first impressions

New Beginnings

Mon, January 9, 2017 Published by Beatitudes Campus

At the start of a new calendar year, we are messaged all around about “new beginnings.” I am seeing a host of media ads about mattresses, cars and furniture as retailers look to prop up the inevitable dips in sales following the business holiday season. Then, of course there are dozens of (urgent!) weight loss commercials specifically geared to appeal to those who have overdone it through the holidays.

I look at “new beginnings” in my search engine and find that the terminology has been tapped by treatment centers, counseling and mental health services, adoption services, numerous religious organizations, a governmental office of personnel management, alternative education, a Kenyan soap opera, a series of novels about a guardian angel named Victoria Schwab…….. the list goes on and on and many of them very important. So I am a bit reluctant to just crowd in what we are doing at Beatitudes Campus with everything else. One, because I would rather it not be “lost in the crowd” and two, because we are really, literally beginning a new phase in the life of this fifty-plus year old campus with our physical updates, furthering our Radical Hospitality attitudes and programming at a resident-centric level like never before.

As we are learning from the ATLAS process (an organizational assessment program funded by the Virginia G. Piper Foundation) about which Michelle Just, our President and CEO wrote in this space some weeks ago, organizations have life cycles. Only those with strong determination (aka “grit”, the subject of my last Roadrunner article) are able to keep at the top of their operating space and continue their mission in meaningful ways. Absent the will to innovate, collaborate and research, companies can find themselves going the way of least resistance, continuing with methods that may need updating and not stretching to fund their depreciation or bring improvements to the marketplace.

This is but one of the reasons I am so happy to be a part of Beatitudes Campus. We have made a conscious decision not to lapse into mediocrity, but rather to continue a process of “new beginnings” that strives for excellence in every aspect of the life plan community sector. We have just finished our intensive Phase I of the First Impressions updates which has touched most campus buildings, and we have already seen some definitive results with those making decisions about making Beatitudes Campus their home. Painting, floor coverings, furnishings and artwork have a rather profound impact on decision making in senior living often even above our superior care ratings in the licensed areas. Our mission continues to be just as our founders envisioned…….to be leaders and innovators. And we have definitely learned that First Impressions (an integral part of our Radical Hospitality program) is a foundational part of the equation, especially as we also envision the continuance of that mission into the redevelopment process. The higher occupancies that result from attention to this part of the overall equation coupled with strong operations produces a position at which our lenders look far more favorably and which allows us to take next steps.

Now with the first part of the time sensitive program complete, during the remainder of the 2017 fiscal year, we will be continuing the First Impressions/Radical Hospitality process with not only completion of Phase II of the physical assets/décor plan but also with continued training for every member of our staff in the fundamentals of this important aspect of our culture. (Phase III, the completion of the program, is slated for fiscal year 2018.) So, our “new beginnings” is an evolutionary process in which we expect to involve staff and residents in the planning process for the next few years in not only our redevelopment for new areas, but also in the re-tooling and updates for our existing buildings. I am so excited to work with the Residents Council and building representatives on what constitutes the best for each area. We will be producing common area maps that will be very valuable tools that help keep décor assigned to an area in that location and how the room(s) are to be set following any necessary movement of furniture for an event or holiday season, among other deliverables.

Thanks again for the opportunity to be of service to this campus and it’s top notch residents. You are an inspiration and joy – great days ahead!

The “Grit Scale”

Mon, November 14, 2016 Published by Beatitudes Campus

It was my great privilege and pleasure to attend the national LeadingAge conference last week in Indianapolis, Indiana. There were more than 6,500 like-minded professionals there to listen, learn, share best practices and validate many of the ideas and programs about what makes senior living the career that I love. It was incredibly valuable for me to hear about how other life plan communities are approaching social media, their “digital profile” and how they are creating new formulas for more successful senior living. I was particularly impressed with listening to Dr. Angela Duckworth talk about the subject of “grit.” Do you remember that movie—True Grit? At the time, we knew that John Wayne was the essence of what our folks had told us it took to get through tough times and last through the challenges. But that was a western—and a movie. Plenty of you have had to demonstrate real life “true grit” to succeed in careers, raise children, sustain through hard economic times and persevere when family has passed away or maybe passed us by.

