FSLA ENGAGE Summer 2023

Partnership, service, care

Discover a care model designed to help you do more for your residents and staff.

The Optum care model and UnitedHealthcare Assisted Living Plan deliver both clinical care and specialized health care benefits to help you support health of your residents and ease the burden on staff.

Our model provides 24/7 telephonic support through advanced care professionals who work on site, coordinating care between residents, care teams and families.

Learn more at optum.com/alc 1. 2019–2020 IE-SNP results.

Journal of Managed Care. 2019;25(9):400–405. © 2022 Optum, Inc. All rights reserved. WF6331817 02/22

Extending stays, reducing readmissions

Our program is:

Increasing resident stays 8 months longer than the national average1

Reducing hospital readmissions by 38% 2

2. McGarry BE, Grabowski DC. Managed care for long-stay nursing home residents: An evaluation of institutional special needs plans. American

A COMPASS IN THE HEADWINDS A MESSAGE FROM OUR Board Chair

shelley esden , President and CEO Sonata Senior Living

As CEO of a regional senior living operator, I am all too familiar with the art of balancing operational challenges with resident care and experience.

This year, a succession of underlying causes has made senior living operators world-class balancing act champions. Even the gold medalists among us have been scratching their heads wondering what can be done to assure value creation while trying to front-run the challenges that have multiplied in recent years.

If this sounds familiar, know at least that you are not alone. It is unsettling when we have so many things at once threatening to disrupt the delicate equilibrium in senior living. If pandemics and hurricanes weren’t enough, now we face rising interest rates, regulatory oversight, supply chain shortages, a workforce crisis, capital restructuring, increasing insurance and litigation, escalating costs and declining margins. That’s a few too many “threats” for my tastes.

I co-founded Sonata Senior Living 15 years ago for one reason: to affect change. Early on, I experienced first-hand the difference quality care can make to families in need (including my family) and set out to improve the way consumers experience senior living along the entire continuum. It’s been the driving force behind most every decision we’ve made as a company and kept us focused through good times and bad.

These days I must remind myself that the balancing act we perform is uncomfortable, not insurmountable. Much like walking a tightrope, we’ve learned to stay afloat, even if it means constantly adjusting budgets and resources and recalibrating business strategies to optimize cost structure.

But while it’s essential to be agile, operators also must be careful not to lose sight of their core values. When we race to leap over one obstacle, we risk losing balance and tumbling to the ground. Instead, we must straddle the line between agility and stability, adapting as circumstances demand while keeping our vision in view.

Over our 15 years, the need to remain focused on the “why” has only become more apparent. To move beyond a reactive state, it’s essential to identify what, exactly, the “why” is behind our daily actions. The answer to this question has not only guided us through difficult times, but grounded us, too.

Everyone’s “why” is different. At the heart of our communities is a genuine desire to improve the lives of older adults and help them live a more fulfilling life. Whether through innovation, care, or service excellence, our drive to improve resident experience is unwavering and foundational to our existence. It comes from the heart and helped us build a stronger, more resilient team that’s better equipped to face any challenge.

Caring for seniors is a precious responsibility, and one we must never take for granted. Remembering our “why” ensures we will always prioritize our residents’ needs above our own. It’s essential we remain true to them, even when it prolongs recovery.

Being resilient means having the ability to adapt to market turbulence, bounce back from setbacks, and pivot. It is a vitally important trait for any operator to weather the storms that are buffeting our marketplace. With the reason behind our “why” as a compass, we can keep our balance and walk upright directly into the strongest of headwinds.

Gail Matillo, MPA President & CEO

Jason Hand, Esq.

VP Public Policy and Legal Affairs

Sheri LeaJean

Director of Education & Sponsorships

Meredith Van Valkenburgh, MSAFA, CGB, CPM Project Director

Kristin Quirk Membership Director

Jimmie Fay Griffin, LPN Accounting & Membership Manager

John Henry Pitts, Jr. Business Development Director

Katherine Upton Operations Coordinator

FSLA EXECUTIVE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Chair: Shelley Esden

President and CEO

Sonata Senior Living

Past Chair: Melinda Skirvin

Vice President

Five Star Senior Living

Past Chair Emeritus: Mary Sue Patchett

Vice Chair: Joe Jedlowski

President

Distinctive Senior Living

Secretary: Chris Callahan

Regional Director of Operations

Brookdale Senior Living

Treasurer: Lindsey Hacker

President and Chief Financial Officer

Validus Senior Living

Parliamentarian: Robin Khanal, Esq. Quintarios, Prieto, Wood & Boyer, P.A. Industry Partner Committee Chair: Matt Depenbrock

Director of Business Development

Guardian Pharmacy

Education Committee Chair: Marisa Strain

Director of Quality Assurance

SRI Management

Membership Committee Chair: Krone Weidler

Principal Cadre Healthcare Realty Advisors

Editorial and Business Offices

2292 Wednesday St. Suite 1, Tallahassee, FL 32308 850-496-2562 | floridaseniorliving.org

Publisher: Gail Matillo gmatillo@floridaseniorliving.org

Executive Editor: Sheri LeaJean sleajean@floridaseniorliving.org

Creative Director: Katie Truelove ktcreative@me.com

Advertising & Editorial Submissions engage@floridaseniorliving.org

ENGAGE, Volume 1, Issue 5 is published quarterly by Florida Senior Living Association, 2292 Wednesday Street, Suite 1, Tallahassee, Florida, 32308. Florida Senior Living member companies receive subscriptions for communities as part of their membership. Free controlled subscriptions are also available to qualified individuals in the senior living business.

POSTMASTER, SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO:

ENGAGE, 2292 Wednesday Street, Suite 1, Tallahassee, Florida, 32308. Printed in USA. Copyright 2022. ENGAGE will not be responsible for the return of any unsolicited manuscripts or photographs.

Copyright © 2023 Florida Senior Living Association. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form – print, electronic, or otherwise – without written permission from Florida Senior Living Association.

For media inquiries and advertising information, contact engage@floridaseniorliving.org.

Featured on the cover: It was a night to remember as Sonata Senior Living recently celebrated its 15th anniversary and the grand opening of Sonata Lake Mary with business partners, associates, and friends.

Photo Credit: Carey Sheffield

by john henry pitts , jr .

The Assisted Living and Independent Living sectors of the senior housing market are amid a dramatic sea change, facing challenges and uncertainties that they have not previously had to address!

In 2023, senior living providers need to become more focused than ever on the next generation of consumers. They are also struggling more than ever to find ways to evolve their senior living products and services.

• Increasing Population and Changing Demographics

• Redefining Active Adult Living Communities

• Changing Medical and Mental Health Needs

• Liability and Litigation Risk and Uncertainty

Florida Senior Living Association (FSLA) remains nimble in adjusting

to changing economic and market conditions to provide our members with the most current resources to help them thrive in their everyday operations and future growth.

Increasing Population and Changing Demographics

Over the past twenty years, the housing market for seniors, particularly Assisted Living and Independent Living communities, has experienced tremendous growth and evolution. Each passing year brings the supply market for senior living closer to the enormous demand wave. In 2023, senior living developers and providers are now more focused than ever on this next generation of consumers. With the aging baby-boom generation, the US will experience a significant increase in the number of middle-income seniors ages seventy-five and older by 2029.

john henry pitts , jr . Business Development Director, Florida Senior Living Association

The size of the middle-income senior population will increase by 7.5M (89%) by 2023.

Redefining Active Adult Living Communities

Senior Living corporations are redefining the active adult product, finding new ways to scale up, reimagining how senior living communities operate, and reimagining the value proposition they present to their consumers. The latest analysis of various industry research reveals that life plan or master-planned community residents tend to have better markers of wellness, such as physical, emotional, social, intellectual, and vocational wellness, compared to older adults living at home.

