Two weeks ago I facilitated a workshop for representatives of the not-for-profit Kendal Corporation’s senior living communities to review trends, disruptors, threats and opportunities affecting continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs), also known as life plan communities. The focus was practical: how these factors should shape Kendal’s five-year strategic plan. The event took place at Kendal … Read more

The rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine has been slower than many hoped, but it is underway. Each day more Americans have the opportunity to get inoculated against this serious virus. As supplies increase, vaccination rates should rise, bringing us closer to a return to everyday life. With that hopeful progress, many people — myself included … Read more

Do you remember what you were doing the last week of April 2020? For many, life had slowed dramatically as COVID-19 lockdowns were in effect across large parts of the country. Extended social isolation took a toll on millions while communities awaited effective vaccines. Tragically, the earliest months of the pandemic claimed many lives, especially … Read more

This past week I was reminded why my work brings me so much fulfillment. After giving an educational presentation to prospective residents at Ventana by Buckner, a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) in Dallas, Texas, I sat down for lunch with four attendees and enjoyed a memorable conversation. Two charming neighbors who have lived next … Read more

The holiday season brings joy for many, a time to gather with friends and family, share special meals, and remember fond moments from years past. But for others, the weeks between Thanksgiving and New Year’s can intensify feelings of loneliness and grief as they miss loved ones who are no longer part of their lives. … Read more

This past week I had the honor of speaking to a wonderful group of residents and prospects at Freedom Pointe at The Villages, a beautiful continuing care retirement community (CCRC) in Florida. After my presentation I spoke with a resident who raised two thoughtful questions many people ask when considering senior living: Is a CCRC … Read more

Super foods. The phrase conjures images of nutritional heroes swooping in to boost health. But do these foods truly live up to the hype—especially for older adults? For some, the evidence is strong; for others, findings are mixed. Below we define what qualifies a food as “super” and present a focused list of foods with … Read more

In last week’s post, we explored the defining characteristics of a rental retirement community and weighed the potential benefits and drawbacks. In this second installment of our series on senior living options, we turn to equity retirement communities — also called ownership retirement communities — and explain how they differ from other senior living models. … Read more

According to the most recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics jobs report, the healthcare sector added 37,000 positions in June. With the population aging, demand for healthcare and senior care workers continues to rise—especially for “direct care” roles such as home health aides, personal care aides, and nursing assistants in assisted living and long-term care … Read more

I’ve written before about the importance of diversity on the board of directors for continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs), sometimes called life plan communities. A board made up of people from varied backgrounds brings fresh perspectives and valuable input that help protect a community’s long-term financial health and quality of life—outcomes that matter to current … Read more