Soft Landings, Solutions for Seniors in National News Reaching and Educating a Wider Audience

Theresa Pritchett, Founder of Soft Landings, Solutions for Seniors, reached a national audience concerning downsizing and senior move management.

She was recently featured in a column, Smart Moves, written by prize-winning newspaper and magazine writer Ellen James Martin, titled “For Seniors: How to Jump-Start Your Home Sale.”

Soft Landings is very excited about this national article. It allows more seniors and their families to understand the nuances of making that last big move into retirement living. Families and elder parents don’t have to be overwhelmed with the process. Theresa gives several tips on how to be successful in downsizing and moving.

We hope you enjoy the article, link below, and gain a wealth of great information.

View Full Smart Moves Article.

Media Contact:

Phyllis Peabody
phyllis@softlandingsforseniors.com
503-679-0429
softlandingsforseniors.com

Candice Marcks Named Senior Director, Sales & Marketing for The Springs Living

McMinnville, Ore. (Feb. 14, 2022) – The Springs Living has announced promotions within its sales and marketing team to support the company’s senior living communities in Oregon and Montana.

“This team not only offers a fresh approach to our sales and marketing efforts, but they also come to the table with a rich diversity of experience. Their creative concepts and energy have made an immediate impact, said Brenda Connelly, chief operating officer for The Spring Living. “They understand the importance of relationships and connection to the consumer of today, and tomorrow, all while elevating our brand experience and further propelling our organization forward.”

Senior Director of Sales & Marketing Candice Marcks
To best align sales and marketing efforts, Candice Marcks has been promoted to the senior director of sales and marketing. In this role, Marcks brings over 25 years of senior living experience, overseeing the relationship between marketing strategies and lead generation to best meet sales goals.

Previously, Marcks worked as the regional director of sales for the company, recovering six of the nine percent decline in occupancy caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in the first quarter of 2021. For the prior three years, Marcks was responsible for all aspects of lease-up sales of The Springs at Lake Oswego in Oregon leading up to its opening in January 2020. She joined The Springs Living in 2010 as the community relations director at The Springs at Tanasbourne in Hillsboro, Oregon. Since beginning her career in senior living in 1996, Marcks has worked in a variety of areas of senior living, including life enrichment, resident relations, sales, community relations, and business development for organizations around Oregon.

Director of Creative Design Zach Fletcher
Leading The Springs Living’s creative design needs, Zach Fletcher has been promoted to the company’s director of creative design, following three years as its creative design coordinator. In this role, Fletcher leads the company’s graphic design, photography, and video services for all internal and external marketing and communications.

Before starting at The Springs Living in 2018, Fletcher served as director of marketing for Apple Roofing and Pioneer Roofing in Nebraska for four years. Previously, Fletcher worked as a production assistant for Hawaii 5-0 (CBS-TV) in Hawaii where he supported the television show’s director and production team. Fletcher earned a degree in television production from the University of Hawaii in Honolulu and holds a certificate in digital marketing from Brigham Young University – Hawaii.

Director of Marketing Matt Stubblefield
Matt Stubblefield has been named director of marketing. In this role, Stubblefield is responsible for driving The Springs Living’s marketing strategy, brand awareness, and digital marketing efforts. Previously, Stubblefield served as a marketing project manager for Pendleton Beef, overseeing the branding and marketing launch. An avid traveler, he worked in sales and marketing at start-up TrovaTrip after working on The Springs Living’s digital marketing team from 2019 to 2020. Previously, Stubblefield contributed sales and marketing support for the opening of two Springs Living communities. His prior experience includes working in a variety of other positions, including recruiting and community relations. He has a bachelor’s degree in communications and general business from Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas.

The Springs Living.
Based in McMinnville, Ore., The Springs Living owns and operates 18 senior living communities in Oregon and Montana, offering independent living, assisted living, and memory care services. Two additional communities are under development in Happy Valley, Ore. and Vancouver, Washington. In 2021, The Springs Living was ranked as a top ten company on Fortune’s list of Best Workplaces in Aging Services list.

