Sheri Peifer, the CEO of non-profit senior living operator Eskaton, has been working diligently since taking on the role in September. She and her executive team are focused on making significant changes to ensure the company’s success not just for the next decade, but for the next 50 years.
Peifer envisions Eskaton’s future in private-pay senior living communities, emphasizing new amenities and lifestyle services for residents over skilled nursing and health care. The organization is striving for growth and evolution to meet the demands of older adults seeking robust lifestyle offerings and independence-driven senior living.
In order to thrive beyond 2024, Peifer is leading initiatives to reshape Eskaton’s portfolio, enhance leadership development, and improve staff retention. The company is shifting its focus towards residential senior living, aiming for a 30% health care and skilled exposure and 70% in residential senior living.
Peifer is planning to upgrade existing communities by bringing modern amenities through refinancing and increased philanthropic engagement. She is also exploring ways to expand Eskaton’s reach through home-based services and a “hub and spoke” model for its future in residential senior living.
With a focus on transition and stabilization in the year ahead, Peifer is taking steps to strengthen Eskaton’s operations and create connections between older adults and the communities through its home care entity, Live Well at Home with Eskaton.
Peifer’s approach involves market studies to determine the best properties for the hub and spoke approach, and she is confident in the positive energy and connectivity within the organization as they make critical decisions for the future.