LTC Heroes - A podcast on Long Term Care, Senior Living, Senior Care & Skilled Nursing Facilities Experience Care

In this episode, we have a thought-provoking conversation with Jill Vitale-Aussem, President and CEO of Christian Living Communities. Jill provides a refreshing perspective on senior living. She shares her insights on redefining the approach toward aging and senior care, with a specific focus on dignity, purpose and the well-being of residents.



Key Takeaways:



(03:16) Discovering your passion can significantly influence your career path and professional journey.

(10:12) Jill’s journey to leadership in the senior living industry is driven by a passion for transformative change.

(17:33) Embracing life’s ‘bright spots,’ or small victories, is crucial, especially during challenging times.

(26:57) The importance of meaningful engagement and relationship-building in senior living communities is paramount.

(33:28) Overcoming systemic challenges in senior care requires deep introspection, breaking molds and rethinking paradigms.

(42:02) The hospitality model in senior living has its flaws; meaningfulness and purpose are crucial.

(57:51) Transformative change involves shifting perceptions about aging and reframing approaches to senior living.





Resources Mentioned:





Jill Vitale-Aussem -
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jill-vitale-aussem/
Christian Living Communities -
https://www.linkedin.com/company/christian-living-communities/
The Eden Alternative -
https://www.edenalt.org/
Being Mortal by | Atul Gawande -
https://atulgawande.com/book/being-mortal/







We appreciate you listening, and we are motivated by your feedback. Visit LTCHeroes.com to learn more about us and head to LTCHeroes.com/community to join our exclusive Facebook group for nurses and our exclusive LinkedIn group for long-term care owners. We look forward to seeing you inside the community.



Sponsored by Experience.Care





This episode is brought to you by Experience.Care, the only long-term care EHR backed by guarantees.  

Your profitability is our priority and your compliance, our cause. Since 1969.

Get your profitability consultation today at Experience.Care/guarantee. Our website is .Care for a reason. We care about your care. Visit us at Experience.Care.







#seniorliving #longtermcare #seniors #seniorcare

On this episode, we speak to Claudia Blumenstock, Founder and CEO at Copernicus.

Key Takeaways:

(1:04) Feedback from staff and leaders on challenges they face.

(3:29) The need for leadership training at all levels of the organization.

(6:55) Addressing communication challenges among leaders and staff.

(7:47) Strategies for improving communication skills.

(11:08) Unique recruitment approaches, including hiring for personality fit.

(12:22) Challenges faced by leaders who are constantly putting out fires.

(15:57) The importance of involving staff in the interview process.

(17:11) The need for courageous decision-making and spending money to address turnover.

(21:38) The importance of transparency in leadership.

(28:26) Reflecting on personal fears and transparency.





Resources Mentioned:



Copernicus Inc.







We appreciate you listening and we are motivated by your feedback. Visit LTCHeroes.com to learn more about us and head to LTCHeroes.com/community to join our exclusive Facebook group for nurses and our exclusive LinkedIn group for long-term care owners. We look forward to seeing you inside the community.





Sponsored by Experience.Care



This episode is brought to you by Experience.Care, the only long-term care EHR backed by guarantees.  



Your profitability is our priority and your compliance, our cause. Since 1969.



Get your profitability consultation today at Experience.Care/guarantee. Our website is .Care for a reason. We care about your care. Visit us at Experience.Care.









#seniorliving #longtermcare #seniors #seniorcare

On this episode, we speak to Christina Devlin, Corporate Director of Rehabilitation at AbleHearts*. 

Topics discussed include:

- Her role as Corporate Director of Rehabilitation at AbleHearts.

- Her reasons for attending the Florida Health Care Association convention and her passion for the industry.

- The importance of in-house therapy programs and the growth of this model in the healthcare industry.

- Her personal connection to the motto “Love without limits, safety first, family always” and the role of family in her life.

- Challenges in the healthcare industry, particularly related to workforce shortages and finding clinicians dedicated to geriatric care.

- Professional challenges, including the impact of PDPM (Patient-Driven Payment Model) on therapy departments.

- Christina's favorite aspects of her job, including making a difference and collaborating with talented leaders in the industry.




Resources Mentioned:


Christina Devlin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/christina-devlin-33a7a1a1/

AbleHearts - https://www.linkedin.com/company/ablehearts-consulting-services/








We appreciate you listening and we are motivated by your feedback. Visit LTCHeroes.com to learn more about us and head to LTCHeroes.com/community to join our exclusive Facebook group for nurses and our exclusive LinkedIn group for long-term care owners. We look forward to seeing you inside the community.



Sponsored by Experience.Care





This episode is brought to you by Experience.Care, the only long-term care EHR backed by guarantees.



Your profitability is our priority and your compliance, our cause. Since 1969.



