Israel Cross, an officer in the United States Public Health Service, has devoted his career to improving the lives of older adults from a policy level. He discusses the most pressing challenges facing older adults, including financial security, caregiver support, access to technology, and the dangers of climate change..

About Israel

LCDR Israel Cross is a gerontologist and a dedicated United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps officer with over fifteen years of experience. He is celebrated for his interdisciplinary approach to improving the quality of life for vulnerable populations, particularly older adults. Cross's collaborative efforts with professionals from healthcare, health information technology, and community engagement have been instrumental in elevating the standards of care for the populations he serves. His work is deeply rooted in addressing health equity, with a focus on the intersection of older adult health, caregiving, and climate change.

As a passionate advocate for older adult health and caregiving, Cross is committed to ensuring equitable access to healthcare and improving the well-being of underserved communities. His expertise and dedication make him a valuable asset in advancing health equity initiatives and driving meaningful progress in addressing the complex challenges facing aging populations. He is a certified dementia practitioner and holds an aging-in-place and home modification certification from University of Southern California.

Key Takeaways

• The most pressing multigenerational challenges of aging are financial security, caregiver support, access to technology, and the dangers of climate change. Currently, there are not enough policies that support economic security in later life. Older adults often lack adequate retirement savings, posing a significant challenge for multiple generations.
• The Latin phrase "cogito ergo sum" means "I think, therefore I am." Thinking about yourself positively as you age can have a significant impact.
• There is a shift from social determinants of health to social drivers of health. The term "determinants" implies a sense of finality, stripping people of their agency to manage their own health care and well-being. The principle of “Nothing about us without us” emphasizes the importance of involving people in decisions that affect their lives.
• The critical intersection of climate change and aging relates to health equity. Older adults are most likely to be left behind during disasters. During Hurricane Katrina, over 70% of those who died were over 65. In the California wildfires in 2018, over 85% of those who died were over 80. In Hurricane Florence, over two-thirds of those who died were over 60. During the 2023 Hawaii fires, over 70% of those who died were over 60.

Rob Liebreich, CEO and President of Goodwin Living, discusses why the 60-year-old faith-based not-for-profit organization is a provider of choice, employer of choice, and champion of social good. Learn how Goodwin Livings complimentary Stronger Memory program has positively impacted tens of thousands of lives by improving brain health in three simple steps.

About Rob

Robert “Rob” Liebreich started his service as President and CEO of Goodwin Living in July 2019. He brings energy, compassion and a creative drive, as well as proven leadership in senior living for over 20 years.

Prior to joining Goodwin Living, Rob was the executive director of the Asbury Methodist Village (AMV), a 1400 person not-for-profit continuing care retirement community in Maryland. He has also held senior positions in marketing and operations for senior living organizations in the Washington-Baltimore metropolitan area and the Pacific Northwest.

Rob studied Business Administration and International Business and Marketing at Georgetown University and graduated 1997. He earned a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Senior Care and Housing from Johns Hopkins University in 2005. Rob is a Certified Dementia Practitioner, and his other passions include his family, travel, mentoring and brain health.

Key Takeaways

• Goodwin Living offers complimentary educational and career path opportunities for team members—80 to 100 team members every year work on future educational goals, with Goodwin Living taking on hundreds of thousands of school debt.
• Goodwin Living's diverse team of 1,200 members represents over 65 different countries of origin, with a quarter of the team not holding U.S. citizenship. The Goodwin Living Foundation has supported more than 160 team members to become citizens, pairing them with resident mentors to study for the exam.
• A study from Japan shows that reading aloud, writing by hand, and doing simple math problems quickly on a consistent basis levels cognitive decline and, in many cases, improves brain function. Early interventions hold off the need for care.
• Stronger Memory clears the brain pathways by engaging the brain’s prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, which improves the “working memory” and improves the processing of information, based on research from George Mason University.

Jean Hartnett, MHSA, NHA, CDP, YTT, C.N.A., talks about her move from CEO of the largest nursing home in Nebraska to founding Radical Sabbatical, supporting individuals and senior living communities on their paths to healing.

About Jean

Jean Hartnett is a visionary health care leader with more than 30 years of executive experience serving the older adult population. She holds a master’s in health services administration, is a Certified Dementia Practitioner, a Certified Yoga Instructor, and a Certified Nursing Assistant.

Ms. Hartnett is an expert in trauma-informed care and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and founded Radical Sabbatical to help others turn past adversity into self-advocacy. With a deep understanding of the profound effects trauma can have on development and well-being, Jean brings a compassionate, evidence-based approach to support individuals and communities on their healing journey.

Key Takeaways

• Trauma informed is an approach that can be applied to resident’s and staff in senior living. Practitioners must view the individual through the lens of why they act a certain way, not simply their behaviors. All behavior has meaning.

• Adverse childhood experiences impact an individual’s entire life, including their older adult years.

