Senior Care: Unscripted

In this episode of the Senior Care Unscripted podcast, hosts Craig Heatherly and Sara Johnson chat with Dr. Hugh Davis, President and CEO of Greencroft Communities. Dr. Davis shares his experiences and strategies for leading Greencroft Communities, a network of nine communities in the Midwest. He discusses the organization's growth, beginning with its founding in 1967 by a local Mennonite church and expanding through strategic affiliations. Dr. Davis reveals how the organization is modernizing systems, embracing emerging technologies, and focusing on fostering community to enrich residents' lives. He highlights the importance of a supportive culture, empathetic leadership, and innovation in technology to improve care. Additionally, Dr. Davis shares personal anecdotes and reflects on the value of working in senior care, emphasizing the fulfillment and impact the industry provides.

In this episode of the Senior Care Unscripted podcast, hosts Craig Heatherly and Sara Johnson converse with Jason Lee, CEO of the Home Care Association of America. Jason discusses his role and the organization's focus on advocacy, education, and community building in the home care industry. Key challenges such as out-of-pocket payments, the increasing elderly population, and decreasing family caregivers are highlighted. Jason emphasizes the importance of preparing for the projected demographic shifts by 2050 through technological advancements, legislative changes, and enhanced workforce strategies. He also touches on the value of storytelling from caregivers, recipients, and industry outsiders to underscore home care's significance. The conversation delves into regulatory and legislative priorities, including the companionship exemption, Medicaid access rule, and tax credits for families. Jason's personal experiences and professional journey into the home care industry are also shared, reinforcing his commitment to improving and advocating for the sector.

In this episode of the Senior Care Unscripted podcast, hosts Craig Heatherly and Sara Johnson engage in a deep conversation with Mark Prifogle, Vice President of Operations for BHI Senior Living Chairman of The American College of Health Care Administrators (ACHCA). Mark discusses his journey and current endeavors, emphasizing the significance of good management and systems, Mark shares insights into staff retention strategies, the importance of mentorship, the evolving role of technology, and preparing for future industry challenges. He highlights the transition from healthcare to hospitality-focused services in senior care and stresses the need for investing in training and leadership development to ensure positive outcomes in the industry.

In this episode of Senior Care Unscripted, Craig Heatherly and Sara Johnson sit down with Manda Ayoub of Pomeroy Living to uncover the heart and humanity behind senior care. Amanda opens up about what drew her to the industry and how personal experiences shaped her mission to make senior living more than just a place—it's a home. From creating warm, homelike environments across Pomeroy's seven Southeast Michigan communities to fostering staff engagement that combats turnover, Amanda shares the strategies that make care feel personal and meaningful. She dives into the challenges of navigating regulations, the transformative role of technology, and why empathy and human connection remain at the core of quality caregiving. Manda also speaks candidly about advocating for clearer Medicare Advantage plans and better reimbursement, underscoring the importance of transparency and fairness in senior care. Her advice for leaders? Practice radical candor, be honest, and never lose sight of the residents whose lives you impact every day.

In this episode of Senior Care Unscripted, hosts Craig Heatherly and Sara Johnson sit down with Leslie Friedel, CEO of Stillwater Hospice, for a thoughtful look at what it means to lead a mission that's been serving northeast Indiana for 137 years. Leslie shares her personal path into hospice care and the values that guide her leadership, from championing empathy to ensuring access for the most vulnerable. She discusses Stillwater's evolution—including its regional expansion and rebrand from Visiting Nurse to Stillwater Hospice—and how technology and AI are reshaping care delivery. It's an inspiring conversation about purpose-driven leadership and the future of end-of-life care.

This week on Senior Care Unscripted, we sit down with someone who practically grew up inside the heartbeat of senior living. Elaine Wilson, COO and Administrator of St. Anne Communities, began her journey as a teenage dining aide at Sacred Heart Nursing Home — and today she's steering one of the most mission-driven senior care organizations in the region. Elaine opens up about what truly sets St. Anne's apart: the fusion of faith, community, and deeply personal care that shows up not just in programs, but in everyday interactions. She pulls back the curtain on the realities of leadership in senior care — the pressures, the victories, the relationships that carry everything forward — and the rapid changes reshaping the industry. From St. Anne's innovative private hospice suites to tech that strengthens rather than replaces human connection, to her optimism about where staffing and legislation are headed, Elaine brings an honest and hopeful perspective. And she doesn't shy away from the misconceptions that too often overshadow the real heart of senior living. It's a grounded, energizing conversation with a leader who's walked every hallway, worn every hat, and still believes the best days of senior care are ahead.

