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Author: MDSadmin

Happy New Year 2013….Now, What’s Next??

Happy New Year 2013….Now, What’s Next??

Posted on by MDSadmin

Everyone here at MDS would like to wish you, your families and your coworkers a very Happy and Prosperous New Year.  Welcome 2013!!

All the gifts have been opened and the champagne bottles are empty…now what?  As the American workforce makes their way back to the office, there is no better time to ask “What’s Next?”  The New Year is a perfect time to reevaluate where you, your business or organization stands and most importantly, where you are going.

Take some time to begin this process with some very basic questions:

  • What went right in 2012? How can you duplicate that?
  • What went wrong in 2012? How can you make changes to avoid those things?
  • What changes do YOU want to see in your career as well as your business? How will you accomplish those changes; more training and education, teaming with co-workers to implement new initiatives, taking some risks you have been contemplating?

It may seem like a cliché, but it is so true: The possibilities are endless!!

As you contemplate the above questions, we know you have high hopes and big dreams for your community and your business but you must do some proper goal setting to begin down the path to achieving those hopes and dreams.  Remember the basics about goal setting: they must be measurable with a specific deadline and they must be attainable (realistic) yet challenging.  And no goal is worth setting without a step-by-step plan to achieve said goal.

MDS can help you set goals for your organization through many avenues from operations analysis to identify areas for improvement to conducting Board Retreats and Strategic Planning sessions with your professional staff.  MDS can also help you achieve these goals through program implementation, monitoring, training, and material for you and your staff.

We anticipate great things in the New Year ahead. Most of all we look forward to helping you establish and achieve your goals to make 2013 an even more successful year.

 

Posted on by MDSadmin

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays From The Staff of MDS

We would like to take this opportunity to wish all those dedicated to the service and care of those that are aging successfully  in communities and receiving services around the world a very Merry Christmas and exceptionally Happy Holidays!

We especially thank those that will tend to all those residents on Christmas Day; there is no day off in an industry such as ours.  To many of  these residents, you are their family and you will make their holidays bright!

As we look forward to 2013, MDS wants to partner with you to bring these residents the best care possible, an enjoyable living experience while helping you run your facility in the most efficient and financially beneficial way possible.  Join us as we explore various ways to tighten up your operational policies and procedures which benefit both your community and your residents.

Our theme for January 2013 will be Stop making New Year’s Resolutions and Make a New Year Plan!

Thank you for your commitment to the betterment of the Senior Living and Senior Housing Industry.


Tools That Help You and Help Your Prospects!!

Posted on by MDSadmin

 

As we have mentioned in our email newsletter, MDS offers a variety of Interactive Financial Templates that address a vast array of operational needs and situations. You adjust the variables to reflect your unique situation to get the answers you need to make prudent decisions that can affect your residents, your employees and your bottom line.

MDS can customize any of these existing templates to your specific situation or create personalized templates to address your individual community’s needs

Each month we offer an Interactive Financial Template for use free of charge.

Free Interactive Financial Template for December 2012 – Back by Popular Demand:

Senior Consumer Affordability Analysis

 

 

 

 

 

 

Help Your Prospects Really Understand What They Can Afford

What it is: Shows potential clients different sources of income compared to cost of senior living arrangements.  The variables include Social Security Income, Pension, saving/investment portfolio, home equity, average returns on investment, tax rate, discretionary allowance and cost of living.

How to use it: User will obtain information from potential client and set all variables to reflect current situation of prospect.

Expected Outcomes: This will show the prospect if they can afford the community with current income.  This will also allow marketing representative to begin dialog of other sources of income some seniors do not think of such as investments, home equity and/or getting family members financially involved.  The community representative will now know if they must discuss the possibility of spending down prospects investments or home equity and estimate how long the funds will last.

Use this template with prospects in the marketing and sales office of your community to visually show them what they can (or cannot) afford.

For more information on customized templates, please contact:
Roy Barker, Director – Special Projects
(817)925-8374 (Direct Line)
RoyBarker@m-d-s.com

Don’t Judge a Book by It’s Cover…or a Prospect by Their Car.

