Perspectives on Silo-Busting

According to a recent Argentum survey, today’s senior living organizations recognize the need for integrated, interoperable software.   Argentum — a leading association serving companies that own, operate and support senior living communities — conducted the survey to assess where operators’ priorities lie when it comes to technology. Four key themes (including the importance of “silo-busting” and the need for integrated technology) emerged from the report. We’re all about keeping the pulse on the senior living landscape, so we’re releasing a blog series that delves into each theme. And as a leading provider of senior living management software, we’re sharing our perspectives along the way. Read on for our perspectives on the first theme — silo-busting — and stay tuned for the posts to come.   Silo-busting: The power of integration and interoperability As Argentum puts it, cohesive and integrated technology solutions are needed more than ever in the senior living industry. Among survey respondents, there was near unanimous consent on this — with majority calling attention to the need for silo-busting. Respondents also shared the barriers they see in getting there, citing the industry’s struggle with software incompatibility, lack of interoperability and resistance to change. Argentum notes how the call for silo-busting goes beyond reaching smoother operations in senior living communities. At its core, it’s a “strategic imperative for achieving comprehensive resident health management, which is critical for future participation in value-based care.” The survey respondents shed light on this, with only 23.5% stating they have a comprehensive view of resident health outcomes with their current technology. Meet our fully integrated solution We agree that senior living software needs the power of integration and interoperability. Both are needed to effectively centralize resident health data, promote accuracy, enhance care services and more. We prioritize both in the Yardi Senior Living Suite, our single connected solution that unites every tool you need in one place. Uniquely designed to meet the needs of senior living operators, the suite of integrated tools is hosted on a HIPAA and SOX-compliant platform. That includes financials, care, pharmacy, marketing, business intelligence and more. With Yardi, you say goodbye to the challenges associated with siloed solutions — and reap the benefits of working with the industry’s most trusted cloud provider. More specifically, when you partake in silo-busting and implement a fully integrated solution like ours, you’re equipped to save time, reduce costs, prevent errors, streamline operations and most importantly, improve resident care outcomes. Learn more about the value of integrated tools in the Yardi Senior Living Suite. Explore our interoperable platform We’ve covered that our solutions unite on a single platform, but what about seamless data exchange between information systems? On the care side we have Yardi EHR, our interoperable electronic health record solution, which channels interoperability through a range of verified interface partners. That means comprehensive data automatically flows to and from Yardi EHR in real time. Our partnership with Kno2 — a leading health information platform — allows you to seamlessly connect Yardi EHR to all outside providers, HIEs and health systems. And depending on your license, additional features may include Kno2-to-Kno2 messaging, online identity verification, Kno2 and national provider directories, message handling, unstructured document quality control tools and more. The connection between Yardi EHR and Kno2 ultimately aligns with value-based care initiatives — and offers you better visibility into residents’ overall health management. Additional health interfaces supported by Yardi EHR include a nurse call system, dietary management platform, infection control solution and more. Learn more about the power of interoperability in Yardi EHR. Get in touch with us We encourage you to read more of Argentum’s report. Agree on the importance of silo-busting and ready to explore our single connected solution? Reach out to our senior living...

What’s New in Construction? Mar12

What’s New in Construction?

An article published here almost three years ago explored the state of housing construction, which were reaching the highest prices in 15 years because of rising demand driven by low mortgage interest rates and the spiriling cost of materials such as steel and copper wire. By May 2021, lumber price spikes alone added nearly $12,000 to the market value of a newly built multifamily home. A Wells Fargo economist noted, “New residential construction remains strong but building material pricing and availability are likely to remain significant headwinds.” Crane and building construction site against blue sky Today, construction has slowed “due to supply chain bottlenecks, rising costs and high-interest rates,” says Construction Dive, a news source for construction and building industry trends. The federal funds interest rate recorded a 22-year high in September 2023, potentially making financing more expensive going forward as interest rates fluctuate and impact the feasibility of some projects. Materials, supply chain impacts While prices for some materials such as lumber and softwood lumber declined in 2023, other materials have seen sharp increases. Concrete products, for example, were 14.8% higher in 2023 than in 2022. Construction equipment and machinery also saw double-digit price growth from 2022-23. Furthermore, the supply chain is still recovering from the massive bottleneck caused by COVID-19. Federal law requiring federally funded construction projects to employ U.S.-created materials poses a formidable challenge to manufacturing capacity. “Supply chain challenges mean that even the most diligent contractors are likely to get hit with parts shortages and delays,” says Construction Dive. Worker shortage persists Another persistent problem is the shortage of skilled construction workers.  “Demand for construction workers is at an all-time high but the number of skilled workers is lower than ever,” Construction Dive says, with 91% of contractors having trouble filling positions in 2023 and the industry needing about 546,000 additional workers — including engineers, superintendents, project managers, safety and quality managers and architects — to meet production demands this year. Property insurance leader The Hartford projects that more than 40% of the current U.S. construction workforce will retire in the next decade. Meanwhile, job openings remain at a historic high level. “The expectation is that construction worker shortfalls will remain elevated,” says Anirban Basu, chief economist for Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), a national construction industry trade association. Pipeline strength boosts industry These factors contribute to an environment in which “contractors are looking for ways to cut costs, protect their assets and stay ahead of potential losses,” says Construction Dive. But many insiders believe the economy is still strong enough to keep the industry out of serious trouble. In fact, a JLL forecast of U.S. and Canada construction trends for 2024 forecast notes that a strong project pipeline will keep the industry busy through the year, despite higher interest rates and slower private starts. JLL projects construction cost growth of 2% to 4% this year, with shorter lead times and more stable prices for most materials. “We believe some of the pressures are easing from the COVID-19 pandemic and related issues, like product delays, have slowly alleviated. Yet there are still some bottlenecks with things like electrical equipment, so it is still critical to plan well in advance,” says Chris O’Hala, managing director of construction risk engineering for The Hartford. With the industry in flux, it will be important for leaders to “address any potential risk factors. A lot of leaders have been increasing their planning efforts and looking into technology solutions to combat the ongoing labor shortage,” says David DeSilva, head of construction at The Hartford. Further boosts to construction could come from legislation passed in 2021 and 2022: the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the Inflation Reduction Act and the Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors (CHIPS) Act. Tips from Construction Dive and other insiders that can help construction firms remain stable include: Developing a contingency plan for material shortages or delays...

