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How does our past shape the way we work and lead? On today's episode we talk with Ezra Torres our first return guest to Senior Care Academy. Ezra talks about how his international travel and family examples have built him into the leader he is today.  Our conversation dives into how selecting team members driven by compassion can create a culture of genuine care. 

We also discuss the importance of cultivating communities where older adults can connect over their unique challenges and joys. Plus, we explore the delicate balance of integrating technology in senior care, ensuring safety without infringing on privacy.

Discover the behind-the-scenes journey of developing a privacy-respecting fall detection system, and meet the passionate team at Care Life. This episode concludes with a lively discussion on the power of friendship and collaboration, as Caleb and Ezra reflect on their shared commitment to harnessing the wisdom of older generations to revolutionize the industry. Join us for an episode filled with insights, compassion, and a vision for a brighter future in senior care.

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Join us as we explore the inspiring world of senior living with Cecilia Hitzke, executive director at Creekside Senior Living. Originally on a path to become a hospital administrator, Cecilia’s passion shifted to senior living after her impactful experiences as a hospice volunteer. Her journey from activity assistant to executive director has been fueled by her dedication and creative background in music, which brings an extra layer of joy and innovation to her leadership style.

In this episode, Cecilia shares how she’s boosting staff morale, creating a positive work environment, and championing meaningful resident engagement through initiatives like resident ambassador groups and cultural events. As a board member of the Utah Assisted Living Association, Cecilia also discusses her advocacy for affordable senior care and the importance of education in the field.

We touch on empowering seniors to stay socially engaged and the surprising ways they’re adapting to technology through online classes. Cecilia also offers valuable insights for anyone considering a career in senior living, highlighting the deep fulfillment that comes from building connections. Plus, we end with a piece of advice from a Creekside resident that reminds us all: making one meaningful connection each day can make a world of difference.

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What if you could transform a company from a $500 million market cap to an astounding $5 billion? Join us on the Senior Care Academy podcast as we welcome Dave Sedgwick, President and CEO of CareTrust REIT, to unravel the strategic maneuvers behind this impressive growth. Dave gives us a firsthand account of CareTrust's evolution since 1999 starting under the umbrella of Ensign Group. Dave shares insight into how REITs function and includes his tips for leadership success. 

Our conversation with Dave also sheds light on the delicate balance between leadership and growth.  Dave shares career advice on becoming invaluable within your organization.  Learn how empowering team members can lead to remarkable business success. Discover insights into Dave's leadership style, including the importance of achieving results while nurturing relationships. His journey offers valuable lessons for anyone aspiring to lead in the dynamic environment of real estate investment and senior care.

As we look ahead, Dave provides a glimpse into the future role of REITs in meeting the rising demand for senior living facilities.

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Experience the journey of Katie Tanner, our guest whose path led her from zookeeping to head of HR at multiple firms. 

Through her unique perspective, Katie uncovers the essential role empathy plays in effective HR management and shares her commitment to being an approachable ally for employees. Her insightful concept of "coaching up or coaching out" provides a fresh take on aligning individual growth with organizational culture.

Discover the intricacies of scaling a company from 11,000 to 35,000 employees in just two years without compromising staff morale or patient care. Katie shares her experiences with creative employee appreciation strategies that bypass bureaucratic hurdles, offering a playbook for those navigating rapid organizational growth. Our conversation delves into the high-stakes world of mergers and acquisitions, particularly in healthcare, where aligning cultures and maintaining transparent communication are crucial for success.

Join us as we unpack the critical role HR plays during organizational transitions, focusing on early involvement and proactive strategies to ensure workforce stability and satisfaction. Katie's firsthand experiences in the post-acute care sector shed light on the challenges and opportunities of moving between organizations of different sizes. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to gain valuable insights into the complexities of healthcare and HR leadership, as well as practical advice on navigating similar challenges in their own professional journeys.

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Ever wondered what it truly takes to make a meaningful impact in senior care? In this episode, Monique shares how her close-knit family background and unique professional experiences equipped her with the skills to connect deeply with seniors, transforming her roles into a fulfilling career path. Her story is a testament to the power of genuine passion and dedication in reshaping lives, both of caregivers and the elderly they serve.

Explore the heartwarming and challenging aspects of building relationships with seniors as Monique recounts her experiences. We also address the emotional challenges caregivers face, especially during end-of-life care, and how maintaining a positive outlook can lead to personal growth and fulfillment. It's a reminder of the profound impact caregivers can have when they embrace each client's unique journey.

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Join us for an enlightening conversation with Cameron Harris, the Chief Sales Officer at Sal Management, as he takes us through his remarkable journey from EMT to executive leadership in the senior care industry. Cameron's story is not just about a career shift but a heartfelt mission to transform healthcare culture through compassionate business practices. You'll learn how his experiences at places like Silverado ignited his passion for senior care and how he balances empathy with business acumen to improve the lives of seniors. 

Ever wondered what it takes to truly excel in sales, especially in senior living? Cameron demystifies the world of sales by focusing on problem-solving and genuine customer care. Forget everything you know about pushy sales tactics; this episode emphasizes understanding customer needs through meaningful questions and compassionate interactions. Discover how ethical sales practices can not only achieve business goals but also enhance the quality of life for seniors. We also touch on the importance of emotional engagement and how leveraging technology can foster community growth and reduce reliance on referral agencies.

