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If you’ve been following this year’s Changemakers series, you’ve likely been inspired by the leaders recognized so far. These trailblazers stand out for championing creative solutions, leading with purpose and shaping the future of the senior living industry. We’re sponsoring this in-depth interview series for the seventh consecutive year, presented by Senior Housing News.
This month, we’re thrilled to introduce the latest group of honorees, starting with Erin Shadbolt, the CEO of Ascension Living. Shadbolt’s background as a nurse influences her perspective on innovative ways to improve resident care. She shares how she’s working to engage staff and change the public perception of senior living. Shadbolt discusses serving middle-income residents and building person-centered communities that support social well-being.
See the following highlights or read the full interview with Senior Housing News (SHN).
Meet Changemaker Erin Shadbolt
SHN: In what ways do you think the senior living industry is changing right now?
Shadbolt: The industry is realizing that the product we have historically sold is a product of last resort in people’s minds. A lot of the change I am seeing and hearing about is around creating a product that is so good that seniors are happy to move out of their homes and move in with us. In addition, many operators are trying to balance that with the growing middle-market needs. These combined pressures of needing a different, increasingly affordable product are driving new types of communities and opportunities for organizations and future residents alike.
SHN: Tell us about some of your recent efforts to change the senior living industry for the better.
Shadbolt: Changing the senior living industry for the better begins with changing how we connect with people, both associates and residents. On the associate side, we are implementing something we call “just-in-time listening.” This allows any associate to submit an issue, barrier, concern or recognition immediately through an easy-to-use survey accessed with a QR code. Leaders follow up on these, work quickly to fix them and close the loop with associates.
We also focus on ensuring competency for our associates in every level of care around screening for and intervening on cognitive deficits. Even in independent living, we know that a significant portion of our residents will have some cognitive deficits. We are building out programming and services that allow for early identification, early referral to specialists and support to stay in that setting that is suitable for everyone. It’s especially beneficial for residents who can make fundamental changes to slow their cognitive decline and manage better with their current status. It also suits our communities that see residents aging in place for longer.
SHN: What’s the biggest change you ever made in your career or life? How did it go and what did you learn?
Shadbolt: When I stepped into the role of interim chief operating officer and chief nursing officer at Ascension Living, I had only worked with senior living in my role as a hospice nurse, and then leader, and then working on managing cost of care for a hospital system. Stepping into senior living with limited experience was considerable in setting and scope. Looking back, I made so many mistakes and am so grateful for the team that was so nice, welcoming and willing to help me, teaching me to understand and learn from my mistakes. Overall, it has been incredible and, through this, I have learned that senior living is the place for me. The work is rewarding and fun, and the best people work in senior living!
Explore more Changemakers
Discover insights from two more interviews with senior living innovators coming this month.
Highlights from all the honored 2025 Changemakers interviews are shared on The Balance Sheet.
