Pick up your name badge from the kiosk at the Hyatt Ballroom Foyer.

Breakfast at the Hyatt Ballroom Foyer

Space limited. No CEUs.

Kick your morning off with an elevating exchange of ideas and thoughtful conversation around this important timely topic. Share your perspectives as you learn from the experience of your peers during this casual, facilitated conversation. You’ll leave enlightened and uplifted as you head off to your first session of the day.

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David Hahklotubbe, Gerontologist, Death Doula, Red Kite Movement and Life Masters Education

If you could script your exit from life, what would that look like? No doubt, specific thoughts, images and ideas come to mind. The same can be said for residents who have envisioned and experienced much during their life journey. Through collaboration with residents, their family members, staff, hospice and other adjunct services, much can be done to support residents in their final days. Take a closer look at the death and dying process and examine uplifting examples of accompanying residents in their final days and in passing. You’ll leave better equipped to discover what matters most to residents and support them with compassion, empathy and respect during their final days.

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Kate Decamp, CEO & Managing Partner, RSN Technologies
Charlie May, Chief Technology Officer & Managing Partner, RSN Technologies

With cybersecurity threats on the rise, it’s imperative to stay one step ahead of the game. Gain a glimpse into the mind of cyber hackers and their capabilities as you witness a live demonstration and hear about the many ways they prey on their victims — from open-source intelligence gathering to leveraging your online presence against you and more. Leave with critical strategies you can immediately put to use to avoid costly mistakes and better protect yourself and your community without breaking the bank.

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Wade Elliott, Regional Director, WestHaven Senior Living
Sharon Layden, Senior Vice President, Healthcare Risk Management, Lockton Insurance Brokers
Brant Watson, Senior Vice President, Heffernan Insurance Brokers

In today’s dynamic business landscape, maintaining transparency is not just ethical but also a strategic tool for reducing risks. Join this panel of seasoned experts as they share real-life examples and best practices for alleviating concerns among licensing personnel as well as disgruntled and/or litigious families. Gain helpful insights and practical approaches to foster transparency and honest dialogue, starting before a family moves in their loved one. Best practices for routine family and resident care meetings, over-communication by phone, along with in-person and ongoing documentation practices will also be addressed. You’ll leave better equipped to foster open communication with clients, ultimately creating a defensive shield to costly legal challenges.

If you attended this session at the 2024 Fall Conference, please note DSS will not approve CEUs for repeat attendance.

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Dresden Cincurak, Vice President of Business Development, Grow Your Occupancy
Moderator: Dakota Seven, Regional Vice President of Sales, MorningStar Senior Living

While paid lead aggregators offer one way to connect with prospective residents and grow occupancy, incorporating and implementing additional strategies to achieve a more diversified sales process can yield higher occupancy and increased cost savings. Join these sales specialists and explore effective lead generation, outreach and sales strategies to help you and your team strengthen internal processes to yield positive results.

Morning coffee break.

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Doug Armstrong, Senior Vice President, Regulatory Affairs & Quality, Belmont Village Senior Living
Joel Goldman, Partner, Hanson Bridgett, LLP
Payam Saljoughian, Partner, Hanson Bridgett, LLP

Bring your pressing and tough questions to this panel of highly regarded senior living law experts. Hear the perspectives of these experts as they discuss recent issues, regulatory trends and policy changes, as well as address attendees’ questions and concerns. You’ll leave better equipped to avoid or address challenges before they become problems.

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Tandy Bowman, Activities Director, Golden Pond Senior Living

Participation in group rhythm experiences has the capacity to relieve stress, facilitate self-expression, build community, enhance spirituality and allow for total self-creativity. Depending on the type of music employed, it can also support various health outcomes, such as calming anxiety, enhancing sleep, improving circulation and stimulating one’s heartbeat. Experience the power of music, connect with the beat of drums and your own natural rhythm, and leave with practical considerations for implementing a program at your community.

Sponsored by Yardi Systems, Inc.

Join us as we honor the Excellence in Service Award recipients – those who go above and beyond to provide outstanding care and service and elevate the experience of residents, employees and the community.

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Jennifer Weber, CEO, SDG Promotions, Inc.

There is a deep-rooted psychology around first impressions. This is achieved through a series of well planned, streamlined processes and consistent, deliberate execution. By tapping into the five senses of prospective residents and family members, these proven strategies will not only elevate your brand, your sales and your reputation; they will also create the ultimate "experience." This strategy doesn’t just build rapport — it nurtures trust and attachment, making your prospects feel at home even before they make a decision. Explore real-life examples and success stories and leave with tools that will enable you to weave together these sensory elements so your brand can stand out and leave an unforgettable impression.

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Charles de Vilmorin, Senior Vice President, Resident Engagement, LifeLoop
Stacey Flint, Director of Sales and Marketing, Center for Applied Research in Dementia/Monarch Pathways
Jamie Johnson, LPN, Corporate Director of Memory Care, Merrill Gardens

Understanding individuals beyond their dementia diagnosis is key to helping them thrive. A person-centered approach empowers residents to live fully, while strategies like the Montessori method foster purpose, belonging and engagement by tapping into strengths. Learn how to operationalize Montessori-based programs across departments and communities and gain practical tools for creating nurturing environments that promote dignity and respect and empower staff to engage individuals living with dementia. The results? Improved resident satisfaction, innovative care and vibrant communities.