“It’s using technology to allow residents to live independently. The future of aging allows us to look for more opportunities for seniors to age in place, and to maintain independence and dignity.” 

— Kimberly Power, Corporate Director, IT, ACTS Retirement, Ambler, PA

“Just asking the question makes us think about what we don’t know. Will we be a field that is able to try new things? We are used to doing what we are doing.”

— Nancy King, Senior Options, Westminster Community, Virginia Beach, VA

“It’s about new and creative ways to serve the market. Where we are is extremely rural — we are about 45 miles east of Erie, PA. We’re trying to stay relevant in a way that seniors will accept.”

— Jason Diley, CEO, The Rouse Estate, Youngsville, PA

“Wellspring Lutheran Services ensures we make a commitment to research and deliver as part of budgeting process. It’s based on being an organization that spans a century. Overall, it’s a strategy that revolves around taking the long view and staying the course.”

— Michael Logan, SVP/COO, Wellspring Lutheran, Flint, MI

 “It’s not a single event. Innovation takes place through a great deal of talking. I take these things from here and they go home with me. I steal ideas all of the time. It’s about being able to go against the tide.”

— Ronald Dischinger, CEO/President, Elim Park Baptist Home, Cheshire, CT

“Through the power of association we’re uniquely positioned to identify trends of what’s working well and what’s not. But innovation isn’t just sharing promising practices, it’s about helping communities listen to their people and creating customized solutions.”

— Adam Suomala, Vice President of Membership and Strategic Affiliations, LeadingAge Minnesota, St. Paul, MN

“Innovation is anticipating what will work for the next generation. Right now we’re focused on workforce and reimbursement as the big challenges. How do we find enough people to staff? We have to focus on attracting good people, and keep making steps forward.”

— William B. Bates, CEO, LeadingAge Missouri, Jefferson City, MO

“It starts by asking the question and starting a dialogue. It’s also about seeing what’s unfolding. As I’ve gone around at these [association meetings], I take information back.”

— Shelley Rauch, Executive Director, Westminster Village North, Indianapolis

From the May 01, 2016 Issue of McKnight's Long-Term Care News