Heart of the Matter Blog

Nelson Mandela once observed, "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." As an association, we agree that educating our members and other senior care professionals is a cornerstone to inspiring and facilitating change in senior services.

I have been blessed to spend more than three decades working in the long-term care industry. Like many, I never planned for this to be my life’s work but I was very fortunate that it found me! When I first entered senior services, my only experience with long-term care was visiting the local county home as a child to sing Christmas carols to the residents.

I like things simple. Like the simple pleasure of a good nap, and a hot coffee on a cool morning. The simple gesture of a hug or smile from a friend, or little wave from a neighbor. And, the simple philosophy of the Golden Rule and just doing good in the world.

In my role with LeadingAge PA, I have the privilege of visiting member communities and meeting individuals who make a difference in the lives of older adults on a daily basis. However, no task has been more inspiring than meeting the 2021 Distinguished Service Award (DSA) winners!

Recently I told a colleague that in my career two of the main driving forces for success have been an openness to possibilities, and persistent gratitude for all the positives around me. As I transition from my role as president and CEO of LeadingAge PA back to the provider side, both forces are not only present for me, but for our team at the Association.

Emerging from the pandemic, senior living organizations face a heightened cross-current of conditions, combining pandemic-related factors with long-term trends. Many of these factors have been accelerated by the crisis – impacting marketing and sales, staffing and operations, and financial performance and position.

It is said there is strength in numbers. That premise is the foundation LeadingAge PA builds our advocacy upon, for when we come together and advocate for change, the message is amplified to reach more lawmakers, carrying the potential for more powerful results.