• Moving into senior living can lead to trauma resurfacing because the coping mechanisms that have provided emotional support throughout an older adult’s life may be cut off.

• Medicare-eligible older adults spend fifty calendar days in clinical environments that are not hospitals. That includes physician, physical therapy and occupational therapy, and other specialists.

Susan Filice, Life Enrichment Director at Stoneridge Creek Retirement, and Shirley Kaminsky, a resident at Stoneridge Creek, discuss opportunities for enrichment and connection at the progressive senior living community. They also share their work volunteering for Connected Horse—a leading nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with dementia and their care partners through equine-assisted programs.

About Susan

As an accomplished event designer, producer, and healthcare administrator, Susan Filice bring a diverse range of skills and experiences to her professional journey. With a passion for creating unforgettable experiences and enriching the lives of others, she has dedicated her career to fostering joy, wellness, and community engagement.

During Susan’s tenure as the Director of Medical Staff at a community hospital, she not only effectively managed the department but also spearheaded transformative initiatives. Recognizing the importance of ongoing medical education, she revitalized the Continuing Medical Education (CME) program, introducing innovative approaches and regional symposiums that garnered acclaim from the California Medical Association (CMA).

Transitioning to the role of Director of Life Enrichment at a prestigious senior living community, Susan embraced the opportunity to further impact lives on a broader scale. With close to 800 residents under her care, she orchestrates a dynamic array of activities and events tailored to enhance their quality of life. From cultural outings and educational seminars to engaging social gatherings, she strives to create meaningful experiences that inspire connection and fulfillment.

About Shirley

Shirley Kaminsky, a registered nurse has had a rich and varied nursing career over more than 4 decades made significant contributions to nursing and to people across the nation. She worked in nursing leadership roles in California. She had a clinical biofeedback practice for 12 years, before starting a Holistic Health Center in the East Bay area.

Shirley was appointed to the AFSP National Leadership Council in 2008. She was elected to the National Board in 2014, and chaired the National Loss & Healing Council. She received the 2013 AFSP National Leadership Award for "her tireless efforts to serve survivors of suicide loss and support of AFSP's mission of suicide prevention."

Since her recent move to the Stoneridge Creek Senior Living Community, Shirley has become involved in many activities in the community as well as joining committees that are integral to the success of the community. Being a part of Connected Horse as a volunteer and now Co Chair of the annual fundraising event, has brought her back to her love of horses, nature and being of service to the population she is now a part of as an elder.

Shirley is also a musician, loves the outdoors, is a former water skier, scuba diver, cyclist and of course an equestrian.

Key Takeaways

• Stoneridge Creek has a resident advisory committee that provides feedback and ideas on creating opportunities personalized and meaningful experiences for residents.
• Stoneridge Creek’s 2023 “Healthier Me” program included fitness classes, like Steady, focused on balance and stability, and encouraged residents to engage in creative pursuits like watercolor painting. This year, the theme is "Explore in 2024," encouraging residents to explore new things and learn more about each other.
• Connected Horse gives volunteers the chance to reconnect with horses, put skills to work, stay physically and mentally active, feel valued and have a sense of purpose.
• Susan and Shirley are co-chairs of Connected Horse 2nd annual "Love Lassos with Love", to be held at Five Star Equestrian Center in Pleasanton on September 7th, 2024. Kansas Carradine, an expert equestrian, will be performing and there will be dinner and a silent and live auction and silent auction.

Hear gerontologist and age-tech venture capitalist Danny Kaplan share his perspective on aging services trends, including technology, shifts in care models, and addressing equity in senior care.

About Danny

Danny Kaplan is a General Partner at Equitage Ventures, a venture capital firm focused on the intersection of senior care, technology, and healthy aging. Danny was formerly a healthcare investor at Generator Ventures, where he worked on and continues to support investments including IntelyCare, Vesta Healthcare, VyncaCare, and Wellthy.

Prior to Generator, Danny was part of the early team at ClearCare, a leading web-based platform for home care agencies. Danny holds a BA in International Business from Dickinson College and an MBA and MS in Gerontology from the University of Southern California.

Key Takeaways

• The US Medicare Budget, being the primary payer of long-term care in the country, is an indicator of the growth of the senior care industry. In 2023, the budget was more than $1 Trillion, and by 2032, it will double to $2 Trillion.
• A major trend is the shift from care facilities to “aging at home,” though there are challenges with scalability due to efficiency and the staffing crisis.
• In combination with aging at home, “Adult Day,” where older adults can receive group care and connection, will become an alternative model to senior living.
• Right now, age tech is targeted more toward business-to-business opportunities but will shift to business-to-consumer in the next two generations as seniors become more comfortable with utilizing technology.

Scott Eckstein shares his unique and diverse background creating solutions for an aging planet. Learn about his current roles as Managing Director of Active Living International and Chief Strategy Officer for CiminoCare Care, challenges curating quality care for his aging loved ones, and passion for educating the next generation of senior living providers.