Get your profitability consultation today at Experience.Care/guarantee. Our website is .Care for a reason. We care about your care. Visit us at Experience.Care.

*Since recording the interview, Christina Devlin has moved to Aston Health Consulting Services, where she is VP of Therapy Services.






#seniorliving #longtermcare #seniors #seniorcare

On this episode, we speak to Jennifer Swain, VP of Clinical Reimbursement at AbleHearts*. Topics discussed include:

-  Jennifer’s introduction to long-term care and her journey in the healthcare field.

- Volunteering experiences, including working in skilled nursing and emergency areas.

- Jennifer’s transition into long-term care after working in the hospital’s ICU.

- Wanting a more meaningful role in patient care.

- Embracing the culture of long-term care and recommitting to the field.

- Honoring her roots and her reasons for becoming a nurse.

- The unique experience of being pregnant while working in long-term care.

- Encouraging young people to consider careers in long-term care.

- The 24/7 nature of long-term care and the need for continuous compassion and care.




Jennifer Swain - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-swain-4a09b7126/





We appreciate you listening and we are motivated by your feedback. Visit LTCHeroes.com to learn more about us and head to LTCHeroes.com/community to join our exclusive Facebook group for nurses and our exclusive LinkedIn group for long-term care owners. We look forward to seeing you inside the community.



Sponsored by Experience.Care



This episode is brought to you by Experience.Care, the only long-term care EHR backed by guarantees.  



Your profitability is our priority and your compliance, our cause. Since 1969.



Get your profitability consultation today at Experience.Care/guarantee. Our website is .Care for a reason. We care about your care. Visit us at Experience.Care. 



*Since recording the interview, Jennifer Swain has moved to Aston Health Consulting Services, where she is VP of Clinical Reimbursement.






#seniorliving #longtermcare #seniors #seniorcare

On this episode, we speak to Brittney Tyler, Senior Executive Director at Apopka Health & Rehabilitation Center.



Topics discussed include:



-  Brittney’s passion for long-term care and her role as a servant leader.

- Her initial interest in nursing and her mother’s influence. 

- The importance of making a difference in the community, impacting the industry and engaging with younger generations interested in healthcare administration.

- Her role in healthcare policies, lobbying and advocating for the industry. 

- Taking on challenging facilities, building positive cultures and making meaningful connections with staff and residents.

- The importance of educating decision-makers about the daily challenges in long-term care.

- Her sources of information, which include social media, networking, reading and staying up-to-date on industry changes.

- Setting a positive tone in her interactions with staff through morning meetings, affirmations and maintaining an energetic attitude.








Resources mentioned:




Brittney Tyler - https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittney-tyler-nha-mba-aa2792b2/


Apopka Health and Rehabilitation Center - https://www.ablehearts.org/communities/apopka-health-and-rehabilitation-center/







We appreciate you listening and we are motivated by your feedback. Visit LTCHeroes.com to learn more about us and head to LTCHeroes.com/community to join our exclusive Facebook group for nurses and our exclusive LinkedIn group for long-term care owners. We look forward to seeing you inside the community.





Sponsored by Experience.Care



This episode is brought to you by Experience.Care, the only long-term care EHR backed by guarantees.



Your profitability is our priority and your compliance, our cause. Since 1969.



Get your profitability consultation today at



Experience.Care/guarantee. Our website is .Care for a reason. We care about your care. Visit us at Experience.Care.









#seniorliving #longtermcare #seniors #seniorcare

On this episode, we speak to Liz Borer, Chief Nursing Officer at Millennial Healthcare Services. Topics discussed include:

-  Liz’s role.

- The nickname "Covid Queen" and Liz’s response to the challenges of the pandemic.

- Organizational challenges in the last year and future focuses.

- Liz’s unconventional entry into long-term care and nursing.

- Working with the geriatric population and lessons learned.

- Liz’s passionate leadership style and fostering connection and vulnerability.

- The origins of Liz’s passion and empathy.

- The impactful conference experience and emotional connections.

- The importance of sharing best practices and collaboration.

Resources mentioned:


Liz Borer - https://www.linkedin.com/in/liz-borer-87b1b537/

Millennial Healthcare Services - https://www.millennialhcs.com/







We appreciate you listening and we are motivated by your feedback. Visit LTCHeroes.com to learn more about us and head to LTCHeroes.com/community to join our exclusive Facebook group for nurses and our exclusive LinkedIn group for long-term care owners. We look forward to seeing you inside the community.



Sponsored by Experience.Care



This episode is brought to you by Experience.Care, the only long-term care EHR backed by guarantees.  



Your profitability is our priority and your compliance, our cause. Since 1969.



Get your profitability consultation today at Experience.Care/guarantee. Our website is .Care for a reason. We care about your care. Visit us at Experience.Care.







#seniorliving #longtermcare #seniors #seniorcare