Before she was a psychology professor, Angela Duckworth taught math in middle school and high school. She spent a lot of time thinking about something that might seem obvious: The students who tried hardest did the best, and the students who didn’t try very hard didn’t do very well. Duckworth wanted to know: What is the role of effort in a person’s success?

Now Duckworth is an assistant professor at the University of Pennsylvania, and her research focuses on a personality trait she calls “grit.” She defines grit as “sticking with things over the very long term until you master them.” In a paper, she writes that “the gritty individual approaches achievement as a marathon; his or her advantage is stamina.”

I found that very interesting in light of what I know from many seniors over the years of my profession about how they have succeeded in spite of anything and everything. Many of you here on the Beatitudes Campus have been educators, and skilled professionals with life’s ups and downs—challenges, joys, highs and lows. And you are here—you got through it all with aplomb and became heroes to admirers like me.

Duckworth’s research suggests that when it comes to high achievement, grit may be as essential as intelligence. That’s a significant finding because for a long time, intelligence was considered the key to success.

Intelligence “is probably the best-measured trait that there is in all of human psychology,” says Duckworth. “We know how to measure intelligence in a matter of minutes.”

But intelligence leaves a lot unexplained. There are smart people who aren’t high achievers, and there are people who achieve a lot without having the highest test scores. In one study, Duckworth found that smarter students actually had less grit than their peers who scored lower on an intelligence test. This finding suggests that, among the study participants (all students at an Ivy League school) people who are not as bright as their peers “compensate by working harder and with more determination.” And their effort pays off: The grittiest students—not the smartest ones—had the highest GPAs.

Duckworth went on to tell us about her “Grit Scale.” Someday I think we’ll form a lifelong learners class solely dedicated to this very interesting measurement and topic.

Duckworth has developed a test called the “Grit Scale.” You rate yourself on a series of 8 to 12 items. Two examples: “I have overcome setbacks to conquer an important challenge” and “Setbacks don’t discourage me.” It’s entirely self-reported, so you could game the test, and yet what Duckworth has found is that a person’s grit score is highly predictive of achievement under challenging circumstances.

At the elite United States Military Academy, West Point, a cadet’s grit score was the best predictor of success in the rigorous summer training program known as “Beast Barracks.” Grit mattered more than intelligence, leadership ability or physical fitness. This time of the year, I think of the more than 100 veterans who live on this campus and I see the result of authentic grit.

At the Scripps National Spelling Bee, the grittiest contestants were the most likely to advance to the finals — at least in part because they studied longer, not because they were smarter or were better spellers.

Here’s a very interesting dichotomy. The charter schools which have really taken hold here in Arizona have succeeded in providing strong academic preparation. Most of their students go to college. Yet the students graduate from college at lower rates than would be expected based on their academic preparation.

The charter schools want to know why that is. Angela Duckworth wants to know if grit has anything to do with it.

These are complicated questions, and the answers aren’t in yet. I suspect that there are a number of things to think about before jumping to the conclusion that students who don’t finish college aren’t gritty. What I do know is that whenever I need a little grit boosting infusion, I go to the Bistro and engage in conversation with some of the grittiest people I know—you inspire, you teach, you gently coax me with sometimes praise, sometimes suggestions, sometimes just pure friendship.

I would love for us to focus on the populace here at Beatitudes Campus with that “grit spotlight” and really examine the factors that led to success in spite of what many of you have disclosed were significantly tough times through careers, family rearing and economic challenges. I believe there is much to be learned from each other and I am so glad that we hold that as a core value here—life-long learning that inspires, challenges and sustains. We are indeed so rich when we allow each other in the fellowship that so obviously thrives on this campus.

By the way, we’ve had enough grit to wait through the process of our First Impressions/Operation Welcome upgrades to finally play out. All of the new furniture, accessories and case goods will be delivered to campus on December 7th – 9th. It will be quite a “ballet” as we move existing items around, send some to the Backstreet Boutique and retire other pieces. Thanks for hanging in there as we have worked through the process!