In this episode of Senior Care Unscripted, hosts Craig Heatherly and Sara Johnson sit down with Alex Kiefer, CEO of Lutheran Life Villages, for an inside look at the evolving world of senior care. Alex reflects on his 17-year journey with LLV as it expanded from two to six communities across Northeast Indiana, driven by a mission-centered, faith-based approach. He shares how LLV stays deeply connected to the Fort Wayne community, the organization's commitment to investing in people and infrastructure, and the leadership required to keep pace with rapid changes in technology and care expectations.

In the first episode of season two of the Senior Care podcast, hosts Craig Heatherly and Sara Johnson sit down with Barry Carr, CEO from Ignite Medical Resorts. Barry shares the journey of Ignite, from its inception in 2018 and expanding to 28 buildings across various states. Barry discusses the company's vision, culture, and unique approach to short term rehab, including the investment in technology and AI, and the role of surprising and delighting along the way.

In this final episode of season 1 of the Senior Care Unscripted podcast, hosts Craig Heatherly and Sara Johnson conclude season one with Eric Essley, President and CEO of LeadingAge Indiana. Essley highlights the organization's focus on advocacy, education, and support for its members, and shares his personal journey from corporate law to senior care, noting the challenges and rapid changes in the industry. He emphasizes the importance of being responsive, professional, and learning from both positive and negative experiences. The discussion also touches on the evolving needs of senior care, the potential of AI and robotics in the industry, and the critical role of staff in providing quality care. Ley concludes with advice for future leaders and his optimism for the sector's future due to the resilience and dedication of its members.

In this episode of Senior Care Unscripted, hosts Craig Heatherly and Sara Johnson interview Jason Bishop, the director of Facilities at Friendship Village in Tempe, Arizona. Jason discusses the unique approach of Friendship Village in building relationships and creating a family-like culture for its residents and staff. He also shares innovations in facility amenities, such as rooftop pickleball courts and a nano microbrewery. With a background in emergency and healthcare services, Jason reveals how he transitioned into senior living, emphasizing the importance of leadership, operational resilience, and proactive team management. He addresses industry challenges like workforce instability and aging infrastructure while expressing optimism about the potential for individual leadership and cross-departmental collaboration to drive positive changes in the senior care sector.

In this episode of the Senior Care Unscripted podcast, hosts Craig Heatherly and Sara Johnson interview Evan Lubline, the President and CEO of Hooverwood Living, a not-for-profit senior care organization in Indianapolis. Evan shares his journey, describing the organization's growth and the expansion of services, including assisted living, hospice, home care, and Indiana's only elder abuse shelter. He emphasizes the importance of innovation, strategic risk-taking, and maintaining a strong, dedicated team, even during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Evan also discusses the potential impact of significant Medicaid cuts on the industry and advocates for creative solutions to ensure high-quality senior care. 

In this episode of the Senior Care Unscripted podcast, hosts Craig Heatherly and Sara Johnson speak with Rick Edwards, President and CEO of The Villas Senior Center, about the unique aspects of Villa Healthcare, including their skilled facility, Villa Total Rehab, and Villa West, which offers 24-hour nursing care. Rick shares his journey from the banking industry to senior living, emphasizing the value of listening to experts and trusting his team. The conversation covers staffing challenges post-COVID, innovative staffing strategies such as open interviews and recruiting, and the crucial role of government funding. Rick also highlights the importance of being present and treating residents like family.

In this episode of the Senior Care Unscripted podcast, hosts Craig Heatherly and Sara Johnson interview Joe Pohlen, CEO of Cardinal Senior Living. Joe discusses the unique approach of Cardinal Senior Living, emphasizing community autonomy and individualized branding, and shares the journey from starting with leased buildings to becoming a fully integrated senior housing operator with 20 communities across Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Michigan. Joe recounts his unconventional entry into the industry, from real estate to senior care, and highlights the importance of hands-on leadership and employee trust. He also addresses the need for political advocacy in representing senior living residents and his commitment to fostering innovation through smaller operators.

In this episode of the Senior Care Unscripted podcast, hosts Craig Heatherly and Sara Johnson chat with Loe Hornbuckle, operating partner of Sage Oak Assisted Living and Memory Care in Dallas, Texas. Loe discusses the unique, intimate residential model of Sage Oak, which focuses on small, home-like environments for their residents. The conversation covers the evolution of Sage Oak's approach, leadership challenges, the importance of personalized care, and the significant potential of artificial intelligence in improving healthcare outcomes. Low also shares insights on transitioning into the senior care industry, the necessity of a strong team, and his mission-driven philosophy.

