CALA News & Views | Issue 56 | Innovative Aging

IN

THIS ISSUE

with Innovating Purpose

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Keeping Pace with Progress

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Advocating for Innovation That Puts Residents First

Every generation has an opportunity to rethink what it means to age well.

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The Creative View

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Expanding Senior Living’s Workforce: Tapping Into Nontraditional Talent Pipelines Shining Stars: Celebrating Our Northern California Award Recipients

Today, California's Assisted Living providers are caring for residents with increasingly diverse needs, supporting families through important life transitions and navigating a rapidly evolving regulatory and operational landscape. At the same time, new ideas, new partnerships and new technologies are expanding what's possible. Innovation is often associated with the latest technology, but in our profession it is equally about people. It is reflected in the caregiver who finds a new way to connect with a resident living with dementia. It is reflected in leaders who create workplaces where talented professionals can thrive. It is reflected in communities that embrace person-centered care while continuously improving safety, quality and quality of life. Throughout my career, I've learned that the strongest mission driven organizations never stop learning, adapting and improving. That commitment is evident throughout California's Assisted Living community. The articles in this issue illustrate that meaningful progress rarely comes from a single breakthrough. More often, it comes from thousands of thoughtful decisions made every day by dedicated professionals who are committed to improving the lives of older adults. As I begin my tenure as CALA's president & CEO, I have been inspired by the passion, expertise and commitment that define this profession. Over the coming months, my priority will be to listen, learn and build relationships with members across California. I look forward to working alongside you as we strengthen our profession through advocacy, education and collaboration. Thank you for the warm welcome you've extended to me. I am honored to join CALA at such an important time, and I look forward to the work ahead.

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AI Is Changing Senior Living Marketing

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Creating "Micro Blue Zones”

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Rethinking the Sales Journey

CALA News & Views – Submission Policy At this time, CALA does not accept unsolicited articles or queries. Many of the articles we publish are written by our regular contributing writers. We appreciate the time and energy people put into making suggestions for our current and future issues. Our organization’s policy, however, prevents us from accepting for review any unsolicited submissions.

Cindi Alvidrez, Membership Manager cindi@CAassistedliving.org

Pam Amundsen, Senior Director of Education & Events pam@CAassistedliving.org Denise Brandt, Director of Workforce Development denise@CAassistedliving.org Selena Coppi Hornback,Vice President of Regulatory Affairs selena@CAassistedliving.org Agnes de la Vega, Senior Workforce Development Specialist agnes@CAassistedliving.org Daniel Gonzalez, Advocacy Engagement Specialist daniel@CAassistedliving.org Kris Lev-Twombly, President & CEO kris@CAassistedliving.org Katherine McLoskey, Director of Operations katherine@CAassistedliving.org Haty Pietrasz, Director of Creative Design haty@CAassistedliving.org Brandi Pittman, Education & Events Specialist brandi@CAassistedliving.org Kevin Swartzendruber, Director of Marketing & Communications kevin@CAassistedliving.org

CALA STAFF

Kris Lev-Twombly President & CEO

455 Capitol Mall, Suite 520 Sacramento, CA 95814 Phone: (916) 448-1900 www.CAassistedliving.org

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