Tuesday was the day US News & World Report released its Best Senior Living ratings for 2024, and it also was an employee appreciation day of sorts.
That’s because many leaders of the recognized senior living organizations, on that day and days since, have expressed thankfulness for the caregivers and administrative staff members who contributed to the quality of care and services that led to their good showing in the ratings. In that regard, it is fitting that the ratings were released during April, recognized as Care Workers Recognition Month by numerous entities.
Many of the recognized senior living organizations expressed sentiments similar to those of Legend Senior Living President Matt Buchanan, Lutheran Senior Services President and CEO Adam Marles, Silverado CEO and Chairman Loren Shook and Sunrise Senior Living CEO Jack R. Callison Jr.
“It’s especially gratifying that these ratings are based directly on the surveys of the residents of our communities and their families,” Buchanan said.
“This is an exceptional achievement for each of our communities, as the ratings were derived from direct feedback from our residents and their families,” Marles said.
“This recognition is particularly significant, as it is based on feedback from verified family members who have experienced firsthand the exceptional level of care and support provided by Silverado to their loved ones,” Shook said.
“This recognition is particularly special because it was determined using feedback from our cherished residents and families, and in an industry where trust and transparency are paramount, it’s something that my team and I don’t take lightly,” Callison said.
Allow me to share some more of the leaders’ remarks below, with links to the company press releases should you wish to read more.
“We’re thrilled that residents and families think so highly of our communities. At Agemark, we work hard to create communities where residents are proud to live,” Agemark Senior Living CEO Marty Hug. “We know that choosing a senior living community isn’t easy, so to have families and residents put their trust in us is something we do not take lightly.”
“Our communities are continually pursuing excellence, so it’s exciting to see their hard work and dedication reflected in the highest numbers of Benchmark awards earned to date,” Benchmark Senior Living founder, Chairman and CEO Tom Grape said.
“Achieving this recognition three years in a row is a testament to our associates’ dedication to enrich the lives of those we serve with compassion, respect, excellence and integrity,” Brookdale Senior Living CEO Cindy Baier said.
“This recognition is especially meaningful when our residents and their families recognize the quality amenities and satisfaction they have in their communities,” LCS President and Chief Operating Officer Chris Bird said.
“These ratings reflect our team’s focus on the values of respect, integrity, teamwork and excellence which enable us to deliver the highest quality services and care for Lenbrook Residents,” Lenbrook President and CEO Chris Keysor said.
“Honored. Humbled. Grateful,” Senior Star CEO Anja Rogers said. “This recognition reaffirms our belief that our associates are at the heart of everything we do. This is their ranking, and I could not be more proud.”
Several of the senior living organizations said that their US News achievements reflect and redouble their commitments to serving older adults. At a time when operators continue to face challenges in recruiting and retaining workers, here’s hoping that their warm expressions this week can be part of the solution and can help carry associates through the challenges they individually confront in their day-to-day responsibilities, to help fulfill the mission of senior living.
Lois A. Bowers is the editor of McKnight’s Senior Living. Read her other columns here. Follow her on X (formerly Twitter) at Lois_Bowers.