Senior living developers, management companies, and community operators are embracing design concepts that creatively add to a community’s overall unit total with new freestanding units. The phenomenon of independent, active adult communities has gained strength over the past several years.

Changing Medical and Mental Health Needs

Even though Assisted Living and Independent Living communities are not considered a traditional healthcare setting, concern has been growing about residents’ increasing medical and mental health needs. In 2023, this trend has only intensified and evolved. As the assisted living concept has grown and become more popular, residents are now older than in the past and need more healthcarerelated services. In 2021, a Delphi consensus of healthcare experts called for more focus on the communities’ medical and mental health needs.

Then there is the continued rise of integrated care models supported by Medicare Advantage and other managed care plans. Increasingly, payers see the value of working with senior living providers that can help better manage the health of large older adult populations.

Liability and Litigation Risk and Uncertainty

The senior living industry is cognizant of various liability and litigation risks, given its nature of caring for older adults who sometimes need help with complex medical and care conditions. There was a time in the nottoo-distant past when Assisted Living and Independent Living operators were rarely in the eye of regulators or plaintiff attorneys. Over the last decade, it has become increasingly imperative that senior living operators know and plan for an increasingly complicated legal environment.

Jason Hand, Florida Senior Living Association, Vice President of Public Policy and Legal Affairs, said that Florida’s assisted living communities provide a home for older adults and help with activities of daily living and deserve at least similar procedural courtroom safeguards in place for nursing homes.

“Florida’s assisted living facilities provide a home – as well as critical activities of daily living – to our seniors, helping ensure they have choice, dignity, and quality of life. Our ALFs deserve at least the similar procedural courtroom safeguards in place for nursing homes, if not those afforded to other health care providers. Because Florida’s ALFs are not provided similar

protections regarding who can be sued and what type of damages can be recovered, the target on ALFs’ backs gets bigger year after year, contributing to increasing insurance costs and rising costs for seniors and their families that are unsustainable. Florida’s ALF industry is in desperate need of measured, meaningful protections, which only the Florida Legislature can provide.”

Conclusions

Assisted Living communities are a robust housing and care alternative for those who need or desire it. The Assisted Living sector is the largest provider of residential long-term care in the US. There are many flavors of assisted living, and FSLA believes the senior living industry will eventually need to be more purposeful about naming what they are and who they are best suited to care for.

Assisted Living and Independent communities are now addressing:

1. Staff and staff training

2. Nursing and related services

3. Resident assessment and care planning

4. Policies and practices

5. Medical and mental health clinicians and care

The consumers in this sector will face quite a diverse set of opportunities relative to today’s middle-income seniors. People may experience increasing health needs, deteriorating mobility, and cognitive impairment as they age but seniors are also staying much more active and engaged..

ASK A RECRUITER

by julie rupenski , MedBest Recruiting, Founder and CEO

MedBest Recruiting is an Executive Search Firm exclusive to the Senior Living Industry. Many of our team members are directly from the industry and served in various roles, including leadership. You might say, we’ve sat in the chairs you’re looking to fill!

When it comes to executive recruitment, we know that some senior care organizations still question whether a search firm is the right choice when it comes to an executive or C-suite search.

So, let’s answer some of those questions.

Q: Aren’t Executive Search Firms All the Same?

A: No. Not all search firms are the same. Actually, executive recruitment firms can be very different from each other. For example, some will only work on a retained search. That’s when a recruiter is paid an upfront or on a scheduled fee and works on an

exclusive basis, meaning they, and only they, will be working on the search. Other search firms offer both the retained and contingency search models. A contingent search means recruiters only get paid when they find a candidate that you hire.

Also, many executive search firms focus on serving a number of industries while others may be exclusive to one industry such as senior living. A senior care organization would be best served by an executive search firm exclusive to the senior living / long term care industry. It’s best to do your homework. Gather information to make sure an executive search firm fits with your specific industry and talent needs.

Q: Wouldn’t Posting a Job Opening on Multiple Job Boards Find the Same People that a Recruiter Would Present?

A: There’s a lot more to recruiting than that. With an abundance of

digital job boards available on the market today, many organizations assume that posting their position to a site like ZipRecruiter or LinkedIn can help them find their next executive hire. If that’s your method, you’re undoubtedly missing out on some of the best talent that the senior living industry has to offer. The best fitting executive and C-level professionals are not usually found that way since 70% of the workforce is passive talent. Passive candidates are individuals who are currently employed and not actively looking for a new job, but who may be open to a good career opportunity if one came along.

Consequently, there’s a lot more that goes into a high-level search than surfing the internet and posting ads on job boards or LinkedIn. Executive recruiters have a network of those hard-to-find, in-demand, and high-level industry professionals not normally found on job boards. Their industry specific relationships have been forged over

many years and include thousands of senior living candidates, both active and passive. By partnering with a reputable and proven senior living executive search firm, you will gain access to a comprehensive network of carefully vetted industry candidates. In addition, these candidates can also tell your organization’s story to passive candidates which may help attract better candidates.

Q: Is Hiring an Executive Search Firm Really Cost Effective?

A: Yes! A good recruiter can help you to save time and money. Recruiters have the advantage of industry tools and expertise which enable them to find and vet candidates more quickly and efficiently. Plus, they help you to avoid making a poor hiring decision on your own. Bad hires are very costly. The average cost of a mismatch is up to 30% of an employee’s salary according to the US Department of Labor. However, it’s even more when you consider the loss of productivity

and decrease in employee morale, especially if your staff must pick up the slack.

Q: Do Searches for Senior Management & Executive Positions Take a Long Time to Complete?

A: That depends. The key to a successful and efficient search in senior living is to commission search professionals who specialize in or are directly from the industry. These industry-savvy recruiters know how to engage senior living leaders and thereby develop and present only high-quality candidates in an acceptable time frame. Plus, given the talent shortage in the industry, clients can’t afford to wait or extend the search process since it may cost them the most high caliber candidates.

Q: Do Executive Search Firms Only Provide Permanent Placements?

A: Not necessarily. Many senior living executive search firms not

julie rupenski

only provide permanent placements but offer interim coverage as well. Interim leaders can be invaluable when a business is facing change or requires immediate support. For example, senior living interims are seasoned industry professionals who can hit the ground running, work well with your staff, keep teams and timelines on target, provide the skill sets needed for a fixed period of time, allow hiring managers the time needed to find a permanent hire, and have the experience to manage business disruptions.

If you have a question for Ask a Recruiter, please send it to: bmiller@medbest.com

Julie Rupenski is the Founder & CEO of MedBest Recruiting. Since opening its doors in 2001, Julie has grown MedBest into an award winning, multimillion-dollar national firm, garnering impressive awards including INC 5000 2021 and Tampa Bay Fast 50 2021! Julie was also named as one of the “Top 100 Women Leaders in Tampa 2022ʺ by Women We Admire.

MedBest has gained national recognition due to Julie’s industry expertise and high level of success. Julie has an in-depth knowledge of the senior living industry. She previously worked in operations for both senior housing and senior living prior to founding MedBest. Today, Julie and her industry-savvy team of recruiters, make it their mission to place exceptional industry executives in senior living positions where they have the greatest impact.

IT’S AN

EMERGENCY

HOW TO COMMUNICATE THROUGHOUT A DISASTER

by sandi poreda

With hurricane season upon us, our senior living communities are pulling out their emergency management plans and going through the different steps for preparedness and disaster response. However, there is a very important facet of emergency planning that often goes overlooked. This is the communication function, and the successful implication of this function could be the difference between surviving a disaster or total failure.

To understand the value of communication, we first have to understand its true importance. We are responsible for the care of someone’s family member, loved one or a very close friend, which means we have an incredibly valuable asset –critical information about that senior’s safety, and wellbeing. During an emergency, information is often hard to come by, and reliable information is even more scarce. Therefore, it is our responsibility to share the correct information in a timely and easily accessible manner with the people who need it most. This includes information about our residents’ physical safety, as well as their mental and emotional wellbeing, during a traumatic event.

