You may have been postponing a conversation that matters: how to talk with aging parents about their future plans and where they will live. It can be hard to find the right moment or the right words, and many people feel uncomfortable discussing this topic. This article focuses on practical ways to start that dialogue … Read more

(Photo credit: snoezelen.info) Dementia is a broad term covering memory loss and other cognitive declines that interfere with daily life. In the United States, dementia’s impact has grown considerably: deaths from Alzheimer’s disease—the most common form of dementia—increased sharply between 2000 and 2017. Alzheimer’s now ranks among the leading causes of death, and many older … Read more

Research consistently shows that most older adults prefer to stay in their own homes as long as possible. While emotional attachment is a strong factor, cost is frequently cited as a major consideration. Many assume it is cheaper to stay in an existing home than to move to a senior living community, such as a … Read more

In response to growing interest from residents and prospective residents, more senior living communities are adopting sustainable practices. These efforts range from everyday initiatives like recycling, ridesharing, and composting to larger-scale commitments such as environmentally conscious campus design and construction. Green construction practices do more than provide positive marketing messages: they can improve the living … Read more

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