About Scott

Scott Eckstein has over 30 years of diverse research, analysis, development, operations, and education experience in the senior living space. He has been directly involved in senior living projects throughout the United States, South and Central America, Europe, Africa, and Asia and specializes in providing strategic analysis, acquisitions, development, education, and operations advisory solutions for an aging planet. He is currently the Managing Director for Active Living International, an internationally focused senior living advisory firm, as well as Strategic Advisor for CiminoCare, a California-based middle market senior living operator.

Eckstein’s senior living experience began in the nascent days of senior housing. He has helped promote the creation of purpose built environments for senior wellness, lifestyles and care as well as having specialized in the creation and operation of a unique range of residential alternatives for the aging population worldwide, from active adult housing through the spectrum to memory care. 

Eckstein has held management positions at numerous senior living operators: Brookdale, Emeritus (now Brookdale), Aegis Living, Sunrise Senior Living and ARV Assisted Living (now Atria).  In addition, he was also the Director of Business Development at WellAWARE Systems (now part of Best Buy), a pioneer in the senior tech space. Eckstein was also, the Director of the Senior Living Program at Boston University’s School of Hospitality Administration and was a Clinical Assistant Professor and Senior Living Executive in Residence at the Granger Cobb Institute for Senior Living in the Carson College of Business at Washington State University (in which whose formation he was actively involved.)

Key Takeaways

• A career in senior living and aging services is impactful because of the ability to make a difference in people’s lives for a few years rather than a few days in a hotel or resort. There are incredible opportunities, but the industries don’t market themselves well.
• Active adult (55+) communities serve a younger age bracket needing minimal care. The category overlaps with wellness real estate and intergenerational housing. Independent living adds care services and attracts people in their late 70s and 80s.
• One of the biggest problems in the active adult housing market is residents don’t want to leave as they age and need higher levels of care. In the United States, you can't push people out legally.
• The biggest challenges in senior living are related to management, leadership, training, and culture. They are intricately related.
• The silent generation and baby boomers are focused on wellness and technology, so senior living communities are incorporating Centers for Healthy Living with massage rooms, fitness equipment and aging-related retail. Most communities offer telehealth post covid, and some offer a tech concierge.
• The most important questions to ask an assisted living community before signing on the dotted line include the turnover of team members and the training they receive, the flexible (or lack of) of the dining options. Dining is the major issue beyond care.

Katherine and her own coach and mentor, Shelley MacDougall, discuss the nexus of life and leadership and how to be mindful while making life decisions. Shelley’s extensive experience in executive coaching has provided her with a unique perspective on how to counsel people navigate many of life’s decision points, including career changes and finding fulfillment in retirement.

About Shelley

Shelley MacDougall is co-founder and principal of The Coaching Department, and serves as the Director of Leadership and Development for GGA Partners, an international consulting firm for private clubs, resorts, and residential communities. As a Certified Executive Coach with more than three decades of experience, including senior leadership positions with Marriott International and The Glencoe Club (Calgary, Albert), she is highly skilled at supporting individuals navigate challenges, shifts, and aspirations throughout their lives and careers.

Shelley's professional experience includes thousands of hours of executive and leadership coaching, as well as workshops and trainings for all levels of managers and employees. Over the years, she has designed and delivered numerous training and coaching programs as well as presentations.

You can find more about Shelley's work at www.thecoachingdept.com

Jon Siegel and Kasondra McCormick from The Perfect Companion, a boutique senior homecare and estate concierge services company, join us for a conversation about raising the bar for senior care services through five star service, a continuum of care, and working from the heart.

About Jon

As Founder and President of The Perfect Companion, Inc. (2008), Jon’s compassion, unique insights and ability to assess and determine the individual skill sets and personalities of his caregivers with the corresponding needs and personality of his clients, and his offering of “Ritz Carlton level” concierge care has been the major contributing factors behind the ongoing success of The Perfect Companion, Inc. Under Jon’s leadership, The Perfect Companion has been a 2022 and 2023 Inc 5000 award recipient and named as a Top Workplace by USA Today, Arizona Central.

About Kasondra

Kasondra McCormick is the Chief Information Officer (CIO) for The Perfect Companion. McCormick has been with the company since 2018, filling several key leadership positions, including Chief Strategy Officer and Executive Vice President of Operations, which contribute deep industry and operational knowledge to her new role as CIO.

Website: azperfectcompanion.com

Key Takeaways

• Aligning caregiver skill sets and personality with the individual needs and personality of the person who needs care is hugely important and impactful, yet often overlooked by service providers.
• To bring true hospitality to caregiving, incorporating a holistic view of the individual and the family system is paramount. Caregivers should consider the psychosocial dynamics within families and individuals.
• The key word in caregiving is trust. Trust is the most important thing between a caregiver and a care recipient.
• Having a professional caregiver allows family members to be that: family – and focus on have “meaningful moments.”