Curious about what the future holds for senior care sales? From the power of persistence and resilience to the significance of emotional engagement, Cameron shares invaluable insights that can transform your approach. Learn about the importance of feedback through personalized calls and performance reviews to continuously improve your sales strategies. Plus, get a glimpse into the exciting developments at SAL Management, including the remodel of the Beaumont Assisted Living facility. Finally, Cameron highlights the value of engaging with the Utah Assisted Living Association (UALA) for networking and legislative support, reinforcing his commitment to advancing the senior care industry. Tune in and be inspired by Cameron's dedication to making a positive impact.

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What if you could significantly improve the lives of seniors through technology and meaningful connections? Join us for an insightful conversation with Caleb Richardson, the innovative CEO and founder of Helperly. Caleb shares his deeply personal motivation behind creating Helperly, a personal care agency that places a strong emphasis on companionship and personal connection, inspired by his own family experiences. You'll learn how this vision evolved into Helperly Connect, a groundbreaking free platform designed to combat senior loneliness and promote lifelong learning through interactive classes.

In our discussion, Caleb highlights the transformative role of technology in senior care. Traditional advertisements often fall short, depicting seniors in ways that don't empower them. Instead, we explore how simplified tech interfaces, engaging activities, and real-time communication features can revolutionize senior care. Discover how early intervention and strategic partnerships with care providers contribute to both physical and emotional well-being, supporting seniors to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.

We also delve into the importance of empowering seniors by providing them with opportunities to mentor and share their life experiences. Caleb explains the various life stages, from youthful passions to giving back in later years, and how seniors can feel undervalued without avenues to contribute. Learn practical steps for senior care providers to connect with Helperly and engage seniors meaningfully. Plus, get a sneak peek into the upcoming season of Senior Care Academy and find out how you can be a part of building a vibrant, supportive community dedicated to enhancing senior care. Don't miss this inspiring episode filled with actionable insights and heartwarming stories.

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What if you could transform the landscape of senior care with cutting-edge technology and an unwavering commitment to compassion? This week on the Senior Care Academy podcast, we sit down with James Dismond, CEO of Hospice Care of the Low Country, to explore the intersections of technology, empathy, and leadership in end-of-life care. Growing up in a small town in Kentucky and being adopted into an older family, James's personal experiences have deeply influenced his professional journey. He opens his heart about managing the care of his adopted mother and the emotional complexities that come with grieving, offering listeners a poignant look at the human side of hospice care.

Ever wondered how AI could revolutionize senior care? Our conversation with James sheds light on this intriguing topic. We discuss how AI can predict care needs and prevent errors, ultimately enhancing the quality of care for seniors. James shares his insights on overcoming financial and regulatory challenges, stressing the need for understanding community demographics to deliver effective care. We also tackle the critical role of regulatory compliance in maintaining high standards, especially for smaller organizations facing increased scrutiny. This episode offers a balanced perspective on the promise and pitfalls of integrating advanced technology into a traditionally compassionate field.

Leadership isn't just about guiding a team; it's about creating a legacy. James delves into the principles that drive his vision for Hospice Care of the Low Country, emphasizing the importance of aligning a team with a leader's mission. He shares actionable strategies for maintaining team motivation through heartfelt stories and investing in staff well-being. James also speaks to his aspiration of fostering a community that is comfortable with end-of-life care, aiming to leave behind a strong, enduring organization. Tune in to discover how James's blend of compassion, innovation, and leadership is setting new standards in senior care.

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Discover the journey of Christopher Leiboldt, the managing owner of Senior Care Authority in Atlanta, as he transitions from academia to corporate leadership and ultimately into senior care. Growing up in Rochester, New York, and having taught at NYU, Christopher's multifaceted career path took him through various roles in sales and marketing before he was inspired to acquire Senior Care Authority at the onset of the pandemic. His personal experience of caring for his father-in-law for six years profoundly deepened his empathy and commitment, leading to a passionate dedication to providing quality senior care.

Learn about the significant mental and emotional benefits of genuine caregiving through the heartwarming story of a Peruvian couple whose caregiver's proactive approach fostered a sense of family and belonging. We emphasize the essential qualities required in aging services—genuine care and a passion for serving older adults. It's a field that demands much but offers the profound reward of providing dignity and self-esteem to seniors, prioritizing their well-being over profit.

Navigating the complexities of senior care during the pandemic posed unique challenges, and Christopher shares strategies such as leveraging technology for virtual tours and consultations. From the profound impact of isolation on seniors, especially those with dementia, to supporting families with early planning and expert consultations, this episode offers invaluable insights. Christopher's vision of building a legacy in senior care underscores the importance of local advisors in ensuring the best care solutions for loved ones, all while balancing the emotional and logistical challenges of caregiving.

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Ever wondered how a youth pastor's skills translate to elder care leadership? In this episode, we sit down with Robert Spielman, the Vice President of Culture at Foundations Health and Solutions, to uncover this intriguing journey. Discover how Robert's background in guiding youth seamlessly transitioned into a pivotal role in elder care, where he has implemented transformative programs like the Music and Memory Program and the Dementia Care Specialist Certification. These initiatives not only enhance the lives of residents but also foster a positive work environment for staff. Robert's insights into creating a culture of respect, gratitude, and engagement offer invaluable lessons for anyone in the caregiving field.

Join us as we explore the revitalization of a former hospital-run nursing facility under new management and the critical role that culture plays in this transformation. Robert shares the strategies that led to high occupancy rates and a zero-reliance on agency staff, emphasizing the importance of core values, leadership, and team respect. Through personal anecdotes, he illustrates the impact of cultural understanding and sensitivity on improving care quality. This episode concludes with a powerful call to action for caregivers to embrace these principles, fostering meaningful connections and elevating care standards for seniors. This is a must-listen for anyone passionate about elder care and leadership.

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