How can operators meet the need for socialization while isolating residents as required by the pandemic? Community is strengthened By Brian Landrum Senior Managing Director Harbert Management Corp. I have been inspired by the stronger sense of community and the bonds created between residents, families and staff during the pandemic. In terms of socialization across our portfolio, we have implemented family window visits, pen pal programs with local schools, employee recognition opportunities and virtual socialization. Video conferencing has never been so prevalent in our communities — a welcomed advancement for …
Industry Voices
Particularly in the Southeast, where there are fewer cases, builders continue to find work with a few adjustments for COVID-19. By B. Shane Hornbuckle, Principal, Van Winkle Construction Feeling nervous about the economy in light of the pandemic? If you are, take heart: Not everything has come to a stop. While other industries and markets grapple with closures and uncertainty, the design and construction markets remain strong for senior living, particularly in the Southeast. In South Carolina, Van Winkle Construction broke ground for the Indigo at Carolina Forest near Myrtle …
Technology can help combat isolation in senior living. By Fahad Aziz, Caremerge People of all ages are struggling to socialize and keep in touch with loved ones during COVID-19 lockdowns. For older Americans, social isolation can be especially dangerous: loneliness is linked with higher rates of heart disease, stroke, dementia, depression and anxiety. The good news is that digital platforms can help stave off the negative impacts of social isolation. As the world turns to technology to stay connected, senior living communities should follow suit. We must keep residents happy, …
Knowing the state of competition and demand will prepare a community for success. By Susan Brecht, Brecht Associates The market for all types of seniors housing is becoming increasingly complex. Service-enriched communities not only compete with each other, but now face a growing number of active adult (55+) communities that are actually drawing most of their residents in their early to mid -70s. While this type of product was typically offered on a for-sale basis, now there are many that are structured as rental communities. Mixed-use communities serve mixed ages …
To what extent does the home healthcare industry pose a threat to the seniors housing sector? — Lynne Katzmann, founder and president, Juniper Communities I am an eternal optimist, for better or worse. I also think that challenges present opportunities. Skilled home care and private duty can augment the work we do in our communities. Given that they have a separate payment source, they offer us the opportunity to augment service without incurring regular cost. But I think the question may be a different one: does home care threaten our …
Operators must find ways to keep residents social or risk their well-being. By Joanna Frank, Founding President and CEO, The Center for Active Design A less visible, yet very significant health impact of COVID-19 is the psychosocial implications for our senior populations. Seniors are not only particularly vulnerable to the medical risks of COVID-19, but also the effects of social isolation. Seniors housing operators are taking critical steps to reduce the risk of viral spread, such as suspending visitations and limiting face-to-face interactions. Although necessary, we must remember that these …
Resident safety correctly took priority, but now occupancy concerns loom. By Sharon Brooks As the coronavirus pandemic reached the tipping point on the public’s radar, senior living was 100 percent focused on resident safety. Marketing questions loomed but weren’t high priority. For those of us who were focused on marketing, we quickly recognized this as a black swan event. We are now able to formulate an approach to marketing toward the proverbial “new normal.” Anticipating the course We can separate the pandemic into four phases: Crisis Containment Management Normalization Today …
Should assisted living be marketed primarily as a hospitality model or a healthcare model and why? By Meredith Mills Chief Operating Officer Country Meadows Retirement Communities I have always argued that anyone who is still asking himself or herself this question is already behind in the game. The changes in the Medicare payment structure that have occurred over the last five years have continued to push acuity into our communities. If you haven’t already invested in your clinical structure, do so. We are a part of the healthcare system, and healthcare …
It’s more important than ever to be proactive, strategic and creative when it comes to generating qualified leads and moving prospects through the sales cycle. By Joseph L. Roche, The Roche Associates Inc. Few industries have been more impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic than seniors housing. While active adult, independent living, assisted living, memory care and life plan communities may not have been as hard hit as some nursing homes, COVID-19 has led to policies and procedures currently restricting or affecting move-ins; meetings and tours with prospects in their buildings; …
The seniors housing industry, government and society as a whole must collaborate to improve care for our frailest seniors. By Martin Siefering, Principal and Senior Living Practice Leader, Perkins Eastman “When we, as a society, see that it’s appropriate to warehouse our elders, and to put them in small spaces, to underpay their staff so that there are chronic staffing shortages — I think if we see that as an adequate treatment of our elders, then we’re going to have a bad time. We are going to see this over …