So what does it mean to have a disaster communication plan? There are a few critical components to a successful plan, and each community should have a well documented and thoroughly vetted plan that is updated regularly as information and key stakeholders change.

First, we need to define the critical content. Depending on the potential disaster, this should include information about the preparations being made to protect the safety and security of the community, the residents and staff. If a community is facing evacuation, it is important to communicate this information as quickly as possible; however, it is also critical to avoid falling into the trap of communicating too quickly before information has been confirmed. Disasters are traumatic events, and misinformation can often exacerbate the stress our residents, staff and families experience during these challenging times. Make sure the information being shared is accurate to the absolute best of your capability.

The process of developing content can also be assisted by thinking about the information we would want

sandi poreda , apr Bulldog Strategy Group

to know if our loved one was suddenly facing a disaster. Will they be safe? Where will they be going? Does the community have sufficient emergency supplies and training? If they have to leave, will they be able to take their food, clothing, medications? These are questions we would realistically ask ourselves in similar situations, so we can expect the families and friends of our residents to have similar questions. If we anticipate these questions and have answers readily available, this will diminish not only the stress our family members may experience in an absence of certainty, but it will also cut down on the number of questions our staff and management may have to address as they are preparing to take critical action.

Once we have a solid plan for what we will communicate, we need to think about what channels we will use to get this information to the right people. This doesn’t have to be complicated; this could be an email list with up-to-date contact information for family members and other important people. If your community uses a text system, it may be a very useful tool for

communicating during disasters. It is also important to remember that post-disaster, cell phone service may be difficult or completely nonexistent. Think through how you would communicate with people if you were not able to use your cell phones. Channels like social media should be factored into the plan to complement phone calls and emails, but also to stand in as the main source of information if cell service has been disrupted.

Just as important as the message and the delivery system is the person communicating the information. Because of the stressful nature of a disaster, you’ll want to ensure the person communicating this information is someone who will inspire trust and calm in their audience. This may be your Executive Director, your Director of Nursing, your Director of Activities, or anyone else who has a good rapport with the families of your residents and who is able to keep a cool head in the middle of chaos. You do not want to have someone who broadcasts their own stress in charge of communicating vital information to family members because their

demeanor could affect the overall tone of your messages. Once you have thought through these components, it’s time to put the plan to the test. The best disaster plans are only as good as the last time they were practiced, which means if your plan has never been tested, it is only a working theory. Practicing your communication plan enables you to identify potential gaps and weak links in advance of an actual disaster. This will give you the opportunity to make adjustments, update contact information, change messages and/or messengers, and much more. You will not be able to rely on or fix a faulty plan in the middle of a disaster. Practice may not make perfect, but it will definitely provide ample opportunity for improvement.

Disaster planning is a critical part of our involvement in senior living, and because we live in Florida, it is something we unfortunately put into practice on a fairly regular basis. As we enter the 2023 Atlantic Hurricane Season, take the time now to ensure you have a robust and effective disaster communication plan.

by gail matillo

gail matillo , mpa President/CEO Florida Senior Living Association

Recently, I attended the funeral of a senior living administrator who had worked more than 35 years in the business. It was a beautiful service, and as speakers reminisced about her life and told many stories of events that happened during her career, one of the things that most impressed me was the strong sense of family among her colleagues and friends. Senior living professionals are a unique breed, and if you’re not in the business, you may not understand the joy, satisfaction and challenges we share on a regular basis.

Even though we all work for different companies, different types of communities and in different types of positions, we all care about the same thing – caring for our residents and providing them with the best services and activities that makes their lives worth living. Each of

them is to be respected for their careers, families and lives well lived. Page Ensor with Brookdale Senior Living said it best during her recent podcast: “We work with the best people with the best hearts.”

At the funeral, as I listened to the wonderful stories and accolades about this administrator’s life, everything had a central theme –dedicating our lives to something bigger than us and helping others before ourselves. Many people made similar comments about how she enjoyed meeting with friends each year during annual conferences and how much she loved her colleagues. She was a mentor, a teacher, and a great listener. She enjoyed having fun, and she respected her staff and instilled a sense of purpose for each of them no matter their position.

After the service ended, many

of us gathered in the reception area to express our condolences to the family and friends. As it usually does when there are more than a few of us in one place, the conversations quickly shifted to discussions about senior living. We spent at least an hour considering some of the latest issues and how to solve problems, sharing thoughts and ideas.

Our friend will be missed terribly, but she will be remembered for shaping the lives of many leaders who will continue to follow in her footsteps. Like her, this business is in our DNA, and we live it, breathe it, and sleep it. That’s what we do, and we wouldn’t have it any other way. Being in senior living, you are part of something bigger than yourself. Consider, what kind of footprints are you setting and leaving behind?

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Session Review 2023

by jason hand

As a trusted and dependable advocacy resource, FSLA’s goal is to continue our stellar reputation for accomplishing significant legislative and regulatory policy efforts that benefit Florida’s senior living providers and residents. With the senior living industry generating a $14.5 billion annual state economic impact, this continued success is critical for providers, seniors, and the state. Florida’s 2023 Legislation Session was busier than ever, with a lot of issues directly or indirectly affecting long-term care facilities being considered. In total, 1,828 bills were filed, with 356 passing both legislative chambers. Although FSLA’s flagship tort reform legislation did not pass, several tort reform items affecting long-term care facilities did pass, as well as other substantive issues affecting long-term care facilities. The 2023 Florida Legislature accomplishments include the following:

• Civil Remedies - SB 236 (Sen. Hutson) /HB 837 (Rep. Gregory): This bill was designed with the intent to help all businesses and covers topics relating to: Loadstar fee presumptions; one-way attorney fees; statute of limitations in negligence claims; bad faith; letters of protection; comparative fault for negligent security premises liability; and modified comparative fault. Unfortunately, because ALFs and nursing homes have their own unique statutory construct in Chapters 429 and 408, Florida Statutes, this bill did not have as significant of an impact on ALFs and

jason hand VP of Public Policy & Legal Affairs Florida Senior Living Association

nursing homes as it did with other businesses, including independent living. You can read more about HB 837 here.

• Advertisements for Legal Services - SB 1246 (Sen. Yarborough) / HB 1205 (Rep. Andrade): The bill prohibits legal services advertisements from presenting the ad as a medical alert or offering advice from a government entity. It also requires a legal services advertisement soliciting clients who may allege injury from an FDA-approved prescription drug or medical device to include specified statements and information in the advertisement.

• Florida Senior Living Institute CNA On-The-Job Training Program: This is the second year that FSLI will be able to offer the CNA On-the-job Training Program to ALFs throughout the state. The appropriations request was once again fully funded by the Florida Legislature.

• Education and Training For Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Forms of Dementia – SB 1182 (Sen. Simon) / HB 299 (Rep. Black): Current required training requirements for Alzheimer’s disease and related forms of dementia vary across health care provider types. The passage of HB 299 seeks to bring consistency to these training requirements regardless of the health care setting. The bill revises minimum training requirements and timeframes for nursing homes, assisted living facilities,

home health agencies, nurse registries, homemaker and companion service providers, adult family-care homes, and adult day care centers. The legislation also makes the training requirements applicable to employees of health care services pools. Additionally, the bill requires the Department of Elder Affairs to offer certain education about Alzheimer’s disease and related forms of dementia to the general public.

• Elder and Vulnerable Adult Abuse Fatality Review Teams – SB 1540 (Sen. Garcia) / HB 1567 (Rep. Hawkins): This bill was pushed by AARP and the Elder Law Section of the Florida Bar. The bill as originally drafted raised serious concerns that the trial bar would be able to abuse the process; however, the bill was amended to take out the most objectionable parts and become more palatable. The bill also had an accompanying public records bill, SB 1542 (Sen. Garcia) / 1569 (Rep. Hawkins).