Don’t Judge a Book by It’s Cover…or a Prospect by Their Car.

Posted on by MDSadmin

by Roy Barker, Director – Special Projects

When it comes to marketing and eventually closing the sale at your senior community, MDS has addressed several strategies to overcome some common sales objectives; I’m Just Not Ready Yet, Misconceptions Stifle Sales Part 1 (May 2011) and Part 2 (June 2011).  Finances can be one of the most difficult objections to overcome as it can be uncomfortable for the potential resident to discuss their personal business with a virtual stranger. There are a lot of instances where prospects convince salespeople that they can’t afford to live in their community but when they walk out they go right down the street and move in to a competitor.

On the flip side, are we too quick to size up prospects before they ever walk in the door? We are taught from a young age to not “judge a book by its cover” but let’s face it, we do. What kind of car are they driving?  Do they look clean, are they well dressed? Do they sound educated? Do they appear to have enough money to live in my community?  Do salespeople “financially qualify” prospects before they even speak with them and therefore sabotage themselves in the process?  It can be all too easy to find ourselves in this situation and it will eventually cost us sales.

This reminds me a story when I was a lot younger.  I lived in a very small rural Texas oil boom town where everyone knew everyone and their business.  One of the more wealthy townspeople who I was acquainted with had vast land holdings, a massive multi-state cattle operation, and oil royalty income that could have supported the entire town.  He was just an old country boy that had made good.  He still wore overalls, work boots and drove an old pickup truck. When you would go have coffee with him, he would always head to the restroom when the check came.  Now, everyone one in town knew him and what he was worth, but we knew this was just his way and we all respected that in him, so it was OK as long as he was in his own environment.

Read more about how a salesman unfamiliar with this man almost lost his easiest sale of the day

Roy Barker has been Director of Special Projects for MDS for the past 12 years. Roy holds a BBA in Finance from The University of North Texas as well as a master’s degree in Applied Gerontology – Long-term care, Senior Housing, and Aging Services from the University of North Texas (UNT). He can be reached at (817)925-8374 or RoyBarker@m-d-s.com.

Family Caregivers Are Using Social Media – Why You Should Take Notice

Family Caregivers Are Using Social Media – Why You Should Take Notice

Posted on by MDSadmin

According to an August 2012 survey of the Pew Internet & American Life Project, 85% of American adults use the internet.

• 91% of these internet users use a search engine to find information.
• 80% look for health and/or medical information.
• 78% look for information about a service or product they are thinking of buying.
• 66% use social networking sites like Facebook, LinkedIn or Google Plus.

The predominant age group for family caregivers or caregiving candidates, adults ages 50 to 64, increased their use of social networking sites by 454% from 2008 to 2012, according to data from the Pew Internet Project. That is a staggering number!

It turns out that caregivers are more likely than non-caregivers to turn to friends online for health information.

“We call it peer-to-peer health care — they triage with their peers and friends online, rather than going to medical sites,” said Susannah Fox, an associate director of Pew Internet Project, in an interview with The New York Times.

A study conducted by research and consulting firms Age Lessons and comScore found that caregivers spend 150 minutes per month on social media sites. Caregivers also tend to explore more online than others, reading 70% more web site pages.

Why are caregivers turning the internet in droves?

1) Staying connected. Caregiving is so time-consuming that people often find themselves isolated and disconnected from even their closest friends. Social networking sites can help a caregiver maintain their relationships with their family and friends, while forging new alliances with their peers who are taking care of elderly loved ones of their own.

2) Research. Caregivers are much more likely than the average person to research medical terms, support groups and information online.

3) Asking for help. Getting announcements and news and calls to action out quickly and efficiently. If someone needs advice or help, posting a quick request on Facebook or Twitter will yield immediate responses.

4) Celebration of a life. Social media also offer opportunities to commemorate the life of a senior who has passed on. Many people share pictures and memories of an elderly loved one via e-mail or Facebook post after they have died. Facebook also allows you to memorialize a person’s profile page.

