Senior Care: Unscripted

Dr. Hugh Davis: The Importance of a Purposeful Culture

In this episode of the Senior Care Unscripted podcast, hosts Craig Heatherly and Sara Johnson chat with Dr. Hugh Davis, President and CEO of Greencroft Communities. Dr. Davis shares his experiences and strategies for leading Greencroft Communities, a network of nine communities in the Midwest. He discusses the organization's growth, beginning with its founding in 1967 by a local Mennonite church and expanding through strategic affiliations. Dr. Davis reveals how the organization is modernizing systems, embracing emerging technologies, and focusing on fostering community to enrich residents' lives. He highlights the importance of a supportive culture, empathetic leadership, and innovation in technology to improve care. Additionally, Dr. Davis shares personal anecdotes and reflects on the value of working in senior care, emphasizing the fulfillment and impact the industry provides.

Jason Lee: Advancing Home Care through Advocacy

In this episode of the Senior Care Unscripted podcast, hosts Craig Heatherly and Sara Johnson converse with Jason Lee, CEO of the Home Care Association of America. Jason discusses his role and the organization's focus on advocacy, education, and community building in the home care industry. Key challenges such as out-of-pocket payments, the increasing elderly population, and decreasing family caregivers are highlighted. Jason emphasizes the importance of preparing for the projected demographic shifts by 2050 through technological advancements, legislative changes, and enhanced workforce strategies. He also touches on the value of storytelling from caregivers, recipients, and industry outsiders to underscore home care's significance. The conversation delves into regulatory and legislative priorities, including the companionship exemption, Medicaid access rule, and tax credits for families. Jason's personal experiences and professional journey into the home care industry are also shared, reinforcing his commitment to improving and advocating for the sector.

Mark Prifogle: Making an Operational Impact on Care

In this episode of the Senior Care Unscripted podcast, hosts Craig Heatherly and Sara Johnson engage in a deep conversation with Mark Prifogle, Vice President of Operations for BHI Senior Living Chairman of The American College of Health Care Administrators (ACHCA). Mark discusses his journey and current endeavors, emphasizing the significance of good management and systems, Mark shares insights into staff retention strategies, the importance of mentorship, the evolving role of technology, and preparing for future industry challenges. He highlights the transition from healthcare to hospitality-focused services in senior care and stresses the need for investing in training and leadership development to ensure positive outcomes in the industry.

Manda Ayoub: Heart-first Care at Pomeroy Living

In this episode of Senior Care Unscripted, Craig Heatherly and Sara Johnson sit down with Manda Ayoub of Pomeroy Living to uncover the heart and humanity behind senior care. Amanda opens up about what drew her to the industry and how personal experiences shaped her mission to make senior living more than just a place—it's a home. From creating warm, homelike environments across Pomeroy's seven Southeast Michigan communities to fostering staff engagement that combats turnover, Amanda shares the strategies that make care feel personal and meaningful. She dives into the challenges of navigating regulations, the transformative role of technology, and why empathy and human connection remain at the core of quality caregiving. Manda also speaks candidly about advocating for clearer Medicare Advantage plans and better reimbursement, underscoring the importance of transparency and fairness in senior care. Her advice for leaders? Practice radical candor, be honest, and never lose sight of the residents whose lives you impact every day.

Leslie Friedel: A Legacy of Compassion in End-of-Life Care

In this episode of Senior Care Unscripted, hosts Craig Heatherly and Sara Johnson sit down with Leslie Friedel, CEO of Stillwater Hospice, for a thoughtful look at what it means to lead a mission that's been serving northeast Indiana for 137 years. Leslie shares her personal path into hospice care and the values that guide her leadership, from championing empathy to ensuring access for the most vulnerable. She discusses Stillwater's evolution—including its regional expansion and rebrand from Visiting Nurse to Stillwater Hospice—and how technology and AI are reshaping care delivery. It's an inspiring conversation about purpose-driven leadership and the future of end-of-life care.