Tips from Trestle: The Senior Living Food and Hospitality Podcast

This episode of Tips from Trestle explores how senior living communities can transform into a hospitality‑driven engine for wellness, engagement, and revenue. Aaron chats with Sharalene Roper, COO of Ignite Living leader to unpack how independent and assisted living can use intentional design, intergenerational programming, and creative use of space to combat social isolation and drive resident satisfaction. They explore practical strategies like POS systems, robotics in the dining room, always‑available wellness‑focused menus, and flexible “club‑style” grill rooms that elevate senior living foodservice. You’ll hear actionable ideas around the eight dimensions of wellness, community partnerships with schools and local government, and how hospitality‑driven design keeps residents happier, healthier, and in your community longer.

Tips from Trestle is sponsored by:

• eMenuChoice: https://bit.ly/TFT_eMenu
• WiseOx: https://bit.ly/TFT_WiseOx
• Ben E Keith Foods: https://bit.ly/TFT_BEK
• AdvantageTrust GPO: https://bit.ly/TFTAdvTrust

#TFT502 #SeniorLiving #SeniorLivingDining #SeniorLivingDesign #ActiveAging #AgingWell #HospitalityDriven #ResidentExperience #DiningExperience #SeniorLivingLeaders #WellnessInAging #IntergenerationalLiving #SeniorCareInnovation #FoodServiceManagement #RetirementLiving #SeniorLivingMarketing

This season 5 premiere of Tips from Trestle features tech-powered aging, dementia care, and senior living innovation taking center stage in this CES 2026 debrief with Carrie Aalberts (aka the Dementia Darling). She and Aaron go deep into what the world’s largest tech show reveals about the future of aging, hospitality, and dementia care. They explore how themes like AI, mobility, and digital health are converging with senior living operations, and why leaders can’t afford to ignore the rapidly growing longevity economy. Framed as the first of three “trends for the new year” episodes, this conversation shares some great tech to be aware of for 2026, as well as sets the stage for deeper discussions on innovation, collaboration, and how forward-thinking providers can elevate resident and caregiver experiences across the entire continuum of senior care.

Tips from Trestle is sponsored by:

• eMenuChoice: https://bit.ly/TFT_eMenu
• WiseOx: https://bit.ly/TFT_WiseOx
• Ben E Keith Foods: https://bit.ly/TFT_BEK
• AdvantageTrust GPO: https://bit.ly/TFTAdvTrust

#TFT501 #SeniorLiving #AgeTech #DementiaCare #MemoryCare #CaregiverLife #SeniorLivingInnovation #DigitalHealth #AIInHealthcare #SeniorLivingDining #HospitalityMatters #FallsPrevention #BrainHealth #CaregiverSupport #HealthyAging #TipsFromTrestle #DementiaDarling

In a perfect re-release to start the new year, let’s flashback to Aaron’s conversation with Seth Winder, a training specialist at Clark National Accounts, about the critical role of DISC assessments and emotional intelligence (EQ) in team building and development. Seth shares his journey from public education to corporate training, emphasizing the importance of understanding individual tendencies and emotional triggers. The discussion highlights practical applications of assessment tools like DISC and understanding EQ in senior living and foodservice environments, offering insights into improving team dynamics, communication, and overall performance. Seth underscores the value of self-awareness and proactive engagement in fostering a collaborative and efficient workplace culture.

Tips from Trestle is sponsored by:

• eMenuChoice: https://bit.ly/TFT_eMenu
• WiseOx: https://bit.ly/TFT_WiseOx
• Ben E Keith Foods: https://bit.ly/TFT_BEK
• AdvantageTrust GPO: https://bit.ly/TFTAdvTrust

#TFT326 #EmployeeDevelopment #TeamBuilding #CareerGrowth #LeadershipDevelopment #WorkplaceCulture #EmotionalIntelligence #DISCAssessment #FoodserviceIndustry #SeniorLiving #ProfessionalGrowth #WorkplaceWellness #TeamDynamics #TrainingAndDevelopment #HospitalityManagement #EmployeeEngagement

This year-in-review episode of Tips from Trestle pulls back the curtain on how senior living dining, hospitality, and resident experience evolved in 2025. Host Aaron Fish revisits conversations on dementia-friendly dining, real food and speed-scratch menus, emergency preparedness, and frontline leadership that turns strategy into lived experience in senior living communities. Hear how empathy with intention, work-life integration, and Montessori-inspired engagement reshape memory care and move resident programs far beyond bingo. Explore whether tech – from smarter POS systems to assistive spoons and social robots – truly enhances human connection in the dining room instead of replacing it. Leaders, operators, and culinary pros will walk away with practical ideas to personalize menus, elevate hospitality, reduce isolation, and center resident dignity in 2026 and beyond.

