A new Argentum initiative will aim to cultivate the next generation of women leaders in senior living and increase diversity while supporting existing women leaders, the organization announced Monday.
“In many ways, the glass ceiling in senior living has already been shattered, but that doesn’t mean our work is done,” Argentum Chief Operating Officer Maribeth Bersani said in a statement.
A founding committee will shape the initiative’s mission and vision, according to Bersani, but the initiative will offer educational programming, mentorship and resources.
Almost 70% of senior living managers, 80% of the overall senior living workers and 70% of senior living residents are women, according to Argentum’s research. Also, adult daughters often are the decision-makers when it comes to helping older adults choose a senior living community, the organization said.
Senior Living Standards Commission
Argentum also announced a new Senior Living Standards Commission, which will develop and maintain voluntary standards for senior living related to emergency preparedness, memory care, medication management and other aspects of resident safety.
“By establishing this new commission, Argentum is expanding on its Senior Living IQ initiative focused on supporting the ongoing investment in quality of life for residents of senior living communities,” Argentum Vice President of Quality Improvement John Schulte said in a statement. “Professional standards promote a culture of continual improvement and will help senior living providers serve residents and their families.”
The commission will include volunteer subject matter experts and other stakeholders who have an interest in senior living. Sheela Stevens, Atria Senior Living vice president of special projects, will lead the new body, working closely with Schulte.
“It’s an exciting time for the industry to come together and ‘raise the bar’ for quality initiatives, standards and strategies,” she said.