Town Hall Informant, October 2016

Tue, October 18, 2016 Published by Beatitudes Campus

David Ragan, Senior VP of Independent Living, called the Town Hall to order at 2:15PM. He noted that Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, has just been celebrated and in keeping with that, a short film was shown that illustrated compassion and caring. With themes of selflessness and forgiveness, we were given a chance to start all over and have a good year. Although attendance was excellent with close to 200 residents, there were no new residents at the meeting. David reminded those in attendance to invite their new neighbors to a Town Hall and be sure to attend the Welcome Coffee especially for new residents which will be held on Wednesday, October 26th at 2:15PM in the Life Center.

David introduced Michelle Just, President and CEO of Beatitudes Campus. Michelle said that she had spoken with the auctioneer for Power of the Purse. She is very impressed with the stories of giving and that is what this community is about. Michelle thanked residents for the way in which they continue to give back. She was very happy to report that the campus has received a grant of $50,000 from the Virginia G. Piper Atlas Program. The Atlas Program is interested in not for profit organizations that are innovative and have a strong community brand. Beatitudes is one of eight organizations participating in the program. The first four months will involve an assessment of our programs and the remaining 20 months will be focused on addressing the areas identified through the assessment.

Employee shout outs were given to Suzanne Lewis of dining services, who is responsible for suggesting special utensils that make dining easier for residents with tremors and other problems; Ella Adams of housekeeping who, in addition to a ready smile and a song, is praised for her excellent work on a resident’s floors; and Martin Medina of maintenance who put his needs aside to help make a room ready for a resident group meeting. Please continue to call attention to employees who go above and beyond by filling out Radical Hospitality forms at the Welcome Center or on line at www.bcampus.org.

Barbara Carpenter, representing the Employee Appreciation Fund Committee, asked residents to be generous in donating to the Fund which allows residents to reward our faithful employees with some extra money at Christmas time. Money will be collected until the end of October and it is hoped that we can reach our goal of $120,000 to show our employees a wonderful holiday this year. Barbara noted that the employees make a big difference in our lives each and every day.

Michelle asked that residents fill out the Resident Satisfaction Survey either on the form or on line. She assured residents that she looks at every survey and reads all the comments. If there are areas that need improvement, the administration will work on ways to make those improvements.

Jim Plaster, Residents Council President, presented his report. During the Council meeting, David Ragan announced the purchase of 200 chairs for $28,000 to replace older chairs in various locations across the campus. He also said that residents’ “B” cards will increase to $200 per month beginning October 1st. Rod Bailey, Senior VP of Marketing and Sales spoke about the Friends and Family Referral Program and the first impressions updating of the resident buildings. George Taylor, Plaza View Representative, announced the first annual Treasure and Trinket event, and Barbara Carpenter reported for the Employee Appreciation Committee. Donations are growing and there is every hope that the goal of $120,000 will be reached. The Environmental Committee report highlighted their program of toilet testing. Leaks in CPW were discovered in 9 toilets and 6 leaks were found in CPS. CPN, Plaza South and Plaza North are yet to be tested. The Facilities Committee received requests for ceiling fans to be installed in the exercise room; for the bulletin boards installed in the elevators to be removed and placed in the lobby; to limit air pollution in the use of leaf blowers and lawn mowers; and a request was made to repave the east drive, but that will not be done until the new building construction has been completed. The Wellness Committee reported good attendance at both the women’s and men’s seminars on bladder control. In addition, a seminar was held in September on “ Getting Our Affairs in Order”, and a session is scheduled in November on the subject of ”Am I Depressed or Just Tired?”

David announced that the “guru” of Medicare, Ellen Dean, would be discussing changes in Medicare and how they affect residents on Wednesday, October 19th at 2:30PM in the Motion Studio. Open enrollment begins November 1st. Dean and associates has recently added to their staff a retired Glendale policeman who will be working with the Medicare drug program and also fraud.

The Reverend Peggy Roberts was privileged to announce that Gene Lefebvre is the 2016 Recipient of the Anne Barstow and Tom Driver Award for Excellence in Nonviolent Direct Action in Retirement. The award was presented in Tucson for Gene’s work on “No More Deaths”. His wife, Sue, is writing a book on this work.

Nancy Splain, Interfaith Outreach Ambassador, announced that residents have been invited to a Sikh luncheon and tour on Wednesday, November 2nd. Call transportation at x12905 to reserve a seat on the bus!