Tips from Trestle is sponsored by:

• eMenuChoice: https://bit.ly/TFT_eMenu
• WiseOx: https://bit.ly/TFT_WiseOx
• Ben E Keith Foods: https://bit.ly/TFT_BEK
• AdvantageTrust GPO: https://bit.ly/TFTAdvTrust

#TFT446 #TipsFromTrestle #SeniorLiving #YearInReview #SeniorLivingDining #SeniorLivingLeadership #ResidentExperience #DementiaCare #MemoryCare #SeniorLivingFood #HospitalityLeadership #AgingServices #SeniorCareInnovation #DiningExperience #FoodAsMedicine #CaregiverSupport #SeniorLivingMarketing #SeniorLivingPodcast

For this holiday week re-release, nutritional wellness is back on the menu in senior living, and this “re-release” with Margaret Roche and host Aaron Fish gives operators a practical, no‑nonsense roadmap for getting it right. we go way back into the archives to unpack what *real* wellness looks like on the plate in senior living communities. Margaret & Aaron break down how to build a clear, evidence-based nutrition philosophy, translate it into menus residents actually love, and create true collaboration between chefs, dining leaders, and dietitians. From the MIND and Mediterranean diets to plant-based options, texture-modified meals, and that irresistible fried chicken, they explore how to balance clinical best practices with soul-satisfying comfort food and resident choice. Perfect for senior living executives, dining directors, and wellness teams who want to improve outcomes, occupancy, and the overall resident experience through smarter, more intentional food and hospitality programming

Tips from Trestle is sponsored by:

• eMenuChoice: https://bit.ly/TFT_eMenu
• WiseOx: https://bit.ly/TFT_WiseOx
• Ben E Keith Foods: https://bit.ly/TFT_BEK
• AdvantageTrust GPO: https://bit.ly/TFTAdvTrust

#TFT445 #TipsFromTrestle #SeniorLiving #AssistedLiving #SeniorLivingFood #SeniorLivingDining #FoodAsMedicine #SeniorNutrition #WellnessPrograms #MINDDiet #MediterraneanDiet #PlantBasedEating #DietitianApproved #CulinaryLeadership #ResidentExperience #ReRelease

In this episode of Tips From Trestle, host Aaron Fish sits down at the Georgia Senior Living Association Conference with senior living expert Jocelyn Schrader to unpack how activity programs can directly drive occupancy and revenue. They explore why a strategic activity calendar is one of the most powerful sales tools in assisted living and independent living, from scheduling tours around high-impact events to renaming generic programs so they resonate with prospects and families. Jocelyn shares how aligning sales, activities, and food & beverage in a “new triad” transforms the resident experience, boosts referrals, and turns residents into the community’s best ambassadors. Whether you lead sales, life enrichment, or dining, you will learn practical ways to differentiate your senior living community, improve tour conversions, and market events that truly stand out.

Tips from Trestle is sponsored by:

• eMenuChoice: https://bit.ly/TFT_eMenu
• WiseOx: https://bit.ly/TFT_WiseOx
• Ben E Keith Foods: https://bit.ly/TFT_BEK
• AdvantageTrust GPO: https://bit.ly/TFTAdvTrust

#TFT444 #TipsFromTrestle #SeniorLiving #AssistedLiving #SeniorLivingMarketing #LifeEnrichment #ActivityDirector #SeniorLivingSales #ResidentExperience #SeniorCareLeadership #OccupancyGrowth #DiningAndHospitality #SeniorLivingEvents #TourToMoveIn #EngagedResidents #SeniorLivingPros

With the holidays upon us, Tips from Trestle explores the impacts of seasonal depression, caregiver burnout, and mental health in senior living with therapist and caregiver advocate Stephanie Muskat of Compassion in Caregiving. We explore how seasonal affective disorder impacts both family and professional caregivers supporting residents with dementia, chronic illness, and complex care needs. Stephanie shares practical strategies like SAD lamps, winter outdoor time, mindfulness body scans, and micro self-care moments caregivers can realistically fit into busy days. The conversation tackles emotional exhaustion, fight–flight–freeze responses, and how unresolved childhood patterns shape today’s coping skills. Senior living leaders also learn how simple acknowledgment, teamwork, and everyday check-ins create psychologically safe, resilient communities for caregivers and families.

You can get more great insights from Stephanie on her podcast Caregiver’s Compass, available now on Spotify & Apple Podcasts.

