Improving Senior Living Operations, Resident Care

The nation's leading assisted living association recently recognized 14 senior living companies for operational strategies that improve efficiency, enhance resident care, retain staff and save energy costs.

"Assisted living is the fastest growing long-term care option in the United States because senior living companies encourage staff creativity and innovation in serving residents and their families," said Richard P. Grimes, the President and CEO of the Assisted Living Federation of America (ALFA).

Each year, ALFA commends achievements that raise the bar of excellence throughout the senior living industry and deliver concrete results for the seniors and families they serve.

Nearly every operational strategy featured in ALFA's annual Best of the Best Awards and showcased in ALFA's Assisted Living Executive magazine can be emulated by other senior living companies -- as well as other service industries.

Among the Best of the Best strategies are:

-- Creation of an emergency employee assistance fund, a separate nonprofit entity that aids employees experiencing a crisis. Grants are treated as gifts and do not require repayment. Fundraisers, including silent auctions and golf tournaments, support the organization.

-- A series of guest chef prepared gourmet dinner parties aimed at enticing local prospects and adding excitement to dining services for residents and their guests.

-- Launching and facilitating spiritual support groups that bolster frail residents' self-worth by providing a safe, private, confidential setting where residents can share experiences of coping with near-end-of-life challenges.