Are you ready to engage these caregivers?

It is important to understand that caregivers are online for the reasons listed above – NOT to be sold a product or service.

However, senior care businesses and providers can position themselves online by providing valuable information that caregivers are searching for.

Our suggestions for getting in front of caregivers where they already are (online):

• Commit the resources to social media monitoring and maintenance. Using most of the most popular social networking sites is free, but the time to do so effectively is not. Manage and allot your time and resources appropriately.

• Write a blog. Blogs are the best way to increase your SEO (Search Engine Optimization). Develop an editorial calendar with ideas for future blog posts. As youself the following questions: How do you want to position yourself in your field? What are you an expert on? What are people searching for – who do you want to find you? What actions do you want to spur from your blog?

• Create great content and provide value. Much easier said than done! But ultimately social media is about delivering value to people – it’s not about selling your products and services. The companies that use social media effectively have followers because they deliver information that is useful and they minimize (if not completely eliminate) the sales pitches.

• Build trust. Why are you the best place to go to for this information? Why should people trust you? With trust comes followers… and with followers comes potential customers.

• Provide immediate support. Answer questions, be accessible and always respond to comments on your blog posts, Facebook page and any other social networking sites you maintain.

• Make sure your website is up-to-date and “ready for prime time”. If you are using social media to drive people to your website to learn more about your business, then make sure what they are seeing is visually appealing, clear and concise. What do you want them to do when they get to your website? Download a white paper? Join your email list? Attend an event? You have a 2 second window to capture the attention of a website visitor – is your website doing that now?

There are many ways to successfully engage caregivers and grow your business using online tools. However, these tools require a commitment of time and patience.

Don’t get discouraged, and look to the experts if you need professional help.

As a thank you for taking part in our survey, MDS would like to enter you in a drawing for a free book give away.  The book entitled “Independent Living and CCRCs; Survival, Success & Strategies for Not-For-Profits Sponsors and For-Profit Owner/Operators” written by Jim Moore, President of Moore Diversified Services.  Jim’s 40 years of experience in the senior living industry make this a must read! To enter the drawing all you need to do is leave a comment on the blog (see link at top of this post). If you haven’t already, I would invite you to connect with MDS on LinkedIn at http://www.linkedin.com/in/roydbarkeriii. Also “Like” us on FB at www.facebook.com/moorediversifiedservices and follow us on Twitter @MDSseniorliving.

About the author:

This content was provided courtesy of guest blogger Julia Campbell, founder and president of J Campbell Social Marketing, an interactive marketing communications agency. Julia, in conjunction with MDS, is writing a multi-part series on Social Media for senior living, housing and health care providers. She will address ways the industry can use social media and online tools to grow their business and stay in touch with their customers, residents and families.
Julia has been featured on Social Media Today, Business 2 Community, Forbes and The Glass Heel.

SPECIAL LIMITED TIME DEAL: MDS in conjunction with J Campbell Social Marketing is excited to provide an in-depth Social Media and Digital Marketing Evaluation Package tailored especially for the senior housing industry. For a limited time, this customized Social Media and Digital Marketing Evaluation Package (valued at over $600) is being offered for the preferred rate of $350 when booked through MDS. Contact Roy Barker at MDS today to take advantage of this tremendous offer and put this team to work improving your social media program.

Roy Barker, Director- Special Projects
RoyBarker@m-d-s.com
Direct Line: 817-925-8374

Preparing for the Alzheimer’s Silver Tsunami

Preparing for the Alzheimer’s Silver Tsunami

Posted on by MDSadmin

In 2011, Baby Boomers began turning 65 at the rate of 10,000 per day. This trend, which many call the Silver Tsunami, will continue for the next 20 years and will have a major impact on our economy, workforce, insurance and healthcare systems.

At present, someone in the United States is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s every 69 seconds. By mid-century, as Boomers continue to age, that number will increase to every 33 seconds.