Impactful Contributions Mar08

Impactful Contributions

March is Women’s History Month. Here’s a look at nine impactful women, past and present, who have changed the course of technology and science. Ada Lovelace. The very first computer programmer was a woman! Ada Lovelace is considered the founder of scientific computing. Lovelace was an English mathematician who published the first code meant to be carried out by a machine. Sadly, she did not live to see her work used in Charles Babbage’s analytical engine. Still, her previously little-known work and approach to science have broken through to inspire present-day young women interested in computer programming. Ana Roqué de Duprey. Ana Roqué de Duprey was the first woman in Puerto Rico to write a geography textbook for students, which the Department of Education of Puerto Rico adopted. Roqué had a passion for astronomy and education, founding several girls-only schools and the College of Mayagüez, which later became the Mayagüez Campus of the University of Puerto Rico. Roqué wrote the Botany of the Antilles, the most comprehensive study of flora in the Caribbean at the beginning of the 20th century and was also influential in the fight for Puerto Rican women’s right to vote. Edith Clarke. Edith Clarke was the first woman electrical engineer. Struggling to find work as a female engineer, she became the first professionally employed female electrical engineer in the United States in 1922. She paved the way for women in STEM and engineering and was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame in 2015. Katherine Johnson was an African American space scientist and mathematician who enormously contributed to America’s aeronautics and space programs by incorporating computing skills. She played a huge role in calculating critical trajectories in the Space Race, calculating the trajectory for Alan Shepard, the first American in space, and the 1969 Apollo 11 flight to the moon. In 2015, Johnson was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Johnson is now retired and continues to encourage students to pursue careers in science and technology. Maria Klawe, the first female president of Harvey Mudd College, was a prominent computer scientist. She worked hard to ignite passion for the STEM field among diverse groups. Her workhelped support the computer science personnel’s innovation ability during her tenure at Harvey Mudd College. It has raised the percentage of women majoring in computer science from less than 15 percent to more than 40 percent today. Sally Ride. Sally Ride transformed history by becoming the first American woman to fly into space in 1983. After her second shuttle to space, Ride retired from NASA and pursued her passion for education by inspiring young people. Ride passed away in 2012, but her legacy and work inspire young women nationwide. Dr. Gladys West. One of the most inspirational black leaders and pioneers of the tech industry. Dr. West is credited with writing the code that made GPS possible. Over the years, she worked to account for the tidal, gravitational and other forces that distort the understanding of Earth’s shape. Without her tireless efforts, GPS as we know it may not exist today! Megan Smith. Former President Obama named Megan Smith the first female United States Chief Technology Officer (CTO) in the Office of Science and Technology. Before this role, Smith served as CEO of PlanetOut. This leading LGBTQ online community broke many barriers by partnering with several major web players. She was also the former Vice President of Google. After leaving politics, she pushed for more diversity in the tech sector during her years as CTO and helped create the Tech Jobs Tour, a country-wide effort to put more people in tech jobs. Gayle Nobel. Gayle Nobel is a 77-year-old retired Jewish engineer. Her quirky ways have captured the eyes of many on social media with her heart of gold. In her working years as an engineer, Gayle has over 50 patents registered. She always wanted to be a pilot,...

Offer Convenience

Did you know RentCafe Senior Living Portal makes it easy for residents and families to submit online payments, view health updates, communicate with care staff, sign forms electronically and more? Designed for the unique needs of senior living, the portal ensures all parties have a convenient place to complete every task needed — and stay in touch around the clock.   Keep families in the loop Give family members peace of mind with instant, centralized access to health progress notes and community news. Integration with Yardi EHR allows authorized family members to monitor health record trends — directly in the portal — to stay informed about the care of their loved ones. Enable online payments Offer residents and families the flexibility to make payments online. Authorized users can access current balance information, view statement history and schedule one-time or recurring payments using their bank account, credit or debit card. Improve wellness initiatives Effectively manage your community wellness programs with RentCafe Wellness, a dynamic online solution that’s fully integrated with RentCafe Senior Living Portal. Online activity calendars, attendance tracking and real-time information sharing help residents, families and staff stay connected. Expedite maintenance requests Allow residents and families to submit repair requests online, anytime, for faster resolution of maintenance issues. Service requests initiated through the portal automatically flow to integrated maintenance modules and mobile apps in the Yardi Senior Living Suite. Collect electronic signatures Digitize leases, pet contracts, care assessments — any document at all — and mark them for electronic signatures. All electronically signed documents are tied to the resident record in Yardi Voyager Senior Housing making everything easy to search, find and update. Guard your reputation Monitor and manage your community’s reputation by offering a convenient way to provide confidential feedback, directly in the...

Dynamism On Display  Mar05

Dynamism On Display 

The Yardi Investment Management team has amped up its real estate investment management website to provide new value for all owners, investors and investment managers.  The website represents a single repository for information about the Yardi Investment Suite and its elements: investor services, investment accounting, debt management and investment analysis. Readers can view user testimonials and schedule a live demo.  “Website users can easily find insight into ways to improve their investor service, analytic capabilities, reporting, compliance, and more. The site reflects the interconnectivity or integration of the Investment Suite, the only software solution that provides visibility through the entire real estate investment lifecycle,” says Chris Barbier, senior director of investment management for Yardi. “Readers are encouraged to navigate and reach out with any questions or comments.”  Read more about the value available from the Yardi Investment...

Wellness Initiatives Feb29

Wellness Initiatives

Employee Appreciation Day is “officially” Friday, March 1, according to the bonus holiday arbiters, but celebrations can be anytime. Let’s explore some initiatives that promote employee well-being and contribute to a healthier, happier workplace at any office. Mindfulness Practices. Employees can incorporate mindfulness techniques and practices into daily routines to reduce stress and enhance well-being. Mindfulness is about being aware and awake rather than operating unconsciously. Slowing down and paying attention to routine tasks helps be mindful in the workplace. Relaxation breaks are essential throughout the day to unplug from work. Be sure employees are taking breaks, which is beneficial for improved productivity. Healthy Office Snacks. Encourage healthier diets in the workplace with nutritional and delicious snack options. Donuts are not a healthy breakfast option for employees, though it might be fun for National Donut Day. Instead, provide fresh fruit like apples and bananas and seasonal fruits like peaches or watermelon. Provide drinks that do not have chemicals in them, like high fructose corn syrup or aspartame. Avoid snacks with hydrogenated oils or artificial dyes. Offer a variety of protein bars, trail mixes, and beverages like Body Armor that replenish the body with electrolytes and essential minerals. Trader Joe’s has a wide selection of natural, healthy snacks at affordable prices. These healthy options give everyone more energy, resulting in better productivity than butter, sugar and neurotransmitter disruptors.   Healthy Recipe Sharing. Foster a sense of community in the office by having everyone share their favorite healthy recipes. Not everyone will be on a keto diet or vegan, but that doesn’t mean employees can’t share healthy recipes. By sharing recipes, instead of just looking at recipes online, everyone can have first-hand knowledge of what works and what does not. After accumulating enough recipes, turn it...

Senior Living Events

We can’t wait to attend a range of senior living events in the upcoming months — all of which provide a unique opportunity to build connections, learn from each other and explore the latest industry trends. Our team is especially excited to show you around the Yardi Senior Living Suite, our fully integrated solution that unites financials, care, business intelligence and more on a single platform. Read on for a roundup of events we’re attending (and book time to meet us at each). Senior Housing News Sales & Marketing Conference Meet us at Senior Housing News Sales & Marketing Conference in Tampa, Florida. Contact us to schedule time to meet at the event. Event details: Tampa Marriott Water Street February 29-March 1, 2024 2024 NIC Spring Conference Come find us at the 2024 NIC Spring Conference in Dallas, Texas. Book time to connect with our team at the conference. Event details: Omni Dallas Hotel March 5-7, 2024 ASCHA 2024 Convention & Trade Show Network with us at the ASCHA 2024 Convention & Trade Show in Calgary, Alberta at booth 201. Get in touch to schedule time to meet. Event details: Hyatt Regency Calgary March 11-13, 2024 TALA 2024 Annual Conference & Industry Expo Find us at the TALA 2024 Annual Conference & Industry Expo in San Antonio, Texas. Reach out to book a meeting.  Event details: Hyatt Hill Country Resort April 2-4, 2024 Together We Care Convention & Trade Show Join us at booth 308 during the Together We Care Convention & Trade Show in Toronto, Ontario. Contact our team to get a meeting on the books. Event details: Toronto Congress Centre April 8-10, 2024 Argentum Senior Living Executive Conference Visit us at the Argentum Senior Living Executive Conference in Phoenix, Arizona at booth 3001. Schedule a meeting with us. Event details: Phoenix Convention Center April 29-May 1, 2024 2024 NIC Data & Analytics Conference Connect with us at the 2024 NIC Data & Analytics Conference in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Contact team Yardi to book a meeting at the show. Event details: Minneapolis Marriott City Center May 21-22, 2024 CALA Spring Conference & Trade Show Let’s network at the CALA Spring Conference & Trade Show in Sacramento, California at booth 208. Book a meeting with our team. Event details: Hyatt Regency Sacramento & Sacramento Convention Center June 3-5, 2024 See you soon! We look forward to seeing you at the senior living events to come! If you’d like to explore our technology solutions prior to meeting with us, watch an on-demand...

Defeat Decision Fatigue Feb25

Defeat Decision Fatigue...

Decision fatigue is real. Each of us makes around 35,000 decisions every single day. From what we’ll wear and which way we drive to work to what to eat each meal. All these decisions lead to fatigue. Many billionaires know this secret and limit what they must decide each day. Amazon founder Jeff Bezos says that to do his job successfully, he must make only three or four critical daily decisions. Being your own boss isn’t about making decisions. It’s about making fewer but more important ones so that it does not lead to burnout and you can make the highest quality choices possible. Plan of Action. If it is not on the schedule, then it does not exist. Prioritize everything, even if there are repetitive priorities. Design a schedule that maximizes HABU (highest and best use of time). Meal planning has become popular because daily meal plans make life easier. Freedom is not deciding what to do now. Freedom is always knowing what to do and where it will lead. That’s power! Morning and Night Routines. Remember the phrase, “mind over money?” well, in this case, it is very accurate. With the right mindset, all the rest will come. Mindset begins first thing in the morning, which starts the night before. Start by sleeping at the same time every night and waking up at the same time every day. Lay clothes out the night before, make any lunches for the next day and wake up knowing exactly what to do first. Exercise, meditation and breakfast might be essential priorities, but schedule them to learn when they will be done. It is critical to consider these choices now and then turn them into a routine. Lockdown routines. Otherwise, they will lead to unnecessary energy...

See The Power of Interoperability

Interoperable electronic health records (EHRs) provide immense value in senior living, especially when you’re utilizing an all-in-one solution like Yardi EHR. By offering every feature you need on a single platform — and channeling interoperability via verified interface partners — Yardi EHR provides more value than your average platform. Read on to discover more about how interoperable EHRs work (and see what makes Yardi EHR stand out from the crowd). What is interoperability? Interoperability allows information systems to seamlessly exchange data with one another. In senior living, interoperable EHRs help you access real-time health information, save time, mitigate errors, support resident safety and more. Are EHRs different from EMRs? It’s important to recognize the distinction between EHRs and EMRs when discussing interoperability, so here’s a breakdown of the difference: An electronic health record such as Yardi EHR is a digital record of a resident’s chart — plus much more — stored in a dynamic online platform. EHRs connect all aspects of care by allowing multiple providers to access real-time resident data, submit updates and communicate from anywhere. An electronic medical record, on the other hand, is a digital record of a resident’s chart stored in a computer and accessible by a single provider. What makes Yardi EHR an interoperable platform? Yardi EHR is our single-stack solution that helps senior living operators deliver the best care, all from one secure platform. It unlocks the power of interoperability through a range of verified interface partners, meaning comprehensive data automatically flows to and from Yardi EHR in real time. Our support teams also actively monitor the platform, ensuring the highest level of accuracy. The system’s health interface partners include: Kno2 — you can connect Yardi EHR to all outside providers, HIEs and health systems via Kno2, a health information platform that offers access to unlimited cloud faxing, direct secure messaging and referral networks. Depending on your license, additional features available may include Kno2-to-Kno2 messaging, online identify verification, Kno2 and national provider directories, message handling, unstructured document QC tools and more. DS smart — you can instantly transfer EMR data (captured from supported equipment) to Yardi EHR through DS smart, a simplified connectivity solution built to capture, protect and connect resident information. Additional health interfaces supported by Yardi EHR include a nurse call system, dietary management platform, infection control solution and more. Explore all Yardi EHR interface partners here. Contact team Yardi Want to learn more about Yardi EHR and the power of interoperability? Book time with our senior living...

Rainwater Harvesting Feb16

Rainwater Harvesting

An age-old conservation practice is attracting renewed interest in this era of drought and unpredictable precipitation: rainwater harvesting, the process of capturing, diverting and storing rainwater for later use for residential use, landscaping, fire protection and other purposes. Valued at $890 million in 2021, the global rainwater harvesting system market is projected to top $1.6 billion by 2030, with North America accounting for more than a third. Rainwater harvesting today ranges from simple rain barrels to elaborate capture and storage systems complete with pumps, piping and filtration elements. In whatever way it’s practiced, rainwater harvesting is “one of the best examples of green building practices,” says business research firm Technavio. “Complex installations are best left to professionals knowledgeable about restrictions and permit requirements, but if your goal is a free water source for lawn, garden and other activities, harvesting rainwater is fairly straightforward,” adds The Spruce, an online source for home decorating and repair. A 2,000-square-foot roof can collect about 1,100 gallons of water from just one inch of rain. With the average American household using around 300 gallons per day, that inch could supply a household with water for almost four days. The two principal types of rainwater collection are surface runoff, which funnels water from a flat surface into a storage container, and rooftop runoff, which involves positioning a barrel or other storage container beneath a building downspout. Harvesting components include gutters and other channeling conduits, filters that remove debris, water level monitors and pumps. Additional filtration and disinfection, along with any required local or state government permits, can product potable water. While rain harvesting is most commonly used for residences, “the global non-residential rainwater harvesting systems market is expected to grow at a moderate rate due . . . the non-residential...

Season of Caring  

Valentine’s Day sparked a season of caring for our senior living clients, who have been sharing sweet stories on their blogs and social media platforms. That inspired us to highlight the stories here on The Balance Sheet — we hope you enjoy! Yardi senior living clients celebrate Valentine’s Day From prepping homemade cards to sharing their favorite memories, residents across Pacifica Senior Living communities have participated in a variety of Valentine’s Day activities. One community even crowned a Valentine’s king and queen — a couple who has been married for 65 years! You can read all about it in Pacifica’s recent blog post (and see the lovely photos they’ve shared). Next up is Watercrest Senior Living, who took to social media for sharing Valentine’s Day stories. Their endearing caption (featuring a wonderful message, “love knows no age at Watercrest”) was paired with photos of resident couples enjoying each other’s company, smiling at wedding photos and more. See the post to check out the photos — they’re bound to bring a smile to your face. There was no shortage of caring events at Brightview Senior Living this month, including a sweethearts dance, a parade and a gathering featuring a Valentine’s-themed slideshow. Shared by Argentum, the events shed light on Brightview’s commitment to showing the power of love at any age. Dori Ray, corporate director of vibrant living at Brightview, said the following: “It is more than valuable, it is vital to show that love is alive. Emotional connections and companionship don’t change just because someone is considered ‘old.’ For those living in a senior community it is not their last chapter — just the next one.” Also featured in Argentum’s article is Sagora Senior Living, who sparked happiness in their communities with a creative competition:...

Artificial Islands Feb09

Artificial Islands

Land might become more scarce amid rising seas and climate change. Some experts project that portions of cities such as Miami, Bangkok and Venice, Italy, could be largely submerged within a few decades. Can artificial islands built in lagoons, lakes or on the open sea alleviate the effects of climate change – or accelerate them? Artificial islands aren’t new – they were used in ancient Egypt, the Aztec Empire, England and elsewhere for agricultural and ceremonial purposes. In modern times, artificial islands are often created through land reclamation. Existing islands, rocks or coral reefs can serve as the base, with cement poured on top of sand from the seafloor to enable construction. Artificial islands’ applications range from mineral extraction and harbors to resorts, ecological preserves, military bases and various commercial activities. Diverse applications Prominent examples include Ellis Island off New York City; the six Venetian Islands off Miami; New York’s Little Island, built on 132 concrete columns on the Hudson River and which includes park space and an amphitheater; the “Palm Tree Islands” off the coast of Dubai; and Kansai International Airport in Japan, the first such facility to be built completely on an artificial island. Marker Wadden, a 3,200-acre archipelago in the Netherlands built from lake floor sand and mud, provides a protected environment for plants, fish, birds and insects. A man-made island in Qatar that hosts residences and hotels spans nearly 4 million square meters. China is creating islands in an expanse of thousands of acres in the South China Sea. Seeking a nuanced approach Some observers regard increased use of artificial islands as inevitable. “New water housing solutions will become increasingly common, if not absolutely necessary, and artificial islands will play a key role in the climate challenge,” according to Domus,...

Bring 2024 Into Focus

Ready to make smarter, faster decisions through 2024 and beyond? Business intelligence (BI) is key, but not all solutions are built the same. Senior living operators need BI software designed for their unique needs — solutions that offer the power of integration, customizable tools and ever-evolving functionality. Yardi Senior IQ is our BI powerhouse that checks every box, and in the spirit of the new year, we’re sharing everything you need to know (including the platform’s top features, key integrations and more). Read on to see how this all-in-one solution offers everything you need to thrive. Learn about Senior IQ Senior IQ is our fully integrated BI solution that surfaces real-time data in attractive, shareable dashboards. That means you have the power to view impactful data at the click of a button — data that’s specific to your communities. No more digging through spreadsheets or siloed databases to find the answers you need. By presenting actionable information in one secure place, Senior IQ helps you make faster, more informed decisions. It’s also the only BI solution built just for senior living, and it’s completely customizable to your needs. Our dedicated team works to improve the functionality and add new features year-round based on feedback from our clients. See key features that make it unique Save hours searching through spreadsheets, reports and databases with an analytics platform that integrates with key elements of the Yardi Senior Living Suite. View at-a-glance, pre-configured KPIs in one intuitive place. Hundreds of measures for finance, operations, marketing and care are available out of the box. Empower your teams to work smarter by giving them access to role-based, customizable dashboards with metrics that matter to them. Compare your communities with internal benchmarks and data from the National Institute Center for Seniors Housing & Care (NIC). Benchmarks include occupancy, average rent and average rent growth. Access business-wide data in portfolio views, or drill down into communities to see specific details like expected unit availability. Easily share data and reports that investors, board members and senior leadership expect to see. Enhance your care services with real-time clinical data, automatically drawn from Yardi EHR, that helps you analyze resident falls, streamline reporting, track vaccinations and monitor antipsychotic medication usage. Mitigate risk and streamline operations with a staffing analysis tool that ensures shift assignments meet resident care requirements. Hear from Senior IQ clients building success Quintin King, president at Brightwater Senior Living: “Senior IQ is outstanding — it’s the most valuable thing that I have as a leader because it does consolidate everything into a single space. You’re not going to Voyager, you’re not going to CRM, you’re not going to EHR. I go to Senior IQ, and it gives me everything on a single page — my key metrics.” Syndell Lawhon, VP of wellness at Vitality Living: “Nurses are very visual people. When they can see the numbers in a graph pulled right up in Senior IQ, it clicks so much faster. Numbers on a piece of paper are not as powerful.” Michael Bowles, project coordinator at Dial Senior Living: “Senior IQ is fantastic because it establishes orderly workflows and creates new reports from existing ones, complete with custom dashboards. Investors can get very specific information on demand without having to wait for us to send it.” Reach out to our team Ready to elevate your communities with Senior IQ? Reach out today for more information and to book a...

2024 Best Place to Work Jan24

2024 Best Place to Work

Yardi has again been named a winner of Glassdoor’s 16th Employees’ Choice Awards, honoring the Best Places to Work 2024. The Glassdoor Employees’ Choice Award is based solely on the input of employees, who voluntarily provide anonymous feedback by completing a review about their job, work environment and employer on Glassdoor, the worldwide leader on insights about jobs, work environments and companies. “We are humbled to be included with so many great organizations and by the consistent, positive support of our global employees, which resulted in this honor,” said Kevin Yardi, vice president at Yardi. “For over 40 years, we have achieved steady growth by taking care of our customers, employees and communities. If you are looking for a great place to grow your career, Yardi is hiring in many offices worldwide.” Find career opportunities at careers.yardi.com. Yardi is the only software company focused on real estate on the 2024 list. The company was previously honored in 2023, 2020 and 2018. “Work life is rapidly changing, and professionals are turning to Glassdoor to share their experiences about working for some of the most competitive employers in the world,” said Christian Sutherland-Wong, Glassdoor Chief Executive Officer. “The Best Places to Work award is a stark reminder of the power of Glassdoor, from arming professionals with career insights and real-time conversations about all things work and life, to providing employers with feedback to improve.” Employees’ Choice Award winners for the Best Places to Work 2024 were determined based on Glassdoor-approved company reviews submitted by U.S.-based employees between October 18, 2022, and October 16, 2023. During the year-long eligibility period, employers considered for the large list must have received at least 75 ratings for each of nine workplace attributes (overall company rating, career opportunities, compensation and benefits, culture and values, diversity and inclusion, senior management, work-life balance, recommend to a friend, and six-month business outlook). The final list is compiled using Glassdoor’s proprietary algorithm, led by its Economic Research Team, and considers quantity, quality and consistency of reviews. For the complete list of the Glassdoor Best Places to Work winners in 2024, please...

Embracing Peach Fuzz

Color is a highly influential yet often overlooked element critical in marketing. Pantone’s color of the year for 2024 is Peach Fuzz, which brings a feeling of kindness, caring and collaboration. Peach Fuzz is poetic and romantic and reflects the past, yet it has been refashioned with a contemporary ambiance that brings beauty into the digital world. Color psychology explores how different colors affect human perception and decision-making in powerful ways that marketers can utilize. Let’s explore the various colors and the psychology behind them to help better target audience and influence marketing campaigns and branding. Blue and branding. The color blue promotes a sense of trust, calmness, security and reliability. Blue is always a safe choice for interviews and conveys professionalism. Blue is associated with the throat charka functioning with communication, creativity, expression and truth. Many companies rely heavily on different shades of blue in branding and websites to align with their images of dependability and professional authority. Yellow sparks happiness and energy. The bright and sunny color yellow commands attention by stimulating memory and encouraging communication. Associated with joy and optimism, yellow boosts positivity, sparks imagination and builds confidence. Yellow is associated with the solar plexus charka. It is located just above the navel on the body and functions for expression, accountability and personal power, aligning with the color yellow’s energy. Companies across industries enliven their brands with splashes of yellow to convey happiness, hope and positivity. Many fast-food brands like McDonald’s and Subway integrate yellow prominently in their advertising and restaurants to stimulate appetite and help create an upbeat, family-friendly dining experience. Add splashes of yellow for resident event campaigns to create that same positive and cheerful effect. Green and organic vibes. The natural color of green induces a strong association...

Eliminate Disparate Systems

Disparate software systems can pose major challenges for senior living operators, requiring you and your teams to navigate multiple platforms and logins. These solutions waste valuable time and resources — and they heighten the risk of errors and inconsistencies. Fortunately for today’s operators, fully integrated solutions exist to alleviate these challenges. The Yardi Senior Living Suite is just that, an all-in-one, interconnected solution that unites financials, care, business intelligence and more on a single platform. Read on for a closer look at the issues with disparate systems (and see the value in moving to a single connected solution like ours). Why make the switch to a fully integrated solution? We get it. Maybe you’ve been operating with disparate systems for years, and you’re not sure if transitioning to a single-stack solution is worth it. But more likely than not, in using disconnected software tools, you’ve experienced the frustration of data entry errors, time wasted digging for answers and the hassle of transferring information from one system to the next. That’s because disparate tools seldom speak to each other as efficiently as single-stack solutions do (or often times, they don’t speak to each other at all). Not to mention, siloed systems aren’t necessarily as cost effective as one fully integrated platform. They usually require varying licensing fees, plus you face the costs associated with maintaining and upgrading each individual system. With a single connected solution like the Yardi Senior Living Suite, on the other hand, you alleviate these challenges, risks and frustrations by accessing every tool needed in one secure place. You empower your teams with an intuitive, easy-to-access platform — all while improving care and enhancing efficiency. What makes the Yardi Senior Living Suite stand out from the crowd? The Yardi Senior Living Suite offers more than your average solution. Uniquely designed to meet the needs of senior living operators, the suite of integrated tools is hosted on a cloud-based, HIPAA and SOX-compliant platform. We place a strong emphasis on taking care of our clients and driving growth year-round, which results in a platform that’s ever-evolving, cutting-edge and built to help you succeed for the long term. You can explore our full product suite to learn more, but some of the highlights include:    Voyager Senior Housing, our community management powerhouse that combines property management, financials and complete business oversight. Yardi Senior IQ, the only business intelligence solution built for senior living — a system that helps you make smarter, faster decisions with actionable information for your entire portfolio. Yardi EHR, our full-service electronic health record solution that secures error-free health records, limits liability and empowers staff to deliver the best resident care. RentCafe Senior CRM, our collection of mobile-friendly sales and marketing tools that help you attract new residents, nurture your leads and maximize occupancy.   RentCafe Senior Living Portal, our secure online platform that keeps residents, families and staff connected around the clock. Watch a webinar There’s no denying that integrated software offers advantages that disparate systems can’t match. If you’re ready to see the Yardi Senior Living Suite in action, we encourage you to watch an on-demand...

Stay Healthy      Jan22

Stay Healthy     ...

This cold and flu season has been tremendously terrible for many. Between the flu, COVID-19 and RSV, many have felt the wrath of these illnesses. Here are some ways to navigate this flu season by staying mentally and physically healthy. Create an outline for a daily wellness routine that includes healthy habits for flu prevention. Start the mornings with gratitude and make time for deep breathing and meditation. Mindfulness practices reduce stress and support mental health. Drink water throughout the day, even if you don’t have a fancy Stanley cup! For a refreshing drink, make a special immunity water with fresh lemon, cucumber, mint or ginger. Water absorbs nutrients, is a critical component of lymphatic fluid and supports the health of mucous membranes. Incorporate more walking, whether in the morning or evening. Outside, fresh air helps the body, mind and soul. Never complain! Not even with coworkers—complaining is toxic. Always include healthy habits for flu prevention by washing hands regularly for 20 seconds, avoiding close contact with people who are sick and avoiding touching eyes, nose or mouth. For more healthy habits, see the CDC guidelines. Make time to schedule and incorporate immune-boosting foods, adequate sleep and exercise. Essential vitamins and minerals are crucial for immune support during flu season. Incorporate some of the following that play a vital role in immune health: Beta Carotene: found in plant foods such as sweet potatoes, spinach, carrots, mangoes and broccoli. Vitamin C: citrus fruits, melons, berries, bell peppers, tomatoes and broccoli. Vitamin D: fatty fish and eggs. Milk and 100% juices fortified with Vitamin D are also good choices. Zinc: Best absorbed in beef or seafood but also found in tofu, beans, nuts and wheat germ. Probiotics: probiotics are good bacteria that promote health and are...

8 Advantages Of Our Online Portal

It’s crucial for senior living operators to keep residents, families and staff connected online. This requires technology built for the task — a solution that’s mobile-friendly, intuitive to use and completely secure. This built-for-you software should make around-the-clock communication effortless while offering a convenient place for all parties to complete important tasks. That describes RentCafe Senior Living Portal, our all-in-one solution designed for the unique needs of senior living. We put together a fresh infographic to show you 8 specific ways the platform offers unmatched value. 8 ways our secure online portal helps operators like you With RentCafe Senior Living Portal, you’re set to: Empower residents, families and staff to communicate anytime, from anywhere Give families peace of mind with instant access to resident health updates Offer convenience and increase cash flow with online payment options Boost satisfaction with easy-to-use, mobile-friendly features Enable electronic signatures for leases, pet contracts and more Organize and expedite maintenance requests Drive resident engagement for community wellness activities Collect confidential feedback to protect your reputation The proof is in the portal “The resident portal allows us to communicate and provide information to our residents and their families quickly and conveniently,” shares Yardi client Dan Poteet, chief information officer at Westminster Village. “Residents and their families have given us positive feedback about online payments, the activities calendar and the ability to get community information on their own.” Today’s population prefers technology Transitioning residents (and their adult family members) to an online portal is easier than you may think. In fact, many want the conveniences and connections technology brings, even if it’s unfamiliar. In fact, according to AARP, 44% of adults age 50+ view technology as a helpful way to stay connected and 54% of adults age 50+ want to learn more about using technology. Get in touch with us RentCafe Senior Living Portal is part of the Yardi Senior Living Suite — our single connected solution designed for senior living. Ready for a closer look? Reach out to book a personalized...

See Brightwater’s Success

“The centralized location of all the information in the Yardi Senior Living Suite is a game changer.” That quote comes from our brand-new success story featuring Quintin King, president at Brightwater Senior Living. King joined us for an insightful interview to share Brightwater’s positive, transformative experience with Yardi Voyager Senior Housing, Senior IQ, EHR and RentCafe Senior CRM. We got a front row seat to the challenges Brightwater faced before working with Yardi, then a detailed look at their successes since making the switch. Read on to see how the above solutions (all housed on a single platform as part of the Yardi Senior Living Suite) are helping Brightwater drive efficiency, save time, mitigate errors and more. Meet Brightwater Headquartered in Oregon, Brightwater Senior Living designs spaces, services and amenities which adapt to the life, needs and choices of residents. Brightwater has worked to create beautifully designed, meticulously managed communities (13 in total) staffed by the highest caliber senior living professionals. Read more about Brightwater’s journey and commitment to care. The challenge Brightwater used to rely on disparate technology solutions and manual processes. Not only did this approach require teams to navigate multiple systems and platforms, but it was also time consuming, costly and prone to errors. The solution Brightwater chose the Yardi Senior Living Suite since it seamlessly connects every tool they need on a single platform. Teams now work smarter, faster and more efficiently with an intuitive, integrated solution hosted on the cloud. The story Since moving forward with the Yardi Senior Living Suite — which automates processes and integrates workflows — Brightwater is building success like never before. This includes:   Gaining hours back across teams — now that Brightwater is no longer navigating disparate systems and manually transferring data, teams are experiencing significant time savings. Voyager Senior Housing, Senior IQ, EHR and RentCafe Senior CRM offer secure integrations and real-time information sharing — helping leaders and staff complete tasks faster than ever. Unlocking a 75% reduction in manual reporting — with Yardi automating processes Brightwater previously did manually, operations are smoother, teams are empowered and errors are mitigated. With Senior IQ in particular, teams have access to readily updated data and reports via attractive, sharable dashboards — meaning a majority of Brightwater’s manual reporting efforts are no longer necessary. See more of Brightwater’s success If you’d like an even closer look at Brightwater’s wins with each solution, we’ve created a more in-depth resource to share with you. Read Brightwater’s complete success story here. If you’re interested in booking a demo to see our senior living solutions in action, reach out to our...

Meal Kits: Worth the hype? Jan02

Meal Kits: Worth the hype?...

With so many meal delivery services out there, who is the best? If you want to join one but are overwhelmed with marketing emails and social media ads, we researched the offerings to see who ranks the best on price, tech-savvy, customer satisfaction and dietary options. Hello Fresh Hello Fresh started in 2011 in Germany and has been the most popular meal kit service worldwide. The company boasts of being budget-friendly, fresh, tasty and sustainable. With over 7 million active customers and over a billion in net revenue, this sounds like a no-brainer when selecting them for service. The app is rated 4.7 on Apple and ranks #23 in its charts for food and drink. However, with the pros come the cons. According to Consumer Affairs, Hello Fresh ranks 1.4 stars with unbiased reviews. Many lower rankings for Hello Fresh stated that the food was too small of portions and surprised billing issues. Overall, Hello Fresh appeals best to the working adult for easy, healthy recipes that do not require shopping at grocery stores or searching for recipes, and it’s cheaper than eating out. Blue Apron Blue Apron is an American ingredient and meal kit company headquartered in New York City. It rated 4.7 on Apple and ranks #166 in its chart for food and drink. Consumer Affairs ranks at 2.9 stars. Again, appealing to the working adult, Blue Apron offers conveniently prepared meals and wellness plans for healthier options and even wine delivery for wine suggestions for meals. Blue Apron uses non-GMO ingredients, hormone-free meats and sustainably sourced seafood. However, it does not cater to niche diets such as Keto or Vegan and does not have options to exclude allergens. Plus, many find it to be overloaded with plastic packaging. Home Chef Home...