Media Contact:

Tracy Darchini, Communications Director, The Springs Living
tdarchini@thespringsliving.com
503.435.2323
TheSpringsLiving.com

Laura Larson Named Senior Community Experience Director of The Springs Living

McMinnville, Ore. – August 10, 2021 – Laura Larson has been named the senior director of community experience for The Springs Living. In this newly created role, Larson will be responsible for operational excellence of the resident experience, including culinary, resident relations, life enrichment and Footsteps memory care programs across our continuum of service.

“One of Laura’s greatest gifts is her ability to listen intently and learn from others. That gift will serve her well in this new role,” said Brenda Connelly, chief operating officer of The Springs Living. “Laura’s future work in this role emphasizes our company’s commitment to understanding, defining, and replicating a quality community experience into the future.”

Most recently, Larson has worked at The Springs Living as the company’s regional director of operations since June 2014. In this role, she oversaw the operations of a number of the company’s communities in Oregon, including in Eugene, Medford, Salem, and The Dalles. Over the past seven years, in addition to regional responsibilities, Laura has facilitated the efforts of the company’s life enrichment and footsteps memory care programs.

Previously, Larson held a variety of other positions since joining The Springs Living in 2003 as director of operations. She contributed to the overarching operational platform of the business in addition to the creation of some of the innovative programs that The Springs Living has become known for.

Laura’s early career involved supporting people with intellectual disabilities, including individuals with co-occurring mental health and cognitive challenges. As a certified behavior specialist and trainer in positive behavior support, she provided training and consultation throughout Oregon. Larson attended Umpqua Community College and Arizona State University, where she studied psychology and special education.

Based in McMinnville, Oregon, The Springs Living owns and operates 18 senior living communities in Oregon and Montana, offering independent living, assisted living, and memory care services. Two additional communities are under development in Happy Valley, Ore. and Vancouver, Washington. Founded in 1996, the company is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.

Media Contact:

Tracy Darchini
tdarchini@thespringsliving.com

LARC at Burien Hosts Mobile Vaccine Clinic, Open to Public.

Senior Affordable Community Hosts Mobile Vaccine Clinic, Open to Public. City of Burien Fire Department will provide first dose Moderna Vaccine.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Burien, Wash. (April 20, 2021) – While Washington continues the uphill battle to vaccinate the most vulnerable people first, local senior housing community, LARC, is stepping in to help host a mobile vaccine clinic. LARC at Burien will be partnering with the City of Burien Fire Department, hosting a Mobile Vaccination Clinic at their property off of Des Moines Memorial Drive in Burien on April 27th starting at 9:00am.

The first dose Moderna Vaccine will be provided to the public by scheduled appointment, sign-up by contacting LARC at Burien no later than April 22, 2021 to allow a 5 day grace period for ordering the vaccine’s.

“We look forward to hosting the mobile vaccination clinic at our affordable senior housing community. It has been a challenging year, but we are committed to supporting the local community of Burien, in effort to bring the vaccine to the senior and low income population” states Kasandra Callaway, Marketing and PR Coordinator for American Property Management.

The fully gated property is situated amongst Boulevard Park’s residential neighborhood, and is just several miles from the downtown waterfront of Des Moines, Washington. Offering the ultimate in carefree living for independent seniors.

“Hosting this mobile clinic will provide a convenience not only to our residents, but to those in the community that have transportation and mobility barriers. We hope for a successful turn-out, and plan to schedule another mobile vaccination in the upcoming month; we want those attending next week’s pop-up to have access to the second dose of the Moderna vaccine” Kasandra states.

The LARC at Burien leasing office is open to the public by appointment, and is available by phone Monday through Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For more information about the Mobile Vaccine Clinic or LARC at Burien visit LegacyArc.com or contact the office directly. Sign-up forms are available for pick-up or can be e-mailed directly.

American Capital Group (ACG) is a vertically integrated, full service, privately owned Real Estate Company. Founded in 1986, ACG has developed and built 80+ properties. Working as an affiliate to ACG, American Property Management dedicates itself to being the best asset management company in the west through focus on operational excellence and superior customer service.

———–

Kasandra Callaway
LARC at Burien
425.709.7217

Jae’s Memorial Fundraiser

Jae went to be with the Lord on 2/12/2021 after a long fought battle with cancer. The Ernst family would appreciate any help you can give towards her cremation and funeral services. Please donate any amount here or reach out to Scott Ernst directly to offer support. Thank you and God Bless!