At present, there is no cure, no long-range treatment, and no proven way to prevent Alzheimer’s. How, then, can we prepare for the impact of the Alzheimer’s Silver Tsunami?

• Increase Your Understanding of Alzheimer’s In recent years, with celebrities like musician Glen Campbell and University of Tennessee women’s basketball head coach Pat Summit bringing Alzheimer’s into the public eye, there has been increased awareness of the disease. However, awareness doesn’t always mean understanding.

It has been my experience, that there is still a considerable amount of misunderstanding about Alzheimer’s. I am frequently asked: “I understand they lose their keys or forget a name. I do that – so what’s the big deal?” I begin by explaining it isn’t just about forgetting a name or where they placed their keys. Alzheimer’s is a progressive, terminal disease which will ultimately impact every part of the individual’s brain – which will ultimately impact every part of the individual – and their family’s – life.
Increased understanding also helps remove some of the stigma which still surrounds Alzheimer’s. Many families won’t talk about “it” out of fear the public perception of their loved one will be that he/she is ‘crazy’. By bringing the disease out of the dark and into the light through education and understanding, we can begin moving forward in how to help these individuals, their families and caregivers.

• Increased and Earlier Diagnosis Increased understanding also means being aware of the symptoms of Alzheimer’s. It’s important to note there are diseases (some treatable) whose symptoms can mimic Alzheimer’s.

The sooner an individual and their family know exactly what they are dealing with, the sooner they and caregiving team (family, friends, physician, attorney, financial planner, etc.) can put a plan in place for their short-term and long-range health and care.

While the average life expectancy after diagnosis is eight years, there are individuals who have survived up to 20 years. Getting a diagnosis, getting support and having a plan will help ensure the individual is cared for in a manner they desire.

• Support the Caregiver (Family and Professional) Until there is a cure, proven treatment or way to prevent Alzheimer’s, it’s critical for caregivers (both family and professional) to receive training in how to care for someone with Alzheimer’s.

The majority of those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s are cared for by a family member (particularly in the early to middle stages of the disease) – and often without adequate knowledge or skills. An older adult caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s has a 60% change of dying before their loved one due to the stress caregiving has on their own health.

There are many techniques both family and professional caregivers can be shown (i.e., knowing what triggers to look for to reduce or eliminate behaviors, understanding and addressing repetitive questions or requests, etc.) which can empower caregivers and make the caregiving journey more joyful and less stressful for everyone.

 

Blog content provided by Patti Kerr, CAEd, a Certified Alzheimer’s Educator, keynote speaker, and the author of I Love You, Who Are You? Loving and Caring for a Parent with Alzheimer’s. You can reach her through her website: www.pattikerr.com

 

 

Proper Preparation is Key

Posted on by MDSadmin

This past weekend we saw the northeastern portion of our nation prepare for the landfall of hurricane Sandy and what has been termed “The Perfect Storm” and even “Frankenstorm”. With several states declared in a “state of emergency” before the storm even hit land and many areas under mandatory evacuation orders, what an eye-opening reminder to evaluate emergency/disaster preparedness and crisis planning among our senior housing and senior living communities. Being prepared by having a comprehensive disaster preparedness plan, practicing for disasters in your facilities, and updating your plan frequently can help save lives and reduce injuries. Do you have a written, comprehensive, viable emergency/disaster plan of action?

What are some things to consider in your emergency planning? (Keep in mind this is only a starting point and not an exhaustive list. Some state agencies even have templates for communities to work from and adapt to their own situations)

• Situations you need to be prepared for: fire, flood, tornado, hurricane, earthquake, industrial accidents, even terrorist attacks.
• Evacuation procedures; both immediate evacuation during a crisis as well as ordered evacuation prior to an event
• Communications between administrators, emergency responders, caregivers, employees, residents and resident’s families.
• Contingency plans for loss of water, power, and various utilities for an extended period of time
• Enough food, medicine, and other necessary supplies for an extended period of time
• Proper staffing within your facility to operate during a disaster or emergency
• Make sure your staff, residents, and their families are aware of your emergency/crisis plan of action and that they be trained.
• Frequent testing and revising your plan as needed.

