Market voices: Senior living Sue Butler, Executive Director, Aston Gardens Courtney Evans, Regional Director of Operations, Pacifica Senior Living Ricki Kaneti, Founder, Colonial Assisted Living

Sue Butler

Executive Director Aston Gardens

When the pandemic started in March, we immediately shifted our focus to protecting our residents by limiting our activities within the community. With the support of our corporate o ce we were able to develop some best practices such as complimentary -room delivery of all meals to our residents, as well as very strict screening practices for all sta and visitors. I think the industry will remain a little challenged due to the ongoing impacts of the pandemic. But I think last year there was a lack of new-build facilities as well as people putting o their decisions to make a move, so I believe there is a lot of pent-up demand. Many seniors who perhaps were putting o retirement are now realizing there is no reason to wait. For the remainder of the year, we will continue to focus on resident care, and ensuring our team members have everything they need and want in order to safely provide services. Our team members are such a valued asset to us and we will do all we can to make sure they know how much they are appreciated, especially after such a challenging year for them.

I am certain that the fear of contracting COVID is going to be with us for quite some time. Almost all of our residents have completed the two rounds of vaccines and as the communities have remained COVID free for the last several months we are trying to get back to normal daily routines as best we can. We are encouraging our residents to come out of their rooms daily to participate in dining and activities. We have been following all guidelines set for us by the state and local government. We are finding that they are opening up more and more opportunities to have more social interaction with the residents and their families.

Courtney Evans

Regional Director of Operations Pacifica Senior Living

Ricki Kaneti

Founder Colonial Assisted Living

Depending on where you fit and how much you plan for retirement, assisted living is always going to be needed. It’s hard for families to take care of their loved ones depending on what their budgets are. Our model o ers a ordable assisted living with a family environment. Our facilities are all completely renovated to look like home. They are not institutional looking, they have beautiful floors, with hallways that look like actual patios. When you are walking through the building, you do not feel like you are living in an assisted living facility but in your own home, with the added perk of having on hand all the services you need that your loved one at home might not be able to provide. Our industry is growing and we are providing a need, even for retirement.