Editor’s Note: McKnight’s Senior Living and McKnight’s Long-Term Care News are profiling the McKnight’s 2021 Women of Distinction honorees daily July 6 through Aug. 9. To see the 2021 McKnight’s 2021 Women of Distinction awards ceremony, register for free here. For additional profiles of McKnight’s Women of Distinction, visit this page.
With a background in medical real estate, Patricia Will saw the lack of sufficient Alzheimer’s care provided to her mother-in-law and decided she would take action.
Will has founded not one, but two, companies to provide proper healthcare and services to those in need. In 1994, she co-founded Mischer Healthcare Services with Walt Mischer Jr., developing millions of feet worth of medical projects. She describes it as the launchpad for what would become the rest of her life.
In 1997, Will co-founded Belmont Village Senior Living, a company that began as one community in Houston but has grown to 31 communities across the country.
Since then, Belmont Village has been no stranger to recognition and esteem. With more than 3,800 employees and under Will’s leadership, the company was named to Fortune Magazine’s and Great Place to Work’s Top Workplaces for Aging Services lists in 2018, 2019 and 2020. Belmont Village also has been recognized with architecture, construction and design awards.
Will herself has been recognized for her contributions to the industry. In 2018, she was inducted into the Texas Business Hall of Fame, among other awards, and she is recognized as an innovator and influencer in senior housing. In 2020, McKnight’s 40 for 40 recognized her as one of 40 notable newsmakers during its 40 years in existence.
Although Belmont Village and Will continue to collect approval, Will’s goal always has been to provide places for older adults to live safely and healthfully. Outside of Belmont Village, she makes strides towards this goal by serving on nonprofit boards such as the American Seniors Housing Association and the Texas Assisted Living Association.
Will also has dedicated time to raising funds for the Alzheimer’s Association through Belmont Village and served as co-chair for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Houston, where more than $1 million was raised for the cause.
During the pandemic, Will continued to prioritize safety for residents by carrying out vaccine clinics in Belmont Village communities and instilling confidence in her employees.
The McKnight’s Women of Distinction program is jointly administered by McKnight’s Senior Living and McKnight’s Long-Term Care News. The program’s Diamond sponsor is PointClickCare, and the Roundtable Sponsor is Paycor.
