In this episode, we sit down with Lois Bowers, the influential Editor of McKnight’s Senior Living, to explore the vision and impact behind one of the industry’s most prestigious recognitions—the McKnight’s Pinnacle Awards. Lois shares her personal journey into senior living journalism and what inspired the creation of these awards.

Listeners will gain a unique behind-the-scenes look into the selection process, learning about the qualities and achievements that set Pinnacle Award winners apart. Lois also highlights a few memorable stories from past recipients that left a lasting impression, illustrating how these leaders and innovators are shaping the future of senior living.

Throughout the conversation, we’ll discuss the role McKnight’s plays in supporting the industry through its various publications and the long-term impact Lois hopes the Pinnacle Awards will have on recognizing and elevating excellence within senior living.

Pinnacle Awards: https://www.mcknightspinnacleawards.com/

In this episode, we sit down with Tim Mullaney, VP & Editorial Director of WTWH Media, to discuss the launch of the Prism Awards and what this new initiative means for the senior living industry. Tim shares the inspiration behind creating these awards and how they aim to recognize outstanding achievements in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging (DEIB), environmental sustainability, and social stewardship. We delve into the criteria for evaluating communities, the impact these awards are expected to have, and what it means for the future of senior living. Tune in to learn how senior living providers can lead the way in creating more inclusive, sustainable, and forward-thinking communities.

Link: https://agingmedia.com/2024-prism-awards/

Jamie Steensen, the Corporate National Director of Procurement and Purchasing for Sinceri Living, shares her background and journey to her current role. She discusses the responsibilities of overseeing procurement and emphasizes the importance of vendor partnerships. Jamie highlights the impact of technology on the procurement process and mentions the use of Contract Save for contract management. She also mentions the need for better collaboration and communication between departments in senior living organizations. Jamie shares her personal and professional goals, including enhancing her skills and growing the procurement team at Sinceri. She advises other senior living providers to utilize group purchasing organizations (GPOs), invest in technology, and find individuals passionate about procurement and vendor partnerships.

Matt Reiners announces that he will be joining Parasol Alliance as their chief growth officer. The conversation highlights the excitement and alignment between Matt and Amber Barden, the CEO and founder of Parasol Alliance. They discuss the challenges senior living communities face in adopting technology and the strategic approach that Parasol takes to ensure successful technology adoption. They also emphasize the importance of culture and the positive work environment at Parasol. Matt shares his plans to engage with clients and partners and invites feedback to improve their services. The conversation concludes with a call to action for listeners to pay attention to Parasol Alliance as they aim to change the technology culture in senior living.

Lauren Blacker, the corporate director of wellness and life enrichment at Senior Resource Group, shares her journey into senior living and the importance of wellness. She discusses the Zest program, which promotes vitality, enthusiasm, and energy in everyday activities. Lauren also highlights the Tour de Zest, a physical fitness challenge that fosters teamwork and social connections among residents and employees. The program encourages residents and employees to approach life with excitement and energy, promoting overall wellness. Lauren shares heartwarming stories of how Tour de Zest has positively impacted residents and employees, improving their quality of life and inspiring them to engage in wellness activities.

Danette Opaczewski, the COO of Revel Communities, discusses the concept of experiential branding in senior housing. She emphasizes the importance of creating a vibrant lifestyle that prioritizes personalized experiences and holistic wellness programs. Opaczewski shares her journey from the hospitality and real estate industry to senior housing and explains how she leverages her background to enhance the resident experience at Revel. She highlights the need for a resident experience department that focuses on the overall living experience and personalization. Opaczewski also discusses the impact of recruiting ex-hospitality staff and the importance of technology and customer service in senior housing.

Rachael Wonderlin, owner of Dementia by Day, shares her journey into the dementia care industry and the importance of education in senior living. She emphasizes the need for comprehensive dementia care education for all staff members, including sales teams. Rachael also discusses the creation of Dementia by Day School, an online education platform that provides training modules for caregivers, program directors, and sales and marketing teams. Additionally, she mentions the upcoming release of a short film that aims to accurately depict dementia and provide support for caregivers.

In this episode of "Connecting the Dots: Senior Living Success," we are honored to host Denise Boudreau, the esteemed President of Drive Culture Outcomes. Known affectionately as "The Queen of Culture," Denise has dedicated her career to transforming organizational culture in healthcare and senior living sectors. Today, she shares her journey, the challenges organizations face, and actionable insights for creating and maintaining a healthy, vibrant culture.

This is All Ears with Matt Reiners, co-founder of Eversound by Uniguest, where we dive right into what drives the senior living industry. Matt interviews thought leaders from all parts of the industry as we cover everything from resident & staff satisfaction to innovative technology, community culture, to finance & operations.

In this episode, we sit down with Lydia Terjeson, the Memory Care Administrator at Touchmark, to explore the rewarding and impactful field of senior living. Lydia shares her insights and experiences, highlighting the essential role of memory care in enhancing the lives of senior residents.

We delve into the significant efforts of the Granger Cobb Institute of Senior Living, a pioneering institution dedicated to educating and inspiring the next generation of senior living professionals. Lydia discusses the various programs and initiatives aimed at college students, emphasizing how the Institute is shaping future leaders in this crucial sector.

Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the opportunities and challenges in senior living careers and learn how college students can find their path in this fulfilling field. Whether you're a student considering a career in senior living, an educator, or a professional in the industry, this episode offers valuable perspectives on making a meaningful difference in the lives of seniors.

This is All Ears with Matt Reiners, co-founder of Eversound by Uniguest, where we dive right into what drives the senior living industry. Matt interviews thought leaders from all parts of the industry as we cover everything from resident & staff satisfaction to innovative technology, community culture, to finance & operations.

Lindsay Charlefour, Director of Life Enrichment at Singh Management, overseeing Waltonwood Senior Living. With a robust educational background in Therapeutic Recreation from Eastern Michigan University, where she has also served as an adjunct lecturer, Lindsay has extensively contributed to the field through various roles, including Director of Therapeutic Recreation, Volunteer Coordinator, Human Resource Designee, and Regional Director of Life Enrichment.