On this episode, we’re joined by Kyle Benesch, Director of Business Development at QRM. From mortician to long-term care advocate, Kyle shares a raw, emotional, and often hilarious journey through grief, growth, and deep purpose. He reflects on the lessons learned from managing people, surviving burnout, and finding belonging in the world of senior care. For Kyle, advocacy isn't a marketing line — it’s a calling shaped by personal loss, bold vulnerability, and a commitment to serving caregivers with respect and sincerity.

Key Takeaways:

00:00 Introduction.

06:45 The senior living industry became an unexpected passion.

08:15 Watching CNAs grieve showed the depth of their care.

10:15 Kyle considers his ADHD a creative superpower.

15:00 Traveling for work opened Kyle’s worldview and empathy.

17:21 Great salespeople stay curious beyond their own product.

19:00 Building friendships, not transactions, changes industry trust.

26:00 Losing a colleague reshaped Kyle’s approach to leadership.

30:33 "Hero Welcomes" during COVID became his proudest moment.

32:57 Authenticity on LinkedIn builds real-world relationships.

Resources Mentioned:

Kyle Benesch

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylejbenesch/

QRM | LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/company/qrm-quality-rehab-management/

QRM Health | Website

https://qrmhealth.com/

Thank you for listening to “People Worth Caring About.” If you found value in this episode, please subscribe and leave a 5-star rating to help others discover these important stories.

For more information and to connect with our guests, visit PeopleWorthCaringAbout.com.

#HealthcareLeadership #WasteManagement #SkilledTrades #PeopleWorthCaringAbout

On this episode, hosts Peter Murphy Lewis and Jalene Carpenter talk to Traci Haglund, Licensed Nursing Home Administrator of Wakefield Health Care Center. She shares an unfiltered look at the realities of rural long-term care — balancing limited beds, unpredictable Medicaid rates, and staff recruitment with deep community commitment. From leveraging association leadership to shaping workplace culture that attracts teens and retirees alike, this conversation offers timely insights for anyone navigating the pressures of rural health care leadership.

Key Takeaways:

00:00 Introduction.

03:49 Small-town care requires managing relationships over decades.

05:38 Blended care models improve flexibility in rural settings.

08:45 Staff retention grows when the team knows resident preferences.

10:47 Community excitement about job recruitment is high.

16:36 State association engagement shortens the leadership learning curve.

20:24 Limited bed availability affects care access and strategy.

21:23 Volatile Medicaid rates undermine financial planning efforts.

32:15 Long-term leaders must schedule non-negotiable recovery time.

Resources Mentioned:

Traci Haglund

https://www.linkedin.com/in/traci-haglund-788935236/

Wakefield Health Care Center | Website

https://www.wakefieldcarecenter.com/

Thank you for listening to “People Worth Caring About.” If you found value in this episode, please subscribe and leave a 5-star rating to help others discover these important stories.

For more information and to connect with our guests, visit PeopleWorthCaringAbout.com.

#HealthcareLeadership #WasteManagement #SkilledTrades #PeopleWorthCaringAbout

On this episode, we’re joined by Tim Craig, Managing Director of LTC 100 at Lincoln Healthcare Leadership. Tim shares the groundbreaking insights behind LTC 100’s consumer perception initiative and why the long-term care field urgently needs to rethink how it communicates its value. From the importance of storytelling and social media to the danger of clinging to outdated terminology, Tim challenges leaders to take ownership of their message — and their future.

Key Takeaways:

00:00 Introduction.

07:03 “Nursing home” gets negative reactions across the board.

10:28 Skilled nursing may be more accurate and empowering.

16:54 The future of perception starts with individual action.

19:25 Controlling your narrative is a strategic imperative.

24:33 Viral influence starts small — storytelling builds trust.

27:38 Caregiver stories can shift employer and public perception.

28:45 Many consumers don’t know what SNFs provide.

34:25 Flexible schedules and tailored benefits drive workforce success.

39:05 Contactless tech and AI are already reshaping skilled care.

Resources Mentioned:

Tim Craig

https://www.linkedin.com/in/timcraigny/

Lincoln Healthcare Leadership | LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/company/lincoln-healthcare-events/

Lincoln Healthcare Leadership | Website

https://www.lincolnhc.com/

Thank you for listening to “People Worth Caring About.” If you found value in this episode, please subscribe and leave a 5-star rating to help others discover these important stories.

For more information and to connect with our guests, visit PeopleWorthCaringAbout.com.

#HealthcareLeadership #WasteManagement #SkilledTrades #PeopleWorthCaringAbout

On this episode, we’re joined by Don Woods, Senior Living Advisor at Valley Lakes Assisted Living. Don shares how a single opportunity in a small-town care community shaped his life-long commitment to senior care. From washing dishes to becoming a trusted leader, his journey is rooted in compassion, connection, and a desire to leave every team better than he found it.

Key Takeaways:

(00:00) Introduction.

(01:42) Discovering senior care as a life-long calling after walking into his first job at age 21.

(04:49) Staying overnight during a snowstorm to serve breakfast and ensure residents were cared for.