As this recent article posted on Newsday.com states, nursing homes in the northeast had to set their plans into action in order to keep their residents safe:

“In the Rockaways in Queens — considered a flood-prone zone — more than 60 patients on ventilators in nursing homes must be evacuated by 5 p.m. Sunday. Staffing levels at nursing homes across New York in Sandy’s path must be at 150 percent by the same deadline, said Dr. Nirav Shah, state health commissioner.

‘This is important because we don’t know what’s going to happen in terms of transportation,’ Dr. Shah said. ‘We want to make sure should a prolonged power outage occur, there will be adequate staff to care for patients in these settings.’

Fuel, food and medication levels must also be checked and stocked, Dr. Shah said.”

(read the complete article Hurricane Sandy; States of Emergency Declared in NY, NJ, CT)

Don’t get caught unprepared! Pull those written Emergency Preparedness Plans out NOW, make sure they are updated and be sure you and your staff know exactly what to do if you find yourself in such a situation.

How A Senior Care Business Can Use Social Media

Posted on by MDSadmin

A recent report by the Pew Internet & American Life Project found that 32% of people aged 50 to 64 use at least one social networking site on a regular basis. We are seeing a big increase in these numbers from only one year ago, and the numbers are increasing every day.

The first piece of advice I give to companies and organizations marketing to seniors, boomers and caregivers is: Don’t underestimate the older generation – they are online too!

How are Baby Booomers using social media, and for what reasons?

  • To stay connected. Baby Boomers use social media to connect with the things and the people they are interested in. This includes family, friends and colleagues; political issues; organizations they support; hobbies; travel; you name it.
  • To conduct a job search. In 2012, retirement is not a reality for everyone. People are not assured a comfortable standard of living anymore when they reach 65. Baby Boomers use social media sites to help find jobs, to seek referrals, to post resumes and to conduct research on potential employers.
  • For entertainment. It’s not all looking up photos of the grandkids – Baby Boomers go on YouTube and watch funny videos just like you do!
  • For support and for fun. ActiveEmptyNesters.com, a social networking website designed specifically for the baby boomer generation, launched in 2011. Ronald Mercier, the site’s creator and founder, has made it his mission “to help his generation stay involved in, and educated on, the rapidly changing technology of today’s modern world.” Baby Boomers want to be connected to other Baby Boomers, and they are finding ways to do so.
  • To stay current. Baby Boomers don’t want to get left in the dust. They want to be relevant, to know what’s going on in the world, and to experience news and events in real time.

How to reach Baby Boomers online?

  • Get on social media. Join LinkedIn Groups, Facebook Groups and Facebook pages that include large concentrations of your target market.
  • Create relevant content. The best bets for getting boomers and caregivers interested in your content is to create blogs or videos that relate to their life or work-style. Publish a white paper that people can only access by signing up for your email newsletter or by liking your page on Facebook. Create an infographic that can be shared across social networks. Be creative.
  • Encourage interaction. if you’re looking for feedback and contributions from the Boomers themselves – like comments or criticisms – make that process extremely simple. Do not introduce overly complex sign up forms or opt-in processes. Instead, encourage low-effort contributions such as star ratings, the Facebook like button and easy to find social media sharing buttons.

My advice? Ignore the Baby Boomers at your own peril. Any savvy digital marketing plan should build in ways to connect with older generations, not just the young.

About the author:

This content was provided courtesy of guest blogger Julia Campbell, founder and president of J Campbell Social Marketing, an interactive marketing communications agency. Julia, in conjunction with MDS, is writing a multi-part series on Social Media for senior living, housing and health care providers. She will address ways the industry can use social media and online tools to grow their business and stay in touch with their customers, residents and families.
Julia has been featured on Social Media Today, Business 2 Community, Forbes and The Glass Heel.

SPECIAL LIMITED TIME DEAL: MDS in conjunction with J Campbell Social Marketing is excited to provide an in-depth Social Media and Digital Marketing Evaluation Package tailored especially for the senior housing industry. For a limited time, this customized Social Media and Digital Marketing Evaluation Package (valued at over $600) is being offered for the preferred rate of $350 when booked through MDS. Contact Roy Barker at MDS today to take advantage of this tremendous offer and put this team to work improving your social media program.

Roy Barker, Director- Special Projects
RoyBarker@m-d-s.com
Direct Line: 817-925-8374

Social Media – Have You Embraced or Missed This Current Marketing Strategy?

Social Media – Have You Embraced or Missed This Current Marketing Strategy?

Posted on by MDSadmin

Having a consistent, comprehensive online presence that positively represents your brand is vital in today’s fast-changing digital marketplace. This is applicable to most businesses today in any industry and, even more importantly in the senior living industry, whether you are a single community operator, a national chain multi-community operator, or a senior housing service provider.

Despite its importance, many business owners, executives, and property level managers are just too busy and overwhelmed by the prospect of starting and maintaining an online marketing campaign.

MDS understands this – and we want to help.

As part of a special feature section on our blog, we are introducing guest blogger Julia Campbell. Julia is founder and president of J Campbell Social Marketing, an interactive social media and digital marketing communications agency in Beverly, MA.

Throughout her professional career, Julia has served as a one-woman development and digital marketing department for several organizations.

Currently she works with both nonprofits and for-profit businesses, helping them achieve their social media and digital marketing goals. Her clients include local businesses, nonprofit organizations, and universities, and she also offers one-on-one coaching sessions, group seminars and college courses.

Julia has been featured on Social Media Today, Business 2 Community, Forbes and The Glass Heel.

Here’s Julia:

“Hello! I believe that any successful digital marketing strategy includes a substantial social media component. This includes a fabulous website, updated social media profiles, a well-written blog and compelling email marketing communications. Working together with all these tools, I have a proven track record of success in helping clients generate revenue by developing their strategy, connecting with their audience, and increasing engagement with customers and supporters.”

Stay tuned for future blog posts from Julia on specific ways that businesses can use social media and online tools to grow their business, to stay in touch with their customers and to grow an army of brand ambassadors.

SPECIAL LIMITED TIME DEAL: MDS in conjunction with J Campbell Social Marketing is excited to provide an in-depth Social Media and Digital Marketing Evaluation Package tailored especially for the senior housing industry. For a limited time, this customized Social Media and Digital Marketing Evaluation Package (valued at over $600) is being offered for the preferred rate of $350 when booked through MDS. Contact Roy Barker at MDS today to take advantage of this tremendous offer and put this team to work improving your social media program.

MDS recognizes that social media has not only become a vital part of a well-rounded marketing plan, but it is here to stay and is only growing in strength and importance. The question for businesses is how to most effectively use social media and digital marketing tools to connect with your community, to engage with them and to provide them with information and resources? Don’t hesitate, book this evaluation package immediately to ensure your social media and digital marketing efforts are providing your community with the greatest value and return.

Roy Barker, Director- Special Projects
RoyBarker@m-d-s.com
Direct Line: 817-925-8374

Power of Pricing

Power of Pricing

Posted on by MDSadmin

In the September/October issue of Senior Living Executive published by Assisted Living Federation of America (ALFA), Jim Moore discusses extensively the various components of pricing and how it all works together for (or against) your community.  In this article you will find that:

·        More than 40 percent of the cost of operating an assisted living community comes from hands-on direct care and dietary/ food and beverage.

·        Reducing or using short term incentive pricing strategies on substandard units decreases a community’s projected revenue in the short run, but has a stronger long-term outcome.

·        Pricing concessions represent real money, but so does the lost opportunity cost of each vacant unit.

·        Senior’s and family’s  pricing misconceptions form a flawed and dangerous mindset that must be addressed with pragmatic pricing strategies and communication.

Jim addresses the above items in great detail and clarification.

Please visit ALFA’s website where they have provided a digital version of the publication Senior Housing Executive to read the article Power of Pricing by Jim Moore in full.