• Health Care Provider Accountability – SB 1596 (Sen. Garcia) / HB 1471 (Rep. Busatta Cabrera): This bill allows AHCA to seek injunctions to stop unlicensed rehab centers (e.g., Brazilian butt lift surgery recovery sites), which currently are treated by AHCA as unlicensed ALFs.

• Continuing Care Contracts – SB 622 (Sen. Yarborough) / HB 1573 (Rep. Persons-Mulicka): Among many changes to CCRCs, the bill: makes it easier for a

provider to access escrowed resident fees as part of an expansion, allowing access to the escrowed funds once 75 percent of the proposed units have been reserved rather than once payment in full has been received for 50 percent of the units; reduces the time for the OIR to approve or deny an expansion application from 45 days to 30 days from the date the application is deemed complete; expands the types of financial institutions that can provide a letter of credit to a provider to satisfy its minimum liquid reserve requirements by adding state-chartered financial institutions as well as federally-chartered financial institutions; requires a provider that owns or operates more than one facility in Florida to have a designated resident representative at each facility; and requires each facility to provide a copy of the OIR final examination report and corrective action plan, if applicable, to the president or chair of the residents’ council within 60 days after issuance of the report.

• Blood Clot and Pulmonary Embolism Policy Workgroup –SB 612 (Sen. Yarborough) / HB 483 (Rep. Black): Known as the “Emily Adkins Prevention Act,” named after the late daughter of Doug & Janet Adkins, the bill establishes a blood clot and pulmonary embolism policy workgroup. The workgroup is tasked with identifying specific background information pertaining to the prevalence, data collection, impacts, standards of care, and emerging treatments of blood clots and pulmonary embolisms. The workgroup is further tasked with developing a risk surveillance system for various health care providers and facilities and policy recommendations to improve patient awareness,

including written materials and guidelines that affect the standard of care for patients at risk of forming blood clots.

• Business Rent Tax : The BRT will be reduced from 5.5% to 4.5%. Florida is the only state in the United States to impose a sales tax on commercial rent. For years now, the state of Florida has considered itself at a competitive disadvantage for companies looking to relocate because of this tax. For several years now, the state has reduced the commercial rental sales tax rate.

• Fees in Lieu of Security Deposits – SB 494 (Sen. DiCeglie) / HB 133 (Rep. Mooney): The bill authorizes but does not require a landlord to offer a tenant the option to pay a fee in lieu of a security deposition. If the landlord offers this option, the landlord must give the tenant written notice that meets several requirements.

• Technology Transparency – SB 262 (Sen. Bradley) / HB 1547 (Rep. McFarland): The perineal data privacy bill has finally passed. The final language also made clear most privacy protections were targeted at businesses with 10-figure revenues, by exempting businesses with less than $1 billion in revenue each year. Effectively, that means the bill will have a great impact on major companies like Google and Meta, and less impact on local retailers serving only a small geographic region.

• Exploitation of Vulnerable Persons: SB 232 (Sen. Garcia) / HB 603 (Rep. LaMarca): The bill creates specific penalties for exploiting a person 65 years of age or older by obtaining or using, through deception or intimidation, the property of a person 65 years of age or older with the intent to deprive that person of the

use, benefit, or possession of the property. This includes obtaining the property of a person 65 years of age or older through fraudulent creation of a plan of a will, trust, or other testamentary. Additionally, the bill creates specific penalties for depriving, with the intent to defraud and by means of bribery or kickbacks, a person 65 years of age or older of his or her intangible right to honest services provided by an individual who has a legal or fiduciary relationship with such person.

• Department of Elderly Affairs –SB 1396 (Sen. Garcia) / HB 1411 (Rep. Tramont): The bill prohibits employees of the State LongTerm Care Ombudsman Program from being appointed as ombudsmen. The bill also expands the background screening of direct service providers under s. 430.0402, F.S. to include administrators, financial officers, and other employees whose responsibilities may require personal care/direct services and access to client financial or legal matters, personal property, or living areas.

• Department of Health – SB 1506 (Sen. Rodriquez) / HB 1387 by Porras: The bill amends s. 464.203, F.S., to exempt certified nursing assistant (CNA) applicants who have completed an approved training program from the licensure requirement of taking the skills demonstration portion of the examination. It also amends s. 382.025, F.S., to increase the age at which birth records will remain confidential and exempt, from 100 years of age to 125 years of age.

by richard mellon

With the pandemic behind us, change is afoot as retirement communities (including those with assisted living options), physiotherapy clinics, and chronic condition treatment centers are expanding their use of Urban Poling’s evidence-based walking poles, designed to improve mobility and function for people of every age, ability, and fitness level.

Nordic walking, often referred to as urban poling is a low-impact, full-body workout. According to Dr. Aaron Baggish, director of the Cardiovascular Performance Program at the Massachusetts General Hospital Heart Center, “Nordic walking combines cardiovascular exercise with a vigorous muscle workout for your shoulders, arms, core, and legs.”

“Conventional walking activates only the muscles below the waist. When you add poles, you activate all the muscles of the upper body as well,” explains Dr. Baggish. “You’re engaging 90% of your muscles as opposed to 50%, providing a substantial calorieburning benefit as well.”

Urban Poling has a variety of walking pole options, but we are going to focus on the ACTIVATOR Pole which was developed under the lens of an Occupational Therapist and Gerontologist with a patented design for the special needs of seniors. Designed specifically with an ‘older’ user in mind, they are best in class for the medical fitness and rehab market.

The ACTIVATOR course for Senior Living and Community Older Adults is CEU Approved and to date, there are more than 5,500 graduates of their training programs.

Urban Poling’s program(s) can be implemented for dynamic seated and standing fall prevention exercise programs and for unique indoor and outdoor walking groups. As Patti Kunselman, Wellness Manager at Carlyle Place in Georgia, explains, “Our program has caught on like wildfire. I have so many success stories about our residents!”

Judy Boivin, clinical lead for cancer rehabilitation at LifeMark Centric Health is a major proponent of the benefits of Nordic walking, for cancer patients as well. As a physiotherapist and cancer survivor, Boivin has seen first-hand the remarkable improvements that walking with poles can offer. “There’s a lot to deal with following a cancer diagnosis,” says Boivin. “Individuals are told they need to exercise more, but many cancer patients have difficulty with this. Many of them are exhausted from the treatment, but there are other issues like balance, impairment, and neuropathy.”

In the past decade, studies have shown that the use of walking poles can help with pain management and counteract fatigue for cancer patients. They also help restore mobility and improve strength in the upper body for breast cancer patients.

“There are ways to improve cancer-specific side-effects like lymphedema, which produces swelling in the arm and is common following the treatment of breast cancer. Nordic walking is an ideal exercise because of the pumping actions you do with your arms,” says Boivin.

Director of Rehabilitation Services, Christine Namey of the Lutheran SeniorLife Passavant Community recognizes the benefits of the ACTIVATOR Pole and is thrilled to expand it’s use. “We have witnessed firsthand the effectiveness of this pole in our therapy department. It helps patients become more stable and stronger over time. By adding poles to our fitness classes, residents now can challenge themselves and improve their overall health, mobility, and fitness.”

One of the Passavant Community PT assistants, Nancy Thenthongkham says, “the poles provide patients with more support while helping them improve their stability, balance, and confidence, while they walk.” Nancy shares a story when in a recent class, 99-year-old Joan Gill demonstrated the use of the poles as she pretended to kayak through the center. “Watch out,” she exclaimed, “I am moving!”

Members of the Urban Poling team will be making their presence felt at #ENGAGE2023 in Boca Raton, Florida June 26-28 and they are

looking to build new relationships with stakeholders in the world of Senior’s Living.