Donate Now
View Fundraising Page for more information and to help share on social media!

Tacoma Lutheran Retirement Community Changes Name to eliseo

TACOMA, WA – January 22nd, 2021 – Tacoma Lutheran Retirement Community is proud to announce today that it has formally changed its name to eliseo effective February 1st, 2021. The company unveiled a new identity and website today during a live stream on YouTube, eliseo.org.

The company, founded in 1938 as Puyallup Lutheran Home, three years ago embarked on a redevelopment project that will add 91 additional homes to their 28-acre lush green campus. The company felt it was the right time to shift their brand to a new brand standard that upholds the ever growing and expanding image, to which eliseo was born.

“This is an exciting time for everyone at eliseo. Since we began serving people in 1938, we have taken great pride in constantly evolving to meet the expectations of those we serve. The name eliseo is symbolic of our humble beginnings: God is our salvation, yet, it is representative of the exciting future in store for us as it symbolizes the faith and hope that has always been a part of our organization. In this era of change, while our name is changing, our commitment to engaging people through innovative programs and services will remain in place. I am confident this name will take us well into the future, as we begin to serve the next generation of people who will look to us for high quality, innovative living arrangements and an engaging lifestyle.” said R Kevin McFeely, President and CEO.

We have long been a destination for those seeking salvation from the restraints of an ordinary retirement lifestyle. eliseo translates to “God is my salvation” in Latin. This name will forever serve as a reminder to look to the heavens-inspiring us to rise higher while reaching beyond what is possible. Our new logo synthesizes elements of faith, hope and aspiration into one cohesive unit. Specifically, the brand icon suggests both the petals of Martin Luther’s white rose evokes the “joy, comfort and peace” that faith bestows. The same organic shape also references the outstretched arms that seek salvation and aspire to achieve grace. The use of lowercase letters conveys humility and the dot over the “I” suggests a flame, representing faith in the Divine. Welcome to eliseo!

During its 82-year history, eliseo has provided exceptional 5-Star service to more than 375 residents (I recommend we change this-it makes it sound like we have served only 375 residents-maybe use the term tens of thousands of residents who have or currently call ) the Life Plan Community home. As a company we pledge to ourselves, our constituents and our residents to anticipate, to respond and to serve as we always have.

For more information about the name changes and new brand identity visit eliseo.org or contact Alexandra Vick, Public Relations and Marketing Director at avick@tacomalutheran.org

Trauma Nurses Talk Tough Virtual Workshop

During these unprecedented times we are all looking at ways to keep our seniors safe by teaching them ways to prevent injuries. TNTT is here to help! We are now offering the Take the Right Steps workshop virtually and is providing free safety equipment to all participants. For more information about our free senior fall prevention program please contact me 503-413-2826 or go to https://www.legacyhealth.org/tntt.

Take the Right Steps is a one-hour class that will engage older adults, build confidence, empower and encourage seniors to manage their own health. The class will focus on the risk factors that contribute to senior falls:

• Medication side effects
• Poor vision
• Poor balance
• Difficulty walking
• Home hazards

View Original Story Here.

Legacy Emanuel Medical Center
Simone Carter
srcarter@lhs.org
503-413-2826

October AIM Newsletter

Congress Continues its Commitment to Alzheimer’s Policy

On October 2, Sen. Tom Udall (D-NM) and Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI-12) reintroduced the Care Corps Demonstration Act. The bill recognizes the growing demand for services and supports to help seniors and individuals with disabilities living independently in their homes, and the need to support family caregivers who facilitate that independence. To respond to the rise in demand for these services, the bill provides grants to public agencies and private nonprofits to place volunteers in communities to assist family caregivers and/or assist seniors and individuals with disabilities in maintaining independence by providing non-medical care. AIM and the Alzheimer’s Association are proud supporters of this legislation and we look forward to both chambers taking action!

COVID-19 Updates from Congress

In October, a Republican-led “skinny” COVID-19 relief package failed to clear the 60-vote threshold on a key procedural vote to move the legislation forward in the Senate. The measure was nearly identical to a bill introduced in September which also failed to garner enough support to move forward. Both chambers adjourned in preparation for the November 3, 2020 election without passing a fourth COVID-19 relief package. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA-12) and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin have continued to negotiate. Stay tuned for further updates.