Jessica Meyer, Director of Success Matters, reported that CarFit is offering a free event on Saturday, October 29th. To make an appointment for this service, call Jessica at x16110. CarFit has trained technicians to help “fit” senior drivers to their vehicles. Services include checking mirrors and blind spots, wheel and seat adjustments as well as guiding residents through a driver screening to assess vision and range of motion and answer questions for residents.

Ruth Crowley, Health and Wellness Committee Chairman, said that on November 7th at 3PM in the Life Center, the A.T. Still University Audiology Department is sponsoring a workshop on Communication Strategies for Hearing Loss. These strategies will be shared for those with hearing loss and their loved ones. Ruth also advised residents to mail in early ballots or vote early on Tuesday, November 8th in order to attend Dr. Catherine Lindstrom’s session on “Am I Depressed or Just Tired” at 3:00PM in the Life Center that day.

Jon Schilling, Director of Life Enrichment, thanked all the residents who participated in Active Aging Week, and he noted that the Street Fair was enjoyed by all and well attended. Jon introduced Mike Smallwood, our new Fitness Specialist, who has been leading the Functional Fitness class in the Motion Studio and will take on a larger role in the exercise classes on campus including working with residents in Health Care and in Assisted Living. Mike drew the name of Bob Malinski as the B-Fit winner of a $50 gift card this month.

Monica De La Rosa, Life Enrichment Specialist, reminded residents that a synopsis of each month’s events both on and off campus is available in each of the resident building lobbies. If more copies are needed, give Monica a call at x18473 and she will provide them. October events include the Oktoberfest Theme Dinner to be held on Thursday, October 27th in the Life Center. Entertainment will be by the Oom-pah-pah Band and tickets will be available at the various dining venues. Also, don’t miss the 2nd Annual Variety Show taking place on Friday, October 29th from 10AM to 12 PM in the Life Center. On Sunday, October 30th, the Arizona Broadway Theatre is presenting Funny Girl and tickets are available at the Welcome Center for $80. Last, but not least, there will be a trip to Lake Pleasant for lunch and a cruise on Friday, November 4th. Tickets are $22 at the Welcome Center.

Monica introduced Don Tamuty, Beatitudes resident, who encouraged residents to attend a presentation in the Life Center on Tuesday, October 25th at 10AM by a survivor of the USS Indianapolis which went down on July 30, 1945 with 1200 men aboard. Eight hundred and eighty seven of these men were drowned or eaten by sharks with only 317 saved. Those saved spent five and one half days in the water. There are 21 survivors alive today and a list of those survivors, compiled by the Smithsonian, will be available at the presentation. Come and learn how one courageous young Mexican American faced impossible odds…twice!

Joe Kane, Director of Dining Services, provided an extensive and interesting list of “Did you Knows” concerning the restaurants at Beatitudes Campus. Some of these are: Did You Know we cook with no added salt, with zero trans fats, with no growth hormones in milk or meats, use compostable containers, record and read every comment every month, are inspected by 5 different agencies, cannot cook a hamburger under 155 degrees internal temperature by county code, our soft serve ice cream (when available) is gluten and lactose free, gluten free bread, rolls and pasta are available, you can get a split plate and half portions are available on some items, Monday night Sports Night has a themed buffet for only $6.00 with drink specials and a drawing if you have some team sports item with you, Sunday Brunch is the second Sunday of every month, many menu items can be modified to fit your needs, Buckwald’s has full meal options that cost less than the Bistro, the Bistro Lunch/Dinner menu has over 50 items to choose from and the Breakfast menu has over 40 items to choose from, and residents may eat in the Eleanor Menagh Dining Room in Plaza View where a full meal is $7 and table service is provided. The Bistro is offering large pizzas for $8.50 and chicken wings for $2.50 for delivery on Sunday. They must be preordered by 6:00PM on Saturday.

Joe also discussed the Dining Incentive increase to $200 per resident on October 1st and 15th depending upon your new month beginning. The incentive was never intended to supply groceries. Its purpose is to create relationships and socialization around meal times which goes to build the strongest families and communities. Cerreta’s candies and the convenience store items to the right of the ice cream freezer can no longer be charged to your “B” card incentive. You can, however, reasonably purchase an ice cream container, candy bars, etc. The cashiers are adjusting as well and things should be smoothing out. If there is a need to make further changes, they will be made.

