This article is sponsored by The Joint Commission and is based on a discussion between Rhonda Sanders-Simmons, Chief Customer Experience Officer at Trilogy Health Services, and Loren Shook, President, Chief Executive Officer, and Chairman at Silverado during the SHN Brain Program Conference on May 17th, 2024. The U.S. Census Bureau reported in 2011 that the baby boomers, the largest demographic generation in American history, began turning 65 years old. By 2030, the population of Americans aged 65 and older is expected to reach 71 million, comprising over 20% of the total population. As the senior population grows, so does the number of individuals with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.
In response to the growing need for high-quality senior care, The Joint Commission introduced the Assisted Living Community Accreditation Program in 2021 and the Memory Care Certification for Assisted Living Communities in 2023. These programs aim to improve the quality and safety standards in assisted living communities providing memory care services.
Rhonda Sanders-Simmons, from Trilogy Health Services, shared their approach to memory care, emphasizing the importance of building close relationships with residents following the “Best Friends approach.” Loren Shook, of Silverado, highlighted the holistic model of care they provide, focusing on honoring individual strengths and creating a non-institutionalized environment for residents.
Both Trilogy and Silverado prioritize staff training and development programs to ensure quality care for residents. Trilogy implements a comprehensive onboarding process and ongoing dementia training, while Silverado requires dementia certification for all staff members and offers continuous education.
Leadership development and succession planning are also key aspects of both organizations’ strategies. Trilogy and Silverado have dedicated programs to identify and train future leaders within their teams.
In response to consumer demand, both organizations focus on enhancing quality of life for residents by providing purpose, connection, and support for living life to the fullest. Consumerism plays a significant role in shaping their future planning and strategies for senior care.