(08:20) Realizing how staff become family to seniors who may not have loved ones nearby.

(13:13) Being handed the keys to lead as a young, first-time manager and learning through experience.

(17:12) Reflecting on the emotional weight and unseen challenges of senior care leadership.

(19:57) Prioritizing mentorship by preparing future leaders and empowering every shift to succeed.

(21:46) Advocating for frontline caregivers in Washington, D.C. to elevate the industry's voice.

(24:45) Reconnecting with purpose during COVID by stepping up in moments of crisis for residents and families.

(31:22) Dedicated to making people smile while building a platform to inspire.

Resources Mentioned:

Don Woods

https://www.linkedin.com/in/don-woods/

Alzheimer’s Association | Website

https://www.alz.org/

Thank you for listening to “People Worth Caring About.” If you found value in this episode, please subscribe and leave a 5-star rating to help others discover these important stories.

For more information and to connect with our guests, visit PeopleWorthCaringAbout.com

#HealthcareLeadership #WasteManagement #SkilledTrades #PeopleWorthCaringAbout

In this episode, Aimee Middleton, Chief Operating Officer at Good Samaritan, shares stories from her journey into long-term care, lessons learned through leadership transitions, and her vision for the future of senior care. From evacuating an entire campus during a hurricane to reducing agency reliance by over 40%, Aimee offers insight into what it takes to lead with heart, grit, and clarity in a challenging industry.

Key Takeaways:

(04:54) Discovering a love for customer service and people.

(09:46) Realizing long-term care is about more than business.

(10:56) Learning from front-line team members.

(13:44) Bringing 500+ leaders together each year to align.

(15:24) Preferring the “dollar tour” of facilities.

(18:01) Creating super teams to reduce agency staffing.

(19:55) Flying into a hurricane to protect residents.

(24:16) Winning others over is less about sales and more about building authentic connections.

(32:26) Fighting to remove documentation burdens through AI.

(35:37) Advice for younger professionals: enjoy each stage, and it’s okay to make mistakes.

Resources Mentioned:

Aimee Middleton

https://www.linkedin.com/in/aimee-middleton-884b155/

Good Samaritan | LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/company/good-samaritan-sanford-health/

Good Samaritan | Website

https://www.good-sam.com/

Thank you for listening to “People Worth Caring About.” If you found value in this episode, please subscribe and leave a 5-star rating to help others discover these important stories.

For more information and to connect with our guests, visit PeopleWorthCaringAbout.com.

#HealthcareLeadership #WasteManagement #SkilledTrades #PeopleWorthCaringAbout

On this first episode of “People Worth Caring About," hosts Peter Murphy Lewis and Jalene Carpenter talk to Tracy Lichti, President and CEO of New Cassel Retirement Center. Tracy shares her journey and opens up about the emotional depth, purpose, and leadership required in the long-term care industry. She reflects on launching the Nebraska LEAD Program, the power of planting seeds in others, and what it really means for caregivers to make space for families just to be family.

Key Takeaways:

(03:24) Tracy created the Nebraska LEAD program to address leadership pipeline gaps.

(04:59) Former LEAD participants now serve on boards and mentor rising talent.

(08:41) Tracy built trust in a struggling facility by committing long-term.

(13:02) End-of-life care should focus on comfort, dignity, and meaningful experiences.

(14:31) Losing a beloved resident reminded Tracy why emotional care matters most.

(20:44) Children raised around care environments often grow into more empathetic adults.

(25:45) Showing behind-the-scenes care work to boards can deepen institutional support.

(27:50) The general public still misunderstands the full scope of caregiving.

(34:28) Even during crises, creative staffing solutions can preserve resident-family connections.

(40:41) Imagining a future where residents lead — not just inform — their care.

Resources Mentioned:

Tracy Lichti

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracy-lichti-994807a0/

New Cassel Retirement Center | LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-cassel-retirement-center/

New Cassel Retirement Center | Website

https://www.newcassel.org/

Thank you for listening to “People Worth Caring About.” If you found value in this episode, please subscribe and leave a 5-star rating to help others discover these important stories.

For more information and to connect with our guests, visit PeopleWorthCaringAbout.com.

#HealthcareLeadership #WasteManagement #SkilledTrades #PeopleWorthCaringAbout

In this episode, we have a thought-provoking conversation with Jill Vitale-Aussem, President and CEO of Christian Living Communities. Jill provides a refreshing perspective on senior living. She shares her insights on redefining the approach toward aging and senior care, with a specific focus on dignity, purpose and the well-being of residents.

Key Takeaways:

(03:16) Discovering your passion can significantly influence your career path and professional journey.

(10:12) Jill’s journey to leadership in the senior living industry is driven by a passion for transformative change.

(17:33) Embracing life’s ‘bright spots,’ or small victories, is crucial, especially during challenging times.

(26:57) The importance of meaningful engagement and relationship-building in senior living communities is paramount.

(33:28) Overcoming systemic challenges in senior care requires deep introspection, breaking molds and rethinking paradigms.

(42:02) The hospitality model in senior living has its flaws; meaningfulness and purpose are crucial.