Around the Alzheimer’s Community

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently announced that all long-term care facility residents and staff will be able to receive the coronavirus vaccine at no out-of-pocket cost. The federal government is partnering with CVS and Walgreens pharmacies to distribute the vaccine and provide it to the long-term care community. The program, which is expected to take two months to conduct, applies to nursing homes, assisted living communities, and other residential care homes.

The American Public Health Association (APHA) Governing Council adopted their first-ever policy statement in October designed to strengthen the public health response to Alzheimer’s, dementia, and cognitive health. The statement, developed by an interdisciplinary committee of APHA members, outlines the ever-growing need for a dementia-capable workforce and calls for increased investment in the health and social care of those living with Alzheimer’s and dementia. In response to the growing need for a dementia-capable workforce, the statement — Strengthening the Dementia Care Workforce: A Public Health Priority — calls for investment in health and social care for people with dementia, including:

Adoption of clear standards and action steps for hiring, training, and retaining an adequately sized and skilled workforce in the health care, public health, and long-term care sectors;
Improved public financing of community-based services; and
Rigorous public monitoring of quality to support improvement in the provision of care across the care continuum.

Alzheimer’s Advocacy in the States

A number of state successes addressing the impact of COVID-19 and the crisis in long-term care were announced in October as special legislative sessions wound down and governors worked to direct CARES Act funding:

Virginia Governor Ralph Northam (D) announced that he is directing $73 million in CARES Act funding to provide hazard pay to home health personal care attendants who served high-risk populations during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. A one-time, pre-tax payment of $1,500 will be available to an estimated 43,500 home health care workers who provide personal care and who served Medicaid members between March 12 and June 30, 2020. During a special session, Virginia’s legislature also agreed to budget language that prioritizes rapid testing for long-term care communities. Additionally, Virginia enacted key reporting legislation. The Virginia Department of Health is now required to maintain a public website naming all entities, including long-term care communities, that have disease outbreaks with the number of cases and the number of deaths. The bill applies to the rest of the COVID-19 pandemic and all future disease outbreaks deemed a public health emergency by the governor.
New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu (R) announced that he is directing an additional $7 million to support the state’s long-term care response. The funding will concentrate on providing additional personal protective equipment (PPE) and COVID-19 testing supplies.
Delaware Governor John Carney (D) announced the creation of a Health Care Relief Fund to support Delaware health care providers through the pandemic. The $100 million fund will support providers throughout the health care industry that have been on the front lines fighting COVID-19 in Delaware. This includes home health care agencies, intellectual and developmental disability providers, nursing homes and assisted-living facilities, behavioral health service providers, and Delaware’s hospital systems.

Kansas Governor Laura Kelly (D) announced the creation of an online portal to help a number of home- and community-based services and residential long-term care providers obtain PPE and report shortages. Providers can obtain up to $575 per qualifying bed. The program is funded through the CARES Act.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy (D) signed two bills into law which were part of an earlier package of long-term care reform bills that were introduced following the poor response at the onset of the coronavirus pandemic. Senate Bill 2785 requires long-term care communities to establish social isolation prevention policies and to require residents’ access to technology to ensure regular communication with outside family members. Senate Bill 2712 creates the Special Task Force on Direct Care Workforce Retention and Recruitment to address workforce shortages and training needs.

The 2020 Circle

On October 7, Vice President Pence and Sen. Kamala Harris (CA) met on stage for their only vice presidential debate of the 2020 election. USA Today Washington bureau chief Susan Page moderated the debate which was held in Salt Lake City, Utah. President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden then took to the stage on October 22 for the final presidential debate of the election cycle. The debate was moderated by Kristen Welker of NBC News and took place at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee.

Our Mission Continues

COVID-19 continues to impact the lives of millions of Americans living with Alzheimer’s and their 16 million caregivers. We remain committed to our mission to ensure those within our community receive the care and support they need and deserve. Thanks to your incredible efforts, policymakers remain steadfast in the fight against Alzheimer’s, enabling us to further our policy priorities in a strong, bipartisan way. Join us as we continue to ