Senior Care: Unscripted

In this episode of the Senior Care Unscripted podcast, hosts Craig Heatherly and Sara Johnson interview Evan Lubline, the President and CEO of Hooverwood Living, a not-for-profit senior care organization in Indianapolis. Evan shares his journey, describing the organization's growth and the expansion of services, including assisted living, hospice, home care, and Indiana's only elder abuse shelter. He emphasizes the importance of innovation, strategic risk-taking, and maintaining a strong, dedicated team, even during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Evan also discusses the potential impact of significant Medicaid cuts on the industry and advocates for creative solutions to ensure high-quality senior care. 

In this episode of the Senior Care Unscripted podcast, hosts Craig Heatherly and Sara Johnson speak with Rick Edwards, President and CEO of The Villas Senior Center, about the unique aspects of Villa Healthcare, including their skilled facility, Villa Total Rehab, and Villa West, which offers 24-hour nursing care. Rick shares his journey from the banking industry to senior living, emphasizing the value of listening to experts and trusting his team. The conversation covers staffing challenges post-COVID, innovative staffing strategies such as open interviews and recruiting, and the crucial role of government funding. Rick also highlights the importance of being present and treating residents like family.

In this episode of the Senior Care Unscripted podcast, hosts Craig Heatherly and Sara Johnson interview Joe Pohlen, CEO of Cardinal Senior Living. Joe discusses the unique approach of Cardinal Senior Living, emphasizing community autonomy and individualized branding, and shares the journey from starting with leased buildings to becoming a fully integrated senior housing operator with 20 communities across Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Michigan. Joe recounts his unconventional entry into the industry, from real estate to senior care, and highlights the importance of hands-on leadership and employee trust. He also addresses the need for political advocacy in representing senior living residents and his commitment to fostering innovation through smaller operators.

In this episode of the Senior Care Unscripted podcast, hosts Craig Heatherly and Sara Johnson chat with Loe Hornbuckle, operating partner of Sage Oak Assisted Living and Memory Care in Dallas, Texas. Loe discusses the unique, intimate residential model of Sage Oak, which focuses on small, home-like environments for their residents. The conversation covers the evolution of Sage Oak's approach, leadership challenges, the importance of personalized care, and the significant potential of artificial intelligence in improving healthcare outcomes. Low also shares insights on transitioning into the senior care industry, the necessity of a strong team, and his mission-driven philosophy.

In this episode of the Senior Care Unscripted podcast, hosts Craig Heatherly and Sara Johnson welcome Heather and James Kesler from 1019 to discuss the inception and growth of their family-owned senior care business. The Keslers delve into their personal journeys within the senior care industry and recount the challenges and successes of turning around distressed senior care facilities. Heather and James highlight the importance of maintaining core values, learning from past experiences, and adapting roles within the family business to ensure continued growth and high-quality care for their residents.

In this episode, Cullen Gibson, the COO of TLC Management, joins the podcast to discuss the unique aspects of TLC Management, a privately held, family-owned organization. Cullen shares the company's history and highlights the importance of culture, compliance, and customer service within the organization. The conversation covers the company's approach to expansion, especially in the competitive Florida market, and their commitment to maintaining high standards and staff satisfaction. Cullen also touches on his personal journey in the senior living industry, emphasizing the significance of mentorship, training, and compassionate leadership. The episode concludes with insights into industry challenges, innovations in staff training and remuneration, and the optimistic future driven by the increasing demand for senior living facilities.

In this episode of the Senior Care Unscripted podcast, hosts Craig Heatherly and Sara Johnson speak with Steve Wilder, president and founder of Sorensen Wilder and Associates, about trends and best practices in senior care safety and security. Steve discusses the evolution of risk management, emphasizing the importance of compliance, safety training, and proactive threat assessment. Steve also highlights the need for a culture shift in senior care, where safety and security are seen as shared responsibilities rather than isolated departments. The conversation covers how to address vulnerabilities such as workplace violence and how advancements in technology can aid in preventing incidents. Steve offers practical advice on maintaining preparedness and fostering a mindset of protection within senior living communities.

In this episode of "Senior Care Unscripted", Aaron Stapleton, founder of Trinity In-Home Care, joins Craig and Sara to discuss the company's recent 13-year anniversary, the unique services they provide in non-medical home care, and the rapid growth experienced in the last few years. Aaron shares insights into expanding payer sources, the importance of understanding client diagnoses, and the impact of technology and AI on their services. He also elaborates on leadership challenges, the importance of employee retention, and the need for proactive planning for end-of-life care. Concluding with a look at legislative trends, Aaron emphasizes the potential for greater accessibility to home care services for a broader range of socioeconomic groups.

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.