GlynnDevins To Host Free Webinar
Mobile for Senior Living Communities from GlynnDevins on Vimeo.
Mobile for Senior Living Communities
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
11 a.m. – 12 p.m. CST
February 2, 2012
January 31, 2012
Notes from an attractively lit office.
2012 unspools, and you’re already at least ankle-deep in new marketing plans. So with ads and direct mail on your mind, here’s a tip for putting your best foot forward, where it belongs:
Don’t tell them everything at once.
In my time, I’ve known charming people whose lives were rambling, often fascinating narratives of free association. They got a lot said, passing opportunities to stop without even pausing.
“Say, you hear about Tuesdays at Mert’s? You get a free baked potato with your steak. Such a deal! We went last week, and you’ll never guess who we saw: Daschel and Marion. Her niece – married that French fellow? She just had a baby. ‘Belinda Tracy,’ after his cousins. You know, I’ve heard so many are having their babies at home these days. I said this to the girls, and they told me, Mom, they said, it’s a party that way. Well, I suppose if they get married and have babies, I could serve a light lunch. I like a nice orange sherbet. Flint filled half the deep freeze when he got it on sale. But I just can’t climb those basement stairs. My knees. We’re talking about taking the RV up to Mayo to see what they can do. Maybe this spring, before it gets too hot. He’ll have to get off work, and of course he needs those days for Hawaii next Christmas. I tell you his boss’s wife had a major flare-up of diverticulitis, and they neither one came to the office Christmas party? It’s terrible. Also – and this was funny — Flint found an arrowhead in the garden in November. Pulling carrots for Thanksgiving. Isn’t that the funniest thing? He says it’s an arrowhead. It looks like a big ol’ tooth to me. Anyway. You let me know about Mert’s Tuesday. All right?”
When you advertise, don’t tell them everything at once. Your luncheon seminar invitation hardly needs to also explain Life Care, show floor plans, detail your moving assistance program, mention dates for the Open House, announce your website update, provide a slew of resident testimonials, list your services and amenities, and offer a redeemable coupon for doughnuts. Stick to the luncheon seminar: It’s a free lunch and a good talk.
Say one thing. Say it well. And be remembered.
January 26, 2012
An Executive Perspective: A Brighter Outlook Ahead
We’re introducing a new monthly feature blog, An Executive Perspective, which conveys the latest insight from GlynnDevins executive leadership who have a lot to share, because they are constantly in contact with the top professionals in the field of senior living, exchanging forecasts, identifying trends and challenges, and developing best practices.
A meeting of the minds took place last week in Dana Point, California for the American Seniors Housing Association (ASHA) 2012 Annual Meeting. GlynnDevins principals attended to share insights and hear the latest news in the field of senior living from top firms and professionals in the for profit and not for profit sectors of senior living.
The key takeaway from the conference was an upswing in confidence in senior living performance, which is a reassuring message after several years of dealing with the aftermath of the economic downturn and not knowing how long it will take to recover. Though dates for total recovery varied, often by region, most all attendees agreed the worst is over and optimism is warranted.
We are all aware of the real estate market struggles as seniors have delayed decisions, but it turns out senior living is doing better than most any other sector involving real estate. Cap rates are higher now than in several years spurring on healthy merger and acquisition activity. Although certainly more progress to be made, steady gains and positive indicators reveal a bright outlook for the years to come. This is an important message to share with prospective residents who may be standing on the sideline looking for signs to move forward.
January 24, 2012
A Reason to Pay Attention to the 2012 Elections
As if you needed another reason. It seems everywhere you look these days, you’re confronted with the 2012 Presidential elections. There are primaries and caucuses every week and it can be a bit overwhelming. Putting aside your personal political affiliation, this election could bring about a great deal of change for senior living as a result of health care reform. There was an interesting article last week from Senior Housing News that talks about the implication of health care reform and the effects it could have on senior living communities.
Part of the health care reform might change how hospitals are paid – basically, they’d get more money for lower rates of rehospitalization of discharged patients. On the flip side, they’d get less money for higher rates of return to the hospitals. This in turn would increase the importance and scrutiny hospitals place on their preferred provider of post-care. The article suggests this change in payment model would result in hospitals seeking to partner with senior living communities for this care. This can be a lucrative opportunity for communities – that is, if they’re seen as a premier care provider.
Now would be an excellent time to start evaluating these aspects of your community. What is your rate of rehospitalization? If you find positive results, then start touting them now! Networking strategies are crucial, so review, and perhaps increase, your outreach efforts to local doctors and hospitals. It is also a good reminder of the importance of keeping good relationships with referral sources. If you find room for improvement, now is a great time to make the necessary changes.
It remains to be seen which direction health care reform will go, but this is certainly reason to pay attention as it develops. You could stand to benefit in a big way in the years ahead if you’re top of mind with local hospitals for your premium post-care and low hospitalization rates.
Here’s a link to the full story.
January 19, 2012
Age of Champions
Like most people, I love a feel-good story. So when I saw that LeadingAge is helping inspire residents and staff of senior living communities by encouraging them to host a screening of Age of Champions, a new documentary about a group of athletes “chasing gold at the National Senior Games,” I wanted to pass it on.
I’m encouraged by what producer Keith Ochwat says about the film, “No matter the age or physical ability, all seniors can take small steps to becoming healthier and more active.”
You’ll want to watch the trailer and learn more about how to host a screening. It certainly inspired me.
