In this episode of the Senior Care Unscripted podcast, hosts Craig Heatherly and Sara Johnson are joined by Stan Szpytek, President of Fire and Life Safety, Inc. and an expert in life safety and disaster planning. Szpytek shares insights from his extensive background in fire service and emergency preparedness, highlighting his transition to consulting for senior care communities. He discusses key practices in emergency management, the importance of a comprehensive all-hazards approach, and the need for training at all staff levels. Szpytek also emphasizes the significance of incorporating real-world case studies to enhance preparedness and offers advice on integrating compliance and best practices with a focus on residents' safety.

In this episode of Senior Care Unscripted, hosts Craig Heatherly and Sara Johnson engage in an insightful conversation with Justin Kimbrell, the CEO of Grace Village Retirement Community. With decades of experience in the industry, Justin shares about the unique features of Grace Village, including its status as a Christian continuum care retirement community in Indiana. He discusses the challenges and innovations experienced through the pandemic and beyond, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and integrity in leadership. The conversation touches on the personal impact the industry has had on Justin, growing up in senior living and working alongside his mother. They also explore the role of technology in improving operations and resident care, and the importance of community and support networks within the industry.

In this episode of Senior Care Unscripted, hosts Craig Heatherly and Sara Johnson chat with Jack Mueller, Executive Director of Holy Cross Village. He reflects on his extensive career and shares the unique vision of Holy Cross Village at Notre Dame, initiated by Brother William Nan, and its emphasis on a warm, hospitable culture influenced by the Holy Cross brothers. Jack discusses the challenges faced in the industry, including staffing issues exacerbated by COVID-19 and the financial strains of new regulations. He offers advice to new operators, emphasizing the importance of trust, careful decision-making, and hands-on leadership. As he prepares for retirement, Jack expresses optimism about the future, inspired by the dedication and intelligence of new healthcare professionals.

In this episode of Senior Care Unscripted, Matt Euson, president of Euson Lindsay, shares his journey of the senior care industry by founding a company that focuses on creating home-like, intimate settings for residents. He discusses the challenges faced in financing and building their first facility, the impact of COVID-19, and the success of their unique model that prioritizes individual care and infection control. Eusin also delves into the importance of leadership development, the issues within the insurance and regulatory landscape, and the promising future of senior living geared towards personalized care.