and join us around the table.

In this heartfelt episode of Around the Table with Vickie, Vickie Runk and Chris Runk welcome David Benoit for a powerful conversation about friendship, faith, and walking alongside someone through Alzheimer’s disease.David shares his decades long friendship with Dr. Elmer Towns, cofounder of Liberty University and author of more than 200 books. From golf outings and family vacations to helping navigate the challenges of memory loss, this episode explores what it means to remain faithful to a friend through every season of life.Together, they discuss the importance of memory care, the value of staying engaged, practical ways to support loved ones living with dementia, and the lasting impact of friendship that endures even when memories fade.This episode is a moving reminder that while titles, accomplishments, and even memories may change, love, faithfulness, and friendship leave a legacy that lasts.Grab your favorite coffee, pull up a seat, and join us around the table.

In this episode of Around the Table with Vickie, Vickie, Chris, and Brian Runk share the exciting story behind the acquisition of the historic Oakwood Country Club in Lynchburg, Virginia. From preserving generations of family memories to creating new opportunities for connection, hospitality, golf, dining, and community, this conversation explores the vision for Oakwood’s future.The family discusses upcoming renovations, new amenities, expanded memberships, social experiences, event spaces, and the importance of creating places where families can gather, connect, and build lasting memories. They also reflect on personal stories tied to Oakwood and the Rivermont area, including Vickie and Brian's first dates, engagement, and the role the local community has played throughout their lives.This episode is a heartfelt look at legacy, growth, hospitality, and building spaces that bring people together across generations.Grab your favorite coffee, pull up a seat, and join us around the table.

Loneliness is one of the most overlooked challenges facing seniors today, and it is impacting more lives than many people realize.In this episode of Around The Table With Vickie, we dive into the emotional, physical, and spiritual effects of loneliness and social isolation. From the loss of routine and independence to the quiet struggles of pride and disconnection, this conversation sheds light on what so many seniors experience but rarely say out loud.We discuss how loneliness can accelerate decline, why so many families miss the warning signs, and what simple, intentional steps can make a life changing difference. From meaningful conversations and shared meals to community involvement and technology that bridges the gap, there are real ways to restore connection and bring joy back into the lives of those we love.This episode is a powerful reminder that no one is meant to walk through life alone. Whether you are a caregiver, a family member, or simply someone who wants to make a difference, this conversation will challenge and encourage you to take action.Grab your favorite coffee, pull up a seat, and join us around the table.

The “silver tsunami” is no longer coming, it’s already here. In this episode of Around The Table With Vickie, Vickie and Chris dive deep into one of the most important (and urgent) conversations facing families today: the massive shift in our aging population.From the rapid growth of Americans over 65 to the overwhelming demand for caregivers, facilities, and family support, this episode unpacks what the future of senior living really looks like and what you can do right now to prepare.This episode is both a wake-up call and a source of hope. With the right preparation, communication, and mindset, families can navigate aging with confidence, dignity, and peace.Don’t wait for a crisis, start preparing today.Grab your favorite coffee, pull up a seat, and join us around the table.