In this episode of the Senior Care Unscripted podcast, hosts Craig Heatherly and Sara Johnson welcome Heather and James Kesler from 1019 to discuss the inception and growth of their family-owned senior care business. The Keslers delve into their personal journeys within the senior care industry and recount the challenges and successes of turning around distressed senior care facilities. Heather and James highlight the importance of maintaining core values, learning from past experiences, and adapting roles within the family business to ensure continued growth and high-quality care for their residents.

In this episode, Cullen Gibson, the COO of TLC Management, joins the podcast to discuss the unique aspects of TLC Management, a privately held, family-owned organization. Cullen shares the company's history and highlights the importance of culture, compliance, and customer service within the organization. The conversation covers the company's approach to expansion, especially in the competitive Florida market, and their commitment to maintaining high standards and staff satisfaction. Cullen also touches on his personal journey in the senior living industry, emphasizing the significance of mentorship, training, and compassionate leadership. The episode concludes with insights into industry challenges, innovations in staff training and remuneration, and the optimistic future driven by the increasing demand for senior living facilities.

In this episode of the Senior Care Unscripted podcast, hosts Craig Heatherly and Sara Johnson speak with Steve Wilder, president and founder of Sorensen Wilder and Associates, about trends and best practices in senior care safety and security. Steve discusses the evolution of risk management, emphasizing the importance of compliance, safety training, and proactive threat assessment. Steve also highlights the need for a culture shift in senior care, where safety and security are seen as shared responsibilities rather than isolated departments. The conversation covers how to address vulnerabilities such as workplace violence and how advancements in technology can aid in preventing incidents. Steve offers practical advice on maintaining preparedness and fostering a mindset of protection within senior living communities.

In this episode of "Senior Care Unscripted", Aaron Stapleton, founder of Trinity In-Home Care, joins Craig and Sara to discuss the company's recent 13-year anniversary, the unique services they provide in non-medical home care, and the rapid growth experienced in the last few years. Aaron shares insights into expanding payer sources, the importance of understanding client diagnoses, and the impact of technology and AI on their services. He also elaborates on leadership challenges, the importance of employee retention, and the need for proactive planning for end-of-life care. Concluding with a look at legislative trends, Aaron emphasizes the potential for greater accessibility to home care services for a broader range of socioeconomic groups.

In this episode of the Senior Care Unscripted podcast, hosts Craig Heatherly and Sara Johnson are joined by Stan Szpytek, President of Fire and Life Safety, Inc. and an expert in life safety and disaster planning. Szpytek shares insights from his extensive background in fire service and emergency preparedness, highlighting his transition to consulting for senior care communities. He discusses key practices in emergency management, the importance of a comprehensive all-hazards approach, and the need for training at all staff levels. Szpytek also emphasizes the significance of incorporating real-world case studies to enhance preparedness and offers advice on integrating compliance and best practices with a focus on residents' safety.

In this episode of Senior Care Unscripted, hosts Craig Heatherly and Sara Johnson engage in an insightful conversation with Justin Kimbrell, the CEO of Grace Village Retirement Community. With decades of experience in the industry, Justin shares about the unique features of Grace Village, including its status as a Christian continuum care retirement community in Indiana. He discusses the challenges and innovations experienced through the pandemic and beyond, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and integrity in leadership. The conversation touches on the personal impact the industry has had on Justin, growing up in senior living and working alongside his mother. They also explore the role of technology in improving operations and resident care, and the importance of community and support networks within the industry.

In this episode of Senior Care Unscripted, hosts Craig Heatherly and Sara Johnson chat with Jack Mueller, Executive Director of Holy Cross Village. He reflects on his extensive career and shares the unique vision of Holy Cross Village at Notre Dame, initiated by Brother William Nan, and its emphasis on a warm, hospitable culture influenced by the Holy Cross brothers. Jack discusses the challenges faced in the industry, including staffing issues exacerbated by COVID-19 and the financial strains of new regulations. He offers advice to new operators, emphasizing the importance of trust, careful decision-making, and hands-on leadership. As he prepares for retirement, Jack expresses optimism about the future, inspired by the dedication and intelligence of new healthcare professionals.

In this episode of Senior Care Unscripted, Matt Euson, president of Euson Lindsay, shares his journey of the senior care industry by founding a company that focuses on creating home-like, intimate settings for residents. He discusses the challenges faced in financing and building their first facility, the impact of COVID-19, and the success of their unique model that prioritizes individual care and infection control. Eusin also delves into the importance of leadership development, the issues within the insurance and regulatory landscape, and the promising future of senior living geared towards personalized care.