Joe announced that Buckwald’s will be closed on Thursday, October 13th due to a large number of visitors on campus. Should you meet any of these visitors, do not hesitate to tell them how much you enjoy life here on the Beatitudes Campus!

David urged residents to get their flu shots. Flu shots will be available in the Honor Health Clinic on Friday, October 14th from 8:00AM to 1:00PM. Residents should bring their insurance cards. Shots will be $25 if your insurance is not accepted. He also noted several Wellness Center announcements:

Affiliated Dermatology will be on campus every 3rd Friday from 9 to 11AM, walk-ins are welcome and to schedule an appointment, call 480-556-0446 x333 and be sure to tell them that you live at Beatitudes Campus; Belton will be on Campus in October; Premier Hearing has changed their hours to every 2nd Tuesday of the month from 1 – 4PM, and to schedule an appointment call 602-279-0003; Zounds Hearing will continue their current schedule of every 1st and 3rd Wednesday from 9AM to 1PM, and to schedule an appointment call 602-765-7800; Revolution Health will now offer Massage Therapy in the Wellness Center every Tuesday from 8:30AM to 12:30PM at a cost of $60 per hour or $30 for 30 minutes, by appointment only, by calling 602-265-1774; Essential Oral Healthcare will give a presentation on Wednesday, October 19th at 9:00AM in the Life Center.

David noted that “The Night of the Living Will” is being presented on Saturday, October 29th from 9AM to 2PM by the State Bar of Arizona. Lawyers dressed as storybook characters will fill out advanced care directives, fill out living wills and answer questions. The Area Agency on Aging will provide Medicare enrollment assistance. The services are free. An RSVP is required to meet with a lawyer. RSVP at 480-426-2641 or [email protected] .

David also called attention to the Facebook Group, Beatitudes Social Media, and advised that the best information on campus can be found there. Join today and if you want to learn how to get on Facebook, call the front desk and we will find you a buddy to help. The Hootenanny is tonight and every Wednesday night at 6PM (except October 12th). Resident can enjoy the music and bring a friend. Gregory’s Market is on Campus during Town Hall and their service to the residents is appreciated very much.

Feral cats are becoming a problem on campus and David asked residents to follow Beatitudes Policy and refrain from feeding them. They are being fed and moved farther and farther away from Campus. Also, insects gather around bird feeders and only hummingbird feeders are allowed on Campus.

While residents were being reminded of Wednesday Sundaes with Dave, Michelle Just announced that a new yogurt machine will be purchased. Residents cheered!

David advised residents that there will be no Town Hall in November and the next Town Hall will be on Wednesday, December 7th at 2PM in the Life Center.

Progress Marches On

Thu, September 22, 2016 Published by Beatitudes Campus

I can’t believe it’s already four and a half months since I came to Beatitudes Campus! It has been a great time of assessing where we have opportunities and tooling up for our future. What a pleasure it is in my many travels on behalf of the Campus to speak of our many unique characteristics and determination to serve as many seniors as possible in meaningful ways.

During these first few months, we have been able to kick off a number of projects and initiatives – a few that have been contemplated for some time and others that have been developed to distinguish Beatitudes in our rather active marketplace. The First Impressions project, funded by the Beatitudes Foundation, has begun in earnest and is already making an impact on the environment around the property.

As you might well imagine, on a campus with buildings that span from less than ten to over fifty years old, many opportunities for improvement in the look of furnishings, colors and floor coverings have presented themselves. So about three months ago, we took an entire inventory of where we were and how we could best tune up image and surroundings to benefit our valuable residents and those who are considering residency. It may not surprise you to learn that the tab was very, very high if we were actually able to do each and every item on the wish list, but undaunted, we went about breaking it down into phases and ways in which to achieve the best “bang for the buck.”