(57:51) Transformative change involves shifting perceptions about aging and reframing approaches to senior living.

Resources Mentioned:

We appreciate you listening, and we are motivated by your feedback. Visit LTCHeroes.com to learn more about us and head to LTCHeroes.com/community to join our exclusive Facebook group for nurses and our exclusive LinkedIn group for long-term care owners. We look forward to seeing you inside the community.

Sponsored by Experience.Care

This episode is brought to you by Experience.Care, the only long-term care EHR backed by guarantees.  

Your profitability is our priority and your compliance, our cause. Since 1969.

Get your profitability consultation today at Experience.Care/guarantee. Our website is .Care for a reason. We care about your care. Visit us at Experience.Care.

#seniorliving #longtermcare #seniors #seniorcare

On this episode, we speak to Claudia Blumenstock, Founder and CEO at Copernicus.

Key Takeaways:

(1:04) Feedback from staff and leaders on challenges they face.

(3:29) The need for leadership training at all levels of the organization.

(6:55) Addressing communication challenges among leaders and staff.

(7:47) Strategies for improving communication skills.

(11:08) Unique recruitment approaches, including hiring for personality fit.

(12:22) Challenges faced by leaders who are constantly putting out fires.

(15:57) The importance of involving staff in the interview process.

(17:11) The need for courageous decision-making and spending money to address turnover.

(21:38) The importance of transparency in leadership.

(28:26) Reflecting on personal fears and transparency.

Resources Mentioned:

Copernicus Inc.

We appreciate you listening and we are motivated by your feedback. Visit LTCHeroes.com to learn more about us and head to LTCHeroes.com/community to join our exclusive Facebook group for nurses and our exclusive LinkedIn group for long-term care owners. We look forward to seeing you inside the community.

Sponsored by Experience.Care

This episode is brought to you by Experience.Care, the only long-term care EHR backed by guarantees.  

Your profitability is our priority and your compliance, our cause. Since 1969.

Get your profitability consultation today at Experience.Care/guarantee. Our website is .Care for a reason. We care about your care. Visit us at Experience.Care.

#seniorliving #longtermcare #seniors #seniorcare

On this episode, we speak to Christina Devlin, Corporate Director of Rehabilitation at AbleHearts*. 

Topics discussed include:

- Her role as Corporate Director of Rehabilitation at AbleHearts.

- Her reasons for attending the Florida Health Care Association convention and her passion for the industry.

- The importance of in-house therapy programs and the growth of this model in the healthcare industry.

- Her personal connection to the motto “Love without limits, safety first, family always” and the role of family in her life.

- Challenges in the healthcare industry, particularly related to workforce shortages and finding clinicians dedicated to geriatric care.

- Professional challenges, including the impact of PDPM (Patient-Driven Payment Model) on therapy departments.

- Christina's favorite aspects of her job, including making a difference and collaborating with talented leaders in the industry.

AbleHearts - https://www.linkedin.com/company/ablehearts-consulting-services/

We appreciate you listening and we are motivated by your feedback. Visit LTCHeroes.com to learn more about us and head to LTCHeroes.com/community to join our exclusive Facebook group for nurses and our exclusive LinkedIn group for long-term care owners. We look forward to seeing you inside the community.

Sponsored by Experience.Care

This episode is brought to you by Experience.Care, the only long-term care EHR backed by guarantees.

Your profitability is our priority and your compliance, our cause. Since 1969.

Get your profitability consultation today at Experience.Care/guarantee. Our website is .Care for a reason. We care about your care. Visit us at Experience.Care.

*Since recording the interview, Christina Devlin has moved to Aston Health Consulting Services, where she is VP of Therapy Services.

On this episode, we speak to Jennifer Swain, VP of Clinical Reimbursement at AbleHearts*. Topics discussed include:

-  Jennifer’s introduction to long-term care and her journey in the healthcare field.

- Volunteering experiences, including working in skilled nursing and emergency areas.

- Jennifer’s transition into long-term care after working in the hospital’s ICU.

- Wanting a more meaningful role in patient care.

- Embracing the culture of long-term care and recommitting to the field.

- Honoring her roots and her reasons for becoming a nurse.

- The unique experience of being pregnant while working in long-term care.

- Encouraging young people to consider careers in long-term care.

- The 24/7 nature of long-term care and the need for continuous compassion and care.

We appreciate you listening and we are motivated by your feedback. Visit LTCHeroes.com to learn more about us and head to LTCHeroes.com/community to join our exclusive Facebook group for nurses and our exclusive LinkedIn group for long-term care owners. We look forward to seeing you inside the community.

Sponsored by Experience.Care

This episode is brought to you by Experience.Care, the only long-term care EHR backed by guarantees.  

Your profitability is our priority and your compliance, our cause. Since 1969.

Get your profitability consultation today at Experience.Care/guarantee. Our website is .Care for a reason. We care about your care. Visit us at Experience.Care. 

*Since recording the interview, Jennifer Swain has moved to Aston Health Consulting Services, where she is VP of Clinical Reimbursement.