The Future Leaders Awards program is proudly presented in collaboration with PointClickCare. This initiative aims to acknowledge emerging leaders in the behavioral health, senior housing, skilled nursing, home health, and hospice care sectors who are shaping the future of the industry. To learn more about this year’s Future Leaders, please visit https://futureleaders.agingmedia.com/.
Emina Krajina, the executive director at Friendship Village, has been honored as a 2024 Future Leader by Senior Housing News.
To be considered for the Future Leaders program, nominees must be high-performing professionals under the age of 40, dedicated individuals who bring vision to life and advocate for the well-being of seniors and their caretakers.
Krajina recently shared insights with Senior Housing News about her journey in the senior living industry, reflecting on her early influences and ongoing learning experiences.
What sparked your interest in this field?
My initial exposure to caring for an elderly family member, my mother, ignited my passion and curiosity for senior care. Being her primary caregiver, especially after her Alzheimer’s diagnosis, inspired me to seek ways to improve the support available to caregivers and patients in their homes.
What has been your most significant lesson while working in this industry?
Continuous education and compliance with evolving regulations are crucial in senior care. Keeping abreast of state and federal guidelines, and empowering staff with updated knowledge, is essential to delivering quality care.
If you could make one change for the future of senior housing, what would it be?
I would advocate for managing patient care based on individual needs rather than standardized visit restrictions. Tailoring care plans to patient acuity and requirements is key to making a meaningful impact.
How do you envision the senior housing landscape in 2025?
The shift towards managed Medicare plans poses challenges for home health agencies. Adapting to stricter regulations and lower reimbursements may impact the industry’s ability to meet patient needs effectively.
In one word, how would you describe the future of senior housing?
Unpredictable.
What advice would you give to your younger self on your first day in this industry?
Take the time to observe and understand the business dynamics before diving in. Building a comprehensive overview of the challenges and opportunities will set a solid foundation for success in senior care.