Tips from Trestle is sponsored by:

• eMenuChoice: https://bit.ly/TFT_eMenu
• WiseOx: https://bit.ly/TFT_WiseOx
• Ben E Keith Foods: https://bit.ly/TFT_BEK
• AdvantageTrust GPO: https://bit.ly/TFTAdvTrust

#TFT443 #TipsFromTrestle #SeniorLiving #CaregiverSupport #SeasonalDepression #SADAwareness #MentalHealthMatters #DementiaCare #CaregiverBurnout #SeniorLivingLeaders #HospitalityMatters #MindfulCaregiving #CompassionInCaregiving #ResidentExperience #SeniorCareProfessionals #WellnessInSeniorLiving

In “Metrics With a Human Touch”, Tips from Trestle host Aaron Fish and ECP national sales consultant Loren Odom unpack how smart technology and meaningful data can transform senior living operations while keeping residents at the heart of every decision. They explore how eMAR, EHR, and digital workflows reduce documentation errors, protect licensure, and improve survey readiness, all while giving nurses and frontline teams precious time back for real connection and hospitality-driven care. The conversation dives into medication management metrics, move-in automation, and integrated reporting that support value-based care, better staffing decisions, and stronger stories for owners and investors. Senior living leaders will learn how to turn metrics into actionable insights without losing the warm, high-touch resident experience that defines great communities.

Tips from Trestle is sponsored by:

• eMenuChoice: https://bit.ly/TFT_eMenu
• WiseOx: https://bit.ly/TFT_WiseOx
• Ben E Keith Foods: https://bit.ly/TFT_BEK
• AdvantageTrust GPO: https://bit.ly/TFTAdvTrust

#TFT442 #TipsFromTrestle #SeniorLiving #SeniorLivingLeadership #SeniorLivingTech #SeniorLivingMarketing #SeniorCareInnovation #LongTermCare #AssistedLiving #ResidentExperience #HospitalityInCare #CulinaryExcellence #HealthcareTech #DigitalTransformation #ValueBasedCare #AgeTech

In this holiday week re-release, we look back at Aaron's conversation with Christie Freeze from the ALAA Spring Conference. They discuss how video is transforming the senior living industry and explore the power of authentic video in building trust, boosting occupancy, and nurturing resident loyalty. Christie shares actionable strategies for senior living operators, from using evergreen and personalized videos to reduce no-shows and foster community, to engaging staff and residents in content creation. Learn how simple, unscripted videos can create psychological proximity, enhance the resident experience, and turn leads into lifelong ambassadors. Whether you’re a sales director, chef, or activities coordinator, this episode reveals how video can elevate your senior living community’s hospitality and care.

Tips from Trestle is sponsored by:

• eMenuChoice: https://bit.ly/TFT_eMenu
• WiseOx: https://bit.ly/TFT_WiseOx
• Ben E Keith Foods: https://bit.ly/TFT_BEK
• AdvantageTrust GPO: https://bit.ly/TFTAdvTrust

#TFT417 #seniorliving #seniorcare #assistedliving #eldercare #customerloyalty #community #hospitality #elevatetheexperience #caregiver #family #wellness #dementia #videoengagement #authenticity #residentexperience

Discover what placement consultants really see during senior living tours in this revealing conversation with Jenny Skis, founder of Premier Senior Solutions. With 25+ years of healthcare expertise, Jenny exposes critical dining red flags that operators miss—from wrinkled linens to empty dining rooms at mealtime. Learn why authentic resident experiences outperform polished brochures, how storytelling builds trust with families, and which culture elements create lasting connections. Jenny shares insider placement strategies, explains why older communities often outperform new construction, and reveals the power of personalized touches. This episode is essential listening for senior living operators, food service directors, and hospitality teams seeking to improve occupancy through genuine resident-centered dining experiences that families can feel during tours.

Tips from Trestle is sponsored by:

• eMenuChoice: https://bit.ly/TFT_eMenu
• WiseOx: https://bit.ly/TFT_WiseOx
• Ben E Keith Foods: https://bit.ly/TFT_BEK
• AdvantageTrust GPO: https://bit.ly/TFTAdvTrust

#TFT440 #SeniorLiving #SeniorLivingDining #SeniorCarePlacement #AssistedLivingTips #HealthcareDining #ResidentExperience #SeniorLivingCulture #FoodServiceManagement #SeniorCareConsultant #ElderCareAdvice #MemoryCareDining #SeniorLivingMarketing #AgingInPlace #SeniorLivingCommunity