PodPourri - Senior Living Insights

While tech companies may have inauspicious beginnings, Fahad Aziz, CTO and co-founder of CareMerge, shares with Pod-Pourri host Chris MacLellan the story behind CareMerge. Spending three months living at an assisted living community enabled Fahad to witness seniors’ challenges using technology while learning the needs of the community’s staff. The result, CareMerge and its applications, that are bridging the gap between families and their loved ones and improving communication with staff.

East Ridge Director of Community Relations Mary Scott Russell sits down with Pod-Pourri host Christopher MacLellan and shares how the life plan community’s leadership team has adapted during the pandemic and the many benefits of the East Ridge lifestyle. Engaging residents each day has required their team approach and she talks about the creative programming they have used for resident referrals.

Eversound's innovative technology solutions are improving the lives of aging seniors as their sense of hearing diminishes and risk of social isolation increases. Now in use in over 800 senior living communities across the country, the company’s products are significantly impacting senior living community residents’ abilities to engage and socialize. Eversound’s co-founder, Matt Reiners, joins Pod-Pourri host, Chris MacLellan, to share the story behind the company and how the COVID-19 pandemic created new opportunities to connect residents with their loved ones.

Our podcast, Pod-Pourri, is pleased to bring listeners an enlightening interview with Michael Starke, President and CEO of PMD Advisory services. Michael shares his experience as a consultant in market feasibility analysis for both for-profit and not-for-profit organizations. He delves into his philosophies and how his firm evaluates both new development and repositioning senior living communities across the country.

Pod-Pourri is pleased to feature Kephart Architect’s Len Segel, the director of the senior housing design studio within the award-winning architectural firm based in Denver, Co. Len talks with Pod-Pourri host Chris MacLellan about how architects create the quality of life of senior living communities and the changes taking place as a result of the corona pandemic. The innovative firm is at the forefront of incorporating new trends to create a more purposeful life within communities from safe zones and smaller neighborhoods to technology and touchless points for greater health and wellness.

The Ehlers Group welcomes Kristin Kutac Ward, Founder & CEO, Solutions Advisors Group to Pod-Pourri, a podcast. Kristin shares her story with host Chris MacLellan in a one-on-one conversation. She talks about her transition from hospitality to senior living, lessons learned and memorable moments. When SAG formed during the Great Recession, she was able to draw on her experiences and form new programs during COVID.

A new Pod-Pourri episode features interior merchandiser Lita Dirks, CEO and Founder of Lita Dirks & Company, the award-winning national interior design and merchandising company. Lita shares her design philosophies and explains how merchandising helps people fall in love with a model residence - whether these are senior living communities or homes for 50+ buyers. Join our host, Chris MacLellan, for his one-on-one conversation with Lita.

On episode seven of Pod-Pourri we spotlight Lea Swetloff who is a resident at The Palace Coral Gables, in Coral Gables, Florida. Lea was one of the first residents to move in to the The Palace Coral Gables (over seven years ago) and offers a resident perspective on her moving decision and adapting to senior living. Lea shares what her days are like at the active retirement community during the coronavirus pandemic and finding a silver lining by hand painting personal birthday cards for her neighbors.

On this episode six of Pod-Pourri podcast, we welcome Gary Sisler who is resident at the East Ridge Senior Living Community in Cutler Bay, Florida. After a successful career in commercial Real Estate, Gary and his wife made the decision to move to East Ridge when caregiving became challenging for Gary. Listen in and learn how Gary has become one of the most active residents at East Ridge, while offering important tips for those who are considering senior living.

On episode five of Pod Pourri we welcome Jane Marie O'Connor from 55 Plus Marketing. Jane has been assisting builders in the senior living industry to rethink and refine their strategies and products since 1996. For over two decades, Jane has provided guidance to public and private builders and recognizes the current shifts in the industry. Jane's compelling story and industry success is complemented when she talks about the impact of her Grandmother's mission during World War One.

On episode four of Pod-Pourrie we welcome the Social Director at The Place Coral Gables, Pam Parker. Winner of the best Senior Community Lifestyle Director in the country by the Association of Senior Home Builders in 2016, Pam has been creating memorable events at the Palace Coral Gables for 25 years! Now maneuvering through coronavirus, Pam's dedication to her residents is only surpassed by her enthusiasm to create meaningful events for everyone to enjoy.

On episode three of Pod Pourri we welcome Senior Housing Expert Bruce Rosenblatt. Bruce is the owner of Senior Housing Solutions in Naples, Florida and has been helping seniors and their families make the correct decision on senior living for over 30 years. From initial contact to move in and beyond, Bruce has an impressive Tool Box of information and referrals which create a smooth path to move in for all his clients.

On episode two of Pod-Pourri we welcome award winning Senior Living Community marketing expert Rick Barrow. Rick has a tremendous background in journalism, marketing and branding and his expertise is sought out by Senior Living Communities across the country. Rick's marketing insights are spot on target and you'll hear about one of his most successful campaigns for a Senior Living Community in South-East Florida.

In our inaugural Pod-Pourri Podcast, we introduce you to Janis Ehlers, founder and president of The Ehlers Group. Celebrating 25 years in business, Janis Ehlers is an award-winning pioneer in marketing strategies and communications for the senior living industry. Listen in and learn how Janis launched The Ehlers Group while bringing fascinating stories and timely insights for the senior living industry.