About $66,000 had previously been set aside for flooring in the Foundation and they generously granted an additional $271,000 for the project which includes not only carpeting and wood vinyl, but also replacement of a good deal of furniture, artwork and accessories in the Health Care Center, Plaza View Assisted Living, Plaza North and Plaza South as well as the Central Park buildings. To date, we have seen completion of new wood vinyl flooring in all of the Central Park lobbies and elevators, as well as new paint schemes in those lobbies and throughout the upper floors at the entrances of resident apartments. We have also completed the replacement of all upper floor lounge carpets in Plaza North and Plaza South. A two tone painting scheme in hallways separated by a chair rail is underway in those buildings. The big news is that the remodel of the first floor lobby begins the week of September 19th with the removal of the desk/counter as well as carpet. It is all going to be replaced with our new flooring selections as well as a great executive desk, credenza and hutch, which our volunteer staff will continue to staff as they do in other buildings on campus. We have also completed the installation of new flooring in Plaza View’s upper floor elevator vestibules and lounges and then the first floor dining room and activity room will see their new carpet installation start around the first of October. Last, but certainly not least, 200 new multi-purpose, colorful chairs for use throughout the campus are starting to hit the scene. As a result, we will be retiring a lot of the extraneous and dated seating that has survived through the years.

Major activity will begin on October 10th when we will begin to see the furniture, artwork and lamps delivered throughout the campus. We are also hosting the 2nd annual PASRS (Professional Association of Senior Referral Specialists) conference on October 13th when we will enjoy the company of about 300 visitors on campus who will be looking at us for potential placement of their clients. Of course, we are putting out the welcome mat, but also will be working feverishly to have our décor in place to present ourselves well, in addition to our mission and outstanding care services. Some of the items will not be delivered until November, but once all of this work is completed by Thanksgiving, Phase I will essentially be complete.

All of the remaining areas of need have been collected into a Phase II process which will occur through our upcoming fiscal year (October 1st, 2016 – September 30th, 2017), funded by both the Foundation as well as largely by our campus operations. Our board approved the plan this last week, but capital expense budgets are only possible by well executed operations, so we will also be working diligently to meet all of our occupancy and expense budget targets. The completion of the First Impressions plan is scheduled through quarters one through four this coming year and we are tremendously excited about the impact that all that we are doing is making on campus.

So that brings me to the new Friends and Family Referral Program that we have kicked off as of September 7th. For every qualified referral that you provide to the marketing department, that has not been previously identified to us or toured, we are anxious to pay you, our valued residents (or members of your family) $1000 for the first successful admission, $1250 for the second and $1500 for the third. That’s $3750 that you can earn per year! In addition to the prospects not having been previously in our marketing database, they must complete three months of residency and be current on their account. It’s that simple! Think about former neighbors, members of your church or members of your own family that you would recommend becoming a part of Beatitudes Campus and provide their names to the marketing department. The program runs all through next fiscal year to September 30, 2017 but I urge you to hurry. As I write this article, there are 23 apartments that are “sold” and not yet occupied between rentals and entry fee (Central Park). Even though we will experience some residents that will transition to higher levels of care, there are a few apartments to fill and enjoy this opportunity. I will say I honestly cannot wait to hand out that first check at a Residents Council or Town Hall meeting to someone who has referred a successful admission under this program! And, I want to keep handing them out…….again and again throughout this year. I love working together with you – simply the finest Life Plan Community I have ever known. Together, we are creating the community of choice in, not only the Phoenix metropolitan area, but the southwest U.S. – full of choices, opportunities for service and a place of love, acceptance and fellowship. Please be sure to get in touch with me if you have any questions…… call Marketing at x18487 or myself, at x16107.*

Fri, June 24, 2016 Published by Beatitudes Campus

We have heard the term “First Impressions” in senior living for a number of years, however, as often happens at Beatitudes Campus, we are redefining the term in the context of our Radial Hospitality program. We are adding “Operation Welcome” to our way of greeting prospective residents, their families and friends to the campus. The entire team has made tremendous progress in many areas of hospitality in the last few years and now we are taking steps to elevate our staff, facilities and methods to the highest levels.

As a result, you will begin to see quite a number of improvements in the look of common areas in the residential buildings as well as Town Plaza. “We judge books by their covers, and we can’t help but do it,” said Nicholas Rule, Ph.D., of the University of Toronto. “Furthermore, the less time we have to make our judgments, the more likely we are to go with our gut, even over fact,” he added. In today’s increasingly competitive senior living environment, we are keenly aware that to meet our mission of service, we must pay close attention to all aspects of the experience.

It is rather thought provoking to learn after repeated studies that irrespective of the quality of care and services in a senior living community, the “look” and “feel” of the environment has a much greater influence on the decision to move forward in considering residency. Quality is generally perceived as a given and is not, at least initially, weighted as highly as friendliness, cleanliness, state of repair and updated furnishings and colors.

