CALA News & Views | Issue 53 | CALA at 30

things created in the tax rules to incentivize people to think about their own care and more importantly, their parents' care, rather than relying on the increasingly financially strained systems of Social Security and Medicaid,” he said. Redefining Our Roles – and Reaffirming Our Purpose Future leaders will need to be agile, tech-savvy and people-centered. “Executive directors in the future are going to have to be much more tech-savvy,” Carle said, “and really be able to balance not just their people skills, but their operational skills and make sure they’re getting that synergy out of both the technology and people.” McCracken echoed the need for evolution: “The playbook of the past is not going to be the playbook of the future. We need to think outside the box. Change is inevitable – and we need to change with it.” And amid this transformation, one truth remains. “Loneliness is still the greatest challenge” Eskenazy said. “We can’t let the slickness of new technology distract us from the human connection at the heart of what we do. That’s what gives people the sense of purpose and joy in living.” A Future Worth Building As CALA marks 30 years of progress, we look ahead with hope – and resolve. Assisted Living communities of 2055 will be even more dynamic, inclusive ecosystems designed to reflect and celebrate the people who call them home. As Carle put it, “They want intergenerational, but they also want choices. Way more choices.” From communities that are connected to universities to provide lifelong learning opportunities, to LGBTQ+ communities and those centered around cultural traditions and shared interests, the demand for specialized environments is expanding. As baby boomers and future generations bring their values and interests into senior living, community models will continue to evolve and diversify – offering even more inclusive, identity-affirming and experience-driven options than ever before. Eskenazy hopes moving into a community is seen as an even more exciting chapter than ever. “They’ll see it as an opportunity to live more fully – surrounded by purpose, connection and care.”

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Worried About Wages? Setting fair and competitive wages and benefits is critical to employee recruitment and retention, especially in these unprecedented times. CALA’s Compensation Study provides data specifically for Assisted Living, Memory Care and CCRCs in California. COMPENSATION study

Here’s to CALA’s next 30 years – and to shaping a future where everyone can age with dignity, vitality and choice. g

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