News

News

Pandemic forces mindset shift in senior living, speakers say

By

Kimberly Bonvissuto

Publish Date August 14, 2020

As the nature and duration of the COVID-19 pandemic remains unclear, the senior living industry finds itself shifting from a sprint to a marathon without a known finish line. Lynne Katzmann of Juniper Communities and Lori Alford of Avanti Senior Living shared their experiences during a webinar held by the National Investment Center for Seniors Housing & Care.

Invesque eyes Symphony portfolio as COVID-19 creates ‘challenging operating environment’

By

Kimberly Bonvissuto

Publish Date August 14, 2020

Invesque is in discussions with the Symphony Care Network in light of the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on its operations. Although Invesque said it is too early to comment on the restructuring, options include rent reduction, new operators at certain buildings and / or the sale of some properties.

Will senior housing survive the pandemic?

By

Jim Moore

Publish Date August 14, 2020

Senior housing has experienced a number of cycles and headwinds, but will it successfully survive the current COVID-19 pandemic? You’ve got questions, and we have answers.

Memory care operator may appeal as court denies arbitration in elder abuse, wrongful death lawsuit

By

Kimberly Bonvissuto

Publish Date August 14, 2020

A California appellate court has upheld a trial court’s decision to deny arbitration in an elder abuse and wrongful death lawsuit against a memory care operator in the state. The operator may appeal.

Task force delivers final report for senior living’s transformation post-COVID-19; 6 strategies identified

By

Kimberly Bonvissuto

Publish Date August 13, 2020

As the senior living industry looks for ways to safely emerge from COVID-19, the International Council on Active Aging brought together 154 thought leaders to create strategies for all segments of the industry to emerge from lockdown.

HHS changes rules for distribution of relief funds to Medicaid providers

By

Lois A. Bowers

Publish Date August 13, 2020

The Department of Health and Human Services has reversed its position and now says that Medicaid providers who previously received a payment from a general distribution of funds from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act Provider Relief Fund can apply for additional funding.

Personal robots used in senior living are vulnerable to cyberattacks, McAfee finds

By

Kimberly Bonvissuto

Publish Date August 13, 2020

The discovery that some robot “friends” increasingly used in senior living communities can be vulnerable to cyberattacks is “a reminder of how important vulnerability assessment programs are for all technology companies,” according to Brian McWade, chief technology officer for Connected Living.

Pennant Group says local operating model is the secret to its success

By

Kimberly Bonvissuto

Publish Date August 13, 2020

The Pennant Group of Eagle, ID, pointed to its local leadership model as the reason for a strong second quarter, according to an earnings call Wednesday.

Brookdale spends $71 million to fight COVID-19, sees crisis as leadership opportunity

By

Kimberly Bonvissuto

Publish Date August 12, 2020

Although COVID-19 has had significant effects on the senior housing industry as a whole, Brookdale Senior Living sees the crisis as an opportunity to lead, President and CEO Cindy Baier said Tuesday.

Senior housing operators showing improved performance during COVID-19 pandemic: NHI

By

Kimberly Bonvissuto

Publish Date August 12, 2020

COVID-19 has had a negative effect on the senior living industry, impacting operator revenues and building occupancy rates, but National Health Investors’ leadership said during a second-quarter earnings call that its operators have performed well considering the challenges.

Hearing highlights COVID-19 testing challenges facing senior living and care providers

By

Kimberly Bonvissuto

Publish Date August 12, 2020

During a Pennsylvania public hearing on COVID-19 testing challenges, a state senior living and care advocacy organization called for prioritizing long-term care for testing resources.

States look at social insurance to address underfunded LTSS system: report

By

Kimberly Bonvissuto

Publish Date August 12, 2020

Social insurance initiatives to help finance long-term services and supports are gaining traction at the state level because “the costs of waiting around for something to happen at the federal level is exceeding the cost of trying to do something,” according to the author of a new report on the topic.

Senior living prospects undaunted by COVID-19 pandemic: survey

By

Kimberly Bonvissuto

Publish Date August 11, 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has not diminished prospective residents’ interest in moving to a senior living community, with on-site access to care and services and socialization among the main perceived benefits, according to a new market research survey.

Capital Senior Living reiterates uncertainty about future to SEC

By

Lois A. Bowers

Publish Date August 11, 2020

Capital Senior Living reiterated its belief that conditions related to COVID-19 “raise substantial doubt about the company’s ability to continue as a going concern” in a document filed Monday with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

States craft local reopening guidelines for senior living communities

By

Kimberly Bonvissuto

Publish Date August 11, 2020

As senior living operators navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, some states are crafting guidance for reopening senior living communities to visitation.

Bowers wins 4 journalism awards

Publish Date August 11, 2020

McKnight’s Senior Living Editor Lois A. Bowers won four awards for writing on Friday night at the Press Club of Cleveland’s 42nd annual All Ohio Excellence in Journalism Awards. The ceremony was conducted via Zoom due to the pandemic.

Ventas, CareTrust REIT hope for COVID aid for senior living

By

Lois A. Bowers

Publish Date August 10, 2020

Ventas and CareTrust REIT executives said Friday they are hopeful that senior living operators will receive assistance to battle the coronavirus in the next federal aid package.

Independent living model means lower occupancy losses, better financial performance during pandemic, New Senior says

By

Kimberly Bonvissuto

Publish Date August 10, 2020

Although the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a significant effect on the senior living industry, New Senior Investment Group’s independent living business model has meant lower occupancy losses, resulting in better-than-anticipated financial performance, executives said Friday on a second-quarter earnings call.

Long-term care groups, 490 others, call for enactment of COVID-related legal protections ‘as soon as possible’

By

Lois A. Bowers

Publish Date August 10, 2020

Proposed legislation that would protect healthcare providers from COVID-19-related lawsuits “is critically needed and should be enacted as soon as possible,” 495 organizations, including several associations representing senior living and other long-term care providers, wrote in a letter to all members of Congress.

McKnight’s 40 for 40: Wendy Simpson

By

Liza Berger

Publish Date August 10, 2020

“The future is very, very bright for women in the world,” Wendy Simpson said during an educational webinar at the McKnight’s Women of Distinction Forum last month. No doubt, her work steering LTC Properties’ ship has helped make it so.