However, “First Impressions” is not only about the look of facilities. That is but one leg of the stool……the others are the human environment as well as the perception of quality of life. Beatitudes Campus is well known for its world class “life-long long learning” programs as well as nationally recognized “Comfort Matters” dementia care which speak strongly to a superior quality of life. On the human environment standard, we have determined that while we are certainly above normal standards, we are going to provide training to achieve that same “best in class” signature. As a result, the entire campus staff will be provided specific training over the course of the next few months in All-Staff meetings as well as a separate session which will be conducted at a number of times. The sign-ups will begin soon, so watch for announcements here in the Team Talk newsletter as well as information from your supervisor.

These are indeed exciting times as we move toward higher occupancies, even more elevated standards and progress to superior service levels! Beatitudes Campus rocks!

Rod Bailey,
SVP of Sales & Marketing

Rod joined the Beatitudes team in April of 2016. He comes from an extensive background in the healthcare field. He has a great passion for the work he does and is a great addition to the Beatitudes Team.

Coming Updates with First Impressions

Fri, June 3, 2016 Published by Beatitudes Campus

It is indeed a pleasure to join Beatitudes Campus at this significant time in its history. Having successfully weathered one of the most substantial downturns in the senior living industry, we are now poised to continue our emerging national leadership role as researchers and innovators in dementia care, as well as life-long learning for our resident population. Further, our long stated mission is to bring this type of excellence to as many deserving seniors as possible on our local campus. With that in mind, we have adopted a plan that calls for maximizing our current operations in order to take the next steps in our redevelopment process that Michelle Just, President and CEO, shared in this column a few weeks ago. She was very proud to report to the board and you that our operations are not only on target but exceeding expectations in almost every category.

Along with those favorable essential measurements, we are beginning some focused efforts to fill all of our remaining openings as the launching pad for our next phase. In assuming my new role as Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing, I have been asked to lead the campus first impressions efforts to make that happen. This is a term that many of you may have heard and it is a well-known phrase – but it still rings true – you don’t get a second chance to make a first impression. Prospective clients are looking for a new place to call home – and there are multiple senior living communities to choose from. If the first impression isn’t good – there will probably not be an opportunity for a second one. The Beatitudes Foundation has graciously agreed to provide $300,000 to help us address some of the most significant areas where we can enhance the appeal of some of our existing facilities.

As a result, you will begin to see a number of improvements in common areas including flooring, lighting and decor, beginning at our main entrance and into the lobby of the Nelson Administration Center, followed by common areas of Town Plaza, as well as in some of the independent living buildings and corridors, activity spaces and lobbies in the licensed healthcare buildings. Our goal is to establish a high degree of hospitality for both those considering Beatitudes as their home, as well as those who already reside here consistent with our Radical Hospitality Program that has already been introduced on campus. One of those tried and true standards that we know we notice, as many other senior living communities are reviewed, is the use of furniture groupings and lighting. Any of us who have sold homes have undoubtedly had our realtors tell us to turn on all the lamps as a hospitality signature for prospects, so as we continue this process, we are going to also begin Operation B-Welcome at Beatitudes Campus. Research shows that small “points of light” in unfamiliar settings trigger a warm and positive response, and that settings that show “community” (placement of furniture and lighting) evoke feelings of inclusion and accessibility. As such, we are going to strategically place new settings and keep the “candle in the window lit” (our lamps) throughout campus buildings. Can I ask that we leave the furniture as the decorator(s) place it and that the lamps remain on? I thoroughly appreciate and recognize the frugality that goes along with turning off lamps, however, ask that they remain lit to welcome all who enter. We have this expense covered with other economies that we have achieved and we will exponentially profit by our increased occupancies that we believe are certain to occur with all of our new initiatives.

These indeed are very exciting times at Beatitudes Campus! You will begin to see more outside groups coming to consider our life plan environment and continued development of additional programs and services to degrees not thought of even just a few years ago. Thanks so much for your warm welcome to the campus that you have extended to me and for all of your continued support, ideas and participation as we move into the new 2016-17 year! Fasten your seat-belts—we’re just getting started!*

Tag: first impressions