Urban Poling currently has partnerships with the March of Dimes, Arthritis Society, ICAA, VEDA, Cardiac Heart Foundation of Canada, International Obesity Foundation, and will be presenting at the World Parkinson’s Congress this July in Barcelona, Spain.

Now that you’ve learned a bit about Urban Poling and using walking poles for fitness and therapeutic use, it’s time to bring a program to your Senior Living Homes that will be the talk of YOUR Community!

richard mellon Urban Polling

As a seasoned business and sales professional,Richard strives to make a positive impact on people’s lives and believes strongly in the connection between fitness and happiness, particularly as we age. Leveraging Urban Poling’s state-of-the-art technology, he helps people of all ages and fitness levels enhance their physical endurance, strength, balance, and overall well-being.

Communities thrive when individuals come together, united by a common purpose and shared interests. FSLA plays a vital role in fostering this sense of togetherness, providing opportunities for collaboration, learning, and growth. If you’re seeking new connections, and a chance to make a difference, FSLA extends an open invitation to join the association by becoming part of our vibrant community.

One of the greatest advantages of joining FSLA is the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals who share your passion and aspirations. FSLA provides a diverse space where professionals and advocates come together, offering a wealth of networking prospects, forging meaningful relationships, sharing knowledge, and collaborating on projects that can make a lasting impact.

FSLA serves as a dynamic place for knowledge sharing and continuous learning. By joining, you gain access to a vast reservoir of expertise and resources. From workshops, webinars, and conferences to industry reports and publications, FSLA provides a wealth of educational opportunities that can enhance your professional skills. Engaging with fellow members,

mentors, and industry experts can be transformative, propelling your personal and career growth to new heights.

Strength lies in unity, and FSLA amplifies the collective voice of our members. By joining the association, we will address issues that matter to you and advocate for positive change in senior living. FSLA plays a crucial role in shaping policies, influencing regulations, and championing causes that align with their members’ interests. Together, we can create a powerful force for advocacy, making a tangible difference in the areas we care about most.

Membership provides exclusive access to a range of valuable resources and opportunities. These might include research publications, industry insights, job boards, mentorship programs, or discounts on relevant products and services. Associations offer scholarships, grants, awards, and collaborative projects.

FSLA provides a sense of belonging to something bigger – we are family. We foster a shared sense of purpose and camaraderie, creating a supportive system for members to uplift and inspire one another. Together, we celebrate milestones,

gail matillo , mpa President/CEO Florida Senior Living Association

overcome challenges, and share in the joys and triumphs of our collective endeavors.

Joining FSLA is one click away. Contact our membership team by emailing:

John Henry Pitts, Business Development Director, businessdevelopment@ floridaseniorliving.org

Jimmie Fay Griffin, Membership & Accounting Manager, jgriffin@floridaseniorliving.org

Kristin Quirk, Membership Director, membership@floridaseniorliving.org

FSLA extends an open invitation to join, where collaboration, growth, and shared experiences await. By becoming a member, you’ll gain access to an expansive network of like-minded individuals, opportunities for personal and professional development, and the chance to make a meaningful difference. Embrace this invitation to connect, learn, and contribute to a vibrant community that will support and inspire you on your journey. Together, we can achieve great things and create a brighter future.

Training includes an online program with course materials, clinical test skills preparation, and paid Prometric test. Each facility may have four (4) learners enrolled at one time.

THREE LEARNING TRACKS AVAILABLE

TEAL TRACK

for Experienced Staff

Online Learning Management System

75-Hour Online Training Course

• CNA overview: Basic nursing skills, Client Rights, Communication, Legal and ethical behaviors, and Spiritual and Cultural Issues

• Online coaching for test prep

• CNA Practice Written Exams

• CNA Clinical Skills Review

CORAL TRACK

for Newer Staff

Google Classroom Setting

2-7 Week Online Training Course

• CNA Prometric material overview

• Basic nursing skills, Client Rights, Communication, Legal and ethical behaviors, and Spiritual and Cultural Issues

• Online coaching for test prep

• CNA Practice Written Exams

• CNA Clinical Skills Review

SILVER TRACK

for All ALF Staff

Weekend “Boot Camp” training for 8-16 learners.

Requirements

• Dedicated Classroom for up to 16 Weekend Learners.

• Two Dedicated Testing Rooms on Monday and Tuesday

• Qualify Testing Rooms for In-Facility Testing (IFT) with assistance from FSLI.

• WI-FI connection for written computer testing.

Training Map

• Community qualifies for program at least four weeks prior to Boot Camp.

• Students must register in Prometric for CNA exam three weeks prior to Boot Camp.

• Students review and study online in the weeks prior to Boot Camp.

• Students receive textbooks 1 week prior to Boot Camp.

• Students complete Boot Camp on a Saturday and Sunday.

• 8 Max Learners for Written and Clinical Skills Exam on the next Monday and Tuesday.

welcome

Dear FSLA Conference Participants,

We are so excited to welcome you to this year’s ENGAGE 2023 Conference! We are thrilled to have you join us for this exciting gathering of great minds and industry experts. As we come together to celebrate the Association’s 10-year anniversary, we are reminded of how much we appreciate your membership, support and friendship. The staff passionately champions, educates and supports our members, who have made us the strongest advocate in the senior living profession, now representing more than 470 communities!

This year's conference embodies our commitment to embracing change, adapting to new trends and navigating the challenges that lie ahead. During this conference, presenters will provide you with insights, tools and strategies to thrive in an ever-evolving environment. Please take time to download the conference app, and don’t forget to participate in the murder mystery, visit the exhibit hall, bid on the various Silent Auction items and bring your special Great Gatsby attire for the Fun Night, with puppies AND casino games to enjoy.

Throughout the conference, you will have ample opportunities to network with fellow colleagues, exchange ideas and forge new partnerships. Take advantage of the vibrant atmosphere and ENGAGE in lively discussions that will undoubtedly broaden your perspectives and inspire fresh thinking.

On behalf of FSLA, I want to express how much of a distinct honor it is to serve and represent your communities. We would also like to express our deepest gratitude to our board of directors, sponsors, exhibitors, and partners who have generously supported this event and those in the past. These contributions have made it possible to bring you a comprehensive program and ensure a seamless experience for all attendees.

Last, we encourage you to make the most of your time in Boca Raton. Ask questions, challenge assumptions and delve into the topics that matter to you. This conference is a unique opportunity to deepen your expertise, find inspiration and make meaningful connections that can shape the future of your career.

Once again, welcome to the ENGAGE 2023 Conference. We hope you have a memorable and enriching experience. Let's embark on this exciting journey together!

All my best,

July 10-12, 2024

Ritz Carlton, Orlando

July 23-25, 2025

Harbor Beach Resort, Ft. Lauderdale

July 15-17, 2026

Ritz Carlton, Orlando

FSLA TEAM CONTACTS

Gail Matillo, MPA President & CEO (850) 496-2562

gmatillo@floridaseniorliving.org

Jason Hand, Esq. VP of Public Policy & Legal Affairs (850) 443-0024 jhand@floridaseniorliving.org

Sheri LeaJean Director of Education & Sponsorships (850) 708-4971 sleajean@floridaseniorliving.org

Meredith Van Valkenburgh, MSAFA Project Director (850) 755-6583 meredith@floridaseniorliving.org

Kristin Quirk Director of Membership (850) 708-4972 membership@floridaseniorliving.org

Jimmie Fay Griffin, LPN Accounting and Membership Manager (850) 556-8896 jgriffin@floridaseniorliving.org

John Henry Pitts, Jr. Director of Business Development (850) 273-1265 businessdevelopment@floridaseniorliving.org

Gail Matillo, MPA President & CEO Florida Senior Living Association

Katherine Upton Operations Manager (850) 759-8300 administration@floridaseniorliving.org

schedule AT A GLANCE

Sunday, June 25, 2023

2:00 –

Monday, June 26, 2023 7:00

Schedule and events are subject to change.

Bring Your Baskets to the Mizner Center!

Tuesday, July 27, 2023

With Casino Games, Jazz, Silent Auction and More! Wear Your Finest Roaring 20s Attire!

Wednesday, June 28

Sessions with 5 Tracks: Clinical / Memory Care | Sales and Marketing | Leadership & Technology Operations & Regulatory | Health and Wellness

EXHIBITOR BOOTHS

*We regret any changes or omissions due to printing deadlines.

EXHIBIT MAP

boca raton resort & club

TALES OF A RETIRED ED

by jimmie fay griffin

jimmie fay griffin Accounting & Membership Manager Florida Senior Living Association

As I sit here contemplating all the recent comments regarding the challenges of the assisted living world, I am reminded of my personal day-to-day experiences as an assisted living director. I am thankful that I have more than mere memories of challenges. My days were filled with treasured moments like the joy of helping a family through the heartbreaking process of moving their loved one from their home and into a community surrounded by strangers. And, then having them come to me in tears stating mom didn’t want to go to her favorite restaurant after the doctor’s appointment because she needed to get “home” because they are having meatloaf. Moments like these are the ones that make you feel like you are being successful.

Staff challenges though… everyone is experiencing it! Why? Is it due to workload, unrealistic expectations, lack of support, or being underpaid? I would say it is most likely a combination in most cases. It is like baking a cake – miss one ingredient and the cake is not what it should be. Our staff need to be appreciated, supported, and paid. We cannot just provide lip service! If we acknowledge that

they deserve to be paid at a higher rate, then figure out how to do that! Don’t wait on someone else to step up to the plate and force your hand. If you don’t, then the staff will feel that you really do not appreciate what they do each day, and their morale will be low.

Some organizations hold back on their staffing levels, but expect the staff to step up to the plate in emergencies such as call ins, etc. Then we wonder why we cannot get anyone to answer their phone when we are trying to get coverage, or they immediately say no because they have plans.

During my first three years at one community, I was fortunate to have 100% employee retention. Was it because I had a magical solution? No! It was because I expected no more from them than I expected from myself. They knew if I asked them to step up above and beyond, that I would do the same. I assure you I worked many times as a nurse, care aide, housekeeper, cook, and server for example. I am not saying this to brag, but to stress that a company should not ask anything from any staff member that they are not willing to do themselves.

We need to remember that it is always easy to make demands upon others. Especially, if you have power over them in some capacity. First, put yourself in the shoes of your staff. Walk those floors, pass the meds, run a dining shift…etc…. How do those shoes feel now? Are they comfortable or painful in some way? If they aren’t a pleasure to wear, what can be done to fix it? Keep in mind…it is easy to criticize from the cheap seats. For better results, you must get involved, determine the pain points, and take action to make improvements. It takes sacrifice to be successful.

But, I wouldn’t change my career decisions and being an Executive Director was the greatest gift and brought me much joy. A career in senior living gets into your heart and soul and it never really leaves you, even when you’re retired.

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PLANNING

Time-frames, Notifications and Reporting

by monica wilson

Initial Licensure

Emergency Environmental Control Plans are required prior to becoming licensed as an assisted living facility. These plans address emergency power sources and temperature control should the community lose electrical power. These plans must be submitted to the county emergency management agency prior to licensure and be fully implemented at the time of licensure. The Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) is requiring a letter of approval as part of the initial license application package. Applicants should also provide a copy of the Consumer Friendly Summary which summarizes the plan. The information from this summary is included on the assisted living community’s public profile page on the agency’s Florida Health Finder site.

After Becoming Licensed as an Assisted Living Community Emergency Environmental Control Plans

• Plans should be resubmitted when there are significant modifications to the plan. Notification of plan approval should be made to AHCA within 2 business days along with a Consumer Friendly Summary.

• Written notification to residents and their legal representatives should be made withing 5 days of submitting the plan to the county for review and within 5 days of implementation.

• These plans become an addendum to the Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (CEMP) and many counties require the resubmission of these with your annual submission of the CEMP.

Comprehensive Emergency Management Plans

CEMPS must be submitted to the county emergency management agency for review and approval

• within 30 days of receiving an AL license;

• within 30 days of a change of ownership;

• annually; and

• within 30 days of significant modifications to a previously approved plan.

Plan revisions requested by the county emergency management agency must be provided within 30 days of notification that revisions are required.

Notification must be made to AHCA

• within 30 days of submitting a plan for review and

• within 30 days after approval of a plan.

Safety Liaison

All ALFs must have a designated safety liaison to serve as the primary contact for emergency operations.

Health Facility Reporting System

Assisted living communities are required by AHCA to use the agency’s Health Facility Reporting System (HFRS) to report emergency status, planning and operations activities. As part of emergency planning, each community should ensure that all information in the HFRS is up to date including all emergency contacts and the contacts’ information.

Communities must report using the HFRS when the agency identifies an “event” which is an open, active request for data. New administrators, safety liaisons and others involved in the community’s emergency planning activities can learn more about how to navigate the HFRS on AHCA’s website:

https://ahca.myflorida.com/healthcare-policy-and-oversight/hfrs

monica wilson , ms ICEBridge, LLC

What are the requirements for a Memory Care license?

Memory care is not a licensure category for assisted living. Rather, when a community claims it provides memory care services, the community must disclose the special services in all advertisements as well as in the admission package. Additional dementia-specific training is required for staff who provide personal care or who have regular contact with residents. Communities claiming to provide specialized care for persons with dementia must also offer activities specifically designed for persons who have cognitive impairments and have a physical environment that provides for the safety and welfare of the community’s residents.

monica wilson , ms ICEBridge, LLC

Have a question about assisted living operations? Ask Monica: Monica@icebridgetraining.com

Monica Wilson is registered with the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) as an Assisted Living Core training provider and with the Florida Department of Elder Affairs as an Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders training provider. She is an experienced administrator, trainer, facilitator, and educator with a passion for older adults, technology and connecting people and processes.

Can nurses inject insulin in an assisted living community holding only a standard license?

Yes, nurses may administer medications in standard licensed assisted living communities. A specialty license (limited nursing, extended congregate care) is not required for nurses to administer medications. Limited nursing and extended congregate care licenses enable nurses working in assisted living to provide nursing services beyond what they are allowed to provide in an ALF holding only a standard license.

What are the additional staff training requirements when an ALF holds a limited nursing services license?

There are no additional staff training requirements associated with a limited nursing services license. There are additional documentation requirements related to providing nursing services including monthly nursing assessments and nursing progress notes.

As the 2023 hurricane season approaches, some Florida senior living operators are still grappling with the aftermath of last year’s record-breaking storm season. The extraordinary efforts of operators and care staff before Hurricane Ian made landfall on September 28, 2022 are commendable—115 assisted living communities successfully evacuated approximately 4,600 seniors to safety.1

This remarkable feat underscores the importance of preparedness, coordination, and bravery in the face of natural disasters, and serves as a powerful reminder for the entire senior living industry to ensure that they are always ready to evacuate the seniors under their care at a moment’s notice. Comprehensive preparation is key to ensuring resident safety and well-being in an emergency, especially when it comes to their medications.

Given the importance of preserving access to critical medications during a forced evacuation, it’s essential that senior living operators keep their long-term care (LTC) pharmacy partner top of mind when updating their comprehensive emergency management plans (CEMP).2 While LTC pharmacies serve a unique

by matt depenbrock

and essential role in day-to-day medication management in senior living communities, their resources and expertise can prove invaluable in times of crisis.

When disaster plans are coordinated in advance, the pharmacy can be prepared with extra medications and arrange for delivery to each resident’s temporary location. The LTC pharmacy’s medication management teams can be a lifeline to community staff in emergencies by assisting with medication records and providing on-site support for medication transportation needs. Drawing on their personal relationship with the community and in-depth knowledge of each resident’s needs, the LTC pharmacy partner can make quick and effective service decisions in the face of rapidly changing circumstances.

COMMUNICATION IS KEY

Whether residents are sheltering in place or evacuating to multiple locations, maintaining clear communication with the LTC pharmacy partner is the best way for operators to ensure residents receive uninterrupted medication services during a natural disaster. Communication should include planning and preparation before the evacuation,

ongoing correspondence during the evacuation, and post-evacuation coordination.

In the event of a forced evacuation, following these steps with your LTC pharmacy will help ensure seamless medication delivery and management:

BEFORE AN EVACUATION

• Share your CEMP plan with your LTC pharmacy partner so they can develop medication contingency plans with you

• Provide the pharmacy with the addresses of any predetermined temporary relocation site(s)

• Designate a single point person who will be responsible for communicating medication management plans with the pharmacy during an evacuation

• Ensure staff knows how to create printed copies of medication administration records (MARs) with and without internet access

12 TO 24 HOURS BEFORE AN EVACUATION

• Inform all key stakeholders such as families, friends, caregivers, and your partner pharmacy that an emergency evacuation may be necessary

• Review medication onhand amounts and inform the pharmacy if additional medications will be needed

• Provide the pharmacy with a list of temporary addresses and contact information for each resident

• Print the MAR for each resident

• Have frozen packs and coolers available to protect medications that require refrigeration

• Identify the person(s) responsible for transporting medications to the temporary location(s)

3 HOURS BEFORE AN EVACUATION

• Package each resident’s medications in an individual container, attach the printed MAR, and include any special instructions

• Update the pharmacy with any changes to resident evacuation locations

• Request onsite support from your LTC pharmacy if needed; they are ready and willing to come to the community to provide medication-related assistance during an evacuation

AFTER THE EVACUATION

• Enlist the help of the pharmacy to audit, organize, and restock the medication supply at the community

• Evaluate the effectiveness of the medication contingency plans by debriefing with the pharmacy, make changes as necessary, and communicate changes to all stakeholders

The 2022 hurricane season reminded Floridians of the critical importance of preparedness in the face of natural disasters. As senior living operators gear up for the next hurricane season, it’s important to coordinate their plans with their LTC pharmacy partner. Advanced planning as well as maintaining clear communication with the pharmacy during and after an evacuation will help preserve medication access and ultimately safeguard residents’ well-being when disaster strikes.

Sources: 1AARP. Paulin, E. Florida’s Efforts to Protect Nursing Home Residents From Hurricane Ian May Have Worked. (October 13, 2022) Retrieved May 3, 2023, from https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/nursing-homes/info-2022/nursing-home-hurricane-survival.html 2ACHA. Emergency Preparedness Resources. Retrieved May 3, 2023, from https://ahca.myflorida.com/health-care-policy-and-oversight/emergency-preparedness-resources

matt depenbrock Business Development Leader Guardian Pharmacy of Florida

Through its seven local pharmacies, Guardian’s pharmacies provide outstanding client service and resident care to long-term care communities, including assisted living and skilled nursing, group home, behavioral health and to organizations that serve individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities across the entire state.

Are you curious about how senior living communities successfully balance financial stability and the delivery of exceptional services? Do you want to discover the key to providing a high-quality living experience for residents while maintaining a sustainable financial model? Let’s unlock the secrets of proactive spend management and its impact on healthcare and senior living operations by looking at real-life examples and how these innovative practices directly enhance the resident experience, ensuring optimal care, and fostering an environment of satisfaction and well-being.

Understanding Proactive Spend Management

Proactive spend management involves actively managing expenses across an organization to optimize efficiency, control costs, and enhance the quality of products and services. It encompasses strategic purchasing practices, fostering partnerships with suppliers and vendors, and establishing purchasing formularies. By embracing proactive spend management, senior living organizations can improve resident satisfaction, streamline operations, and achieve long-term financial sustainability.

Leveraging Partnerships and Building Formularies

To effectively manage spend, senior living organizations

must forge partnerships with suppliers, vendors, and Group Purchasing Organizations (GPOs). Collaborating with GPOs and suppliers offers several advantages, including access to a broader range of products, competitive pricing, and industry expertise. These partnerships enable senior living communities to benefit from economies of scale, reduce administrative burdens, and ensure the availability of quality products and services.

Formularies play a pivotal role in proactive spend management. A formulary is a pre-approved list of products and services that meet specific quality, cost-effectiveness, and resident preference criteria. By establishing a formulary, senior living communities can ensure consistent purchasing practices, standardize offerings, and streamline decision-making processes. Let’s explore practical examples of how formularies can be applied in day-to-day foodservice operations.

Example 1: Cross Utilization of Key Products

In foodservice operations, a formulary can be utilized to promote cross-utilization of key products, maximizing their usage and reducing waste. Senior living communities can identify versatile ingredients that can be used in multiple menu items, optimizing inventory management and costeffectiveness. For instance, a formulary might include ingredients

such as fresh vegetables, grains, and proteins that can be utilized in various dishes, ensuring consistent availability and reducing the need for excess inventory.

By partnering with preferred vendors who offer these key products, communities can negotiate favorable pricing agreements and ensure a reliable supply chain. The practice of crossutilization not only streamlines the purchasing process but also minimizes food waste and enhances cost-efficiency. It allows chefs and kitchen staff to create diverse and appealing menu options while maximizing the utilization of ingredients, resulting in an improved dining experience for residents.

This approach not only benefits the financial stability of the community but also enhances sustainability efforts by reducing food waste and promoting responsible consumption. By adopting crossutilization strategies through a foodservice formulary, senior living communities can deliver a wide variety of high-quality meals while minimizing costs and promoting a more environmentally friendly approach to food management.

Example 2: Kitchen Equipment Standardization

Another aspect of proactive spend management in foodservice involves establishing a formulary for kitchen equipment. Senior living communities can evaluate different

aaron fish Founder & CEO, Trestle Hospitality by aaron fish

suppliers and their offerings to identify standardized, durable, and energy-efficient equipment that aligns with operational needs and budget considerations. By creating a formulary for kitchen equipment, the community ensures consistency across its facilities, simplifies maintenance and repair processes, and potentially secures volume discounts from preferred suppliers.

The formulary may include commercial-grade ovens, refrigeration units, and dishwashers that meet specific efficiency and safety standards. By investing in high-quality, standardized equipment, the community enhances productivity, reduces energy consumption, and improves kitchen workflows. This translates into smoother meal preparation and service, ultimately enhancing

the overall resident experience.

Proactive spend management, if done consistently and effectively, is a powerful tool that allows senior living operators to deliver exceptional resident experiences while helping to manage ever tightening margins. Organizations can optimize their operations, control costs, and enhance the daily lives of residents by making these practices a focus of their daily execution. Through partnerships with suppliers and vendors, senior living communities can access a wide range of products and services while enjoying competitive pricing and valuable industry expertise. The establishment of formularies further streamlines the purchasing process, ensuring consistency and quality in foodservice operations

In conclusion, proactive spend management is a fundamental strategy for senior living communities seeking to balance financial stability with resident satisfaction. By taking advantage of the buying power of GPOs and implementing tangible purchasing strategies - such as foodservice formularies and kitchen equipment standardization - managers can have a tangible impact on the resident experience without having to compromise quality or selection.. By prioritizing proactive spend management, these communities can achieve their financial goals while providing the best possible care and services to those we serve. Which at the end of the day is the ultimate measure of a successful senior living community.

Can I point something out?

The fact that you have picked up this magazine and begun to read means that you are someone who cares about the world of Senior Living. Whether this is evident in your day-to-day work or comes intrinsically from having a senior in your life who you care for, this next bit should resonate as high importance to you…

In roughly 10 years, the U.S. population will contain more elderly people than youth.

Currently, over 90% of ALFs face a staffing shortage.

65% of ALFs currently plan or will plan to limit resident admissions if the staffing shortage does not improve soon, which is a daunting thought when coupled with the knowledge that 1 in 3 Americans have less than $5,000 saved for retirement, and less than 8% have purchased long-term care insurance.

This means that by 2034, the coined term for this near phenomenon, “The Silver Tsunami”, will be applying overwhelming pressure to Assisted Living Facilities (ALFs), as resident numbers are expected to double. ALFS will need to adjust current plans to respond to the future staffing shortage. Preparing future leadership should be a part of this plan.

Furthermore, 87% of new staff do not last more than 9 months before quitting their job.

Clearly, the current staffing shortage which ALFs face is at an inopportune time as a positive

feedback loop is occurring simultaneously and as a result, a sense of foreboding lies ahead.

This highlights the need for intervention in the form of empowering ALF staff’s success and opportunities and strengthening communities. This is where FSLA comes in with our 4-cornered focus…

1. Strengthening communities, including prioritizing technological advancements, and updating fire and life safety codes.

2. Enriching resident experiences, by way of admitting residents with assistive devices and allowing residents to use restraints.

3. Empowering staff success, including allowing nurses to practice he full scope of their license, expanding selfadministration of medication for unlicensed staff, and especially by use of our grantfunded CNA training program.

4. Enhancing marketplace competitiveness, by providing the state with additional tools to crack down on unlicensed ALFs.

One of FSLA’s member benefits is through our partnership and offerings with CareerSource Florida. As you will learn more about later (page 36), CareerSource is a wonderful additional tool to have in your toolbox to combat the staffing shortages of our industry. Resources include but are not limited to funding opportunities, On-The-Job (OJT) training, training to increase existing employees’ job skills, and creating ALF-focused job fairs. FSLA is happy to offer

by katherine upton

continual webinars in partnership with your Regional CareerSource, as well as provide multi-beneficial events for your community by way of our Regional Meetings. The Association’s extension for networking within the industry and educational events which provide CEUs is all encompassed within our monthly visits around the state, providing meeting opportunities for all members and interested parties of the many counties in AHCA’s Regions.

FSLA’s Regional Meetings are hosted at our member communities and attempt to combat some of the struggles which we are all facing as individuals with stakes in the Senior Living world. To highlight the importance of taking advantage of FSLA’s free extension of these events, be sure to noteThe opportunity for CEUs to be provided to ALF staff is essential in the assisted living world.

The opportunity to network with similar minded individuals is an effort to avoid the dreaded organizational silo, known as unwillingness to share information or knowledge across companies or departments.

The existence of the silo mentalities is defined as the absence of systems thinking, or a way of making sense of the complexities of the world by looking at in terms of relationships and holistically rather than dividing it into parts.

Did you know that various industries have been previously unable to combat industry challenges by relying on such silo mentalities, thinking it will amplify their own individual successes?

This absence of information exchange only leads to fragmentation of institutions based upon structural and cultural differences. It is important that the Senior Living industry remains at the forefront of these issues.

These findings suggest that spreading complex information requires densely connected networks, and these are best accomplished through combining local clusters as spaces for interaction to occur at the local level, and wide bridges for information to flow. This is why as your trusted senior living resource, FSLA wants you to be fully aware of the benefits that our Regional Meetings provide.

We continue to prove our importance in the Senior living industry. We as those with the motivation need to focus on assimilating our goals and efforts if we have any hopes to strengthen the industry for those who truly care about it, and our seniors.

Visit FSLA’s website at www.floridaseniorliving.org or scan the QR code below to register for future Regional Meetings.

katherine upton Operations Coordinator Florida Senior Living Association

by kristin Quirk

We all want to make a difference and leave behind a memorable and great legacy. When we create our legacy, it is necessary to remind ourselves that we want to be remembered as someone that made an impact. Every person who is involved in and loves this industry understands the triumphs and its falls – and we must remind ourselves that we’re all on the same team and together, and this is the way we can make a difference. We as an industry can leave behind a legacy that highlights great efforts of working together to combat the most prominent of issues facing our seniors.

We understand that people like us –those who are truly passionate about this industry - want to be involved and work diligently to provide adequate care and bring success. Being very involved and fighting for Florida’s senior living communities, our association understands how stressful, trying, and demanding this profession is and the various struggles which our member communities face.

The Perfect Partnership

With staffing shortages being the biggest challenge assisted living communities face – FSLA has partnered with CareerSource to create workforce initiatives that allows our member communities to expand talent, define career pathways and create employment opportunities. This partnership is of great importance to us as it allows us to remain a primary resource in helping our member communities overcome this major obstacle.

We empathize with employers as we understand the difficulty of recruiting and filling positions – it seems like it’s a never-ending battle and unfortunately, it’s making some of the industry’s most caring and passionate be led to the dreaded burnout state.

We’ve come up with a more effective approach to alleviate this issue and utilize our partnership with CareerSource to find eligible employees and get our members connected to the appropriate resources. Each Regional CareerSource hosts a multitude of hiring events and career fairs which put our member communities into direct contact with various employers who are seeking employees to fill a multitude of positions. What’s even more wonderful about this resource is how it allows our members to see the varied positions which exist in this field, helping to expand the pool of applicants for our field’s future. Leveraging the wide array of services which CareerSource offers is an excellent initiative towards alleviating our industry’s biggest current challenge.

Getting to Know CareerSource

During our Regional Meeting in Ocala, FL, I had the pleasure of meeting two wonderful CareerSource Representatives – Loy Peddie-Williams and Melissa Saco. Loy and Melissa gave a great presentation that was informative, interactive, and valuable. Speaking with these representatives and seeing firsthand the resources which they offer, allow them to connect businesses with a talented workforce while also providing the necessary training. This truly cemented our association’s hope for combatting our members’ staffing struggles.

With CareerSource as our partner, FSLA takes pride in being able to connect our members to a professional team who will ensure they are on track to reach their goals and be successful.

Resources of CareerSource Include:

• Policies and Initiatives

• Contracting and Grants

• Reports and Publications

• Employment and Internships

CareerSource Has Funding for YOU!

Did you know that there are several types of funding, depending on the CareerSource region? There is OnThe-Job funding, funding that covers the first six months of salary with childcare and health insurance, funding that pays for existing employees to increase their job skills, and even funding that targets individuals from 18–24-year-olds and covers trainings and salary up to 30 hours a week. These fundings are great opportunities for our member communities to increase their current employees’ skills and provide for future staff members.

Together, We Can Rise Above

Every day is an opportunity to shape your legacy, as well as the way people currently think about you. As a new staff member to the association, what I can say about FSLA is that everyone works diligently to make our association one in which our members are proud to be a part of. We are always at the top of our game when faced with our industry’s biggest challenges, and we wish to inspire others to get involved.

The world rewards those who do, and our goal is to do exactly that by putting our best foot forward to solve some of our profession’s biggest challenges. As professionals constantly examining its growth and potential, we want to help you to bring even more success to it.

So, let’s work together to create a long living legacy that shows our impact for years to come.

kristin Quirk Membership Director Florida Senior Living Association

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WE BELIEVE TOGETHER IS BETTER.

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• BRENTWOOD AT FORE RANCH | OCALA

• ST. AUGUSTINE PLANTATION | TALLAHASSEE

• SYMPHONY AT DELRAY BEACH | DELRAY BEACH

SYMPHONY AT ST. AUGUSTINE | ST. AUGUSTINE

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SYMPHONY AT STUART | STUART

WENTWORTH CENTRAL AVENUE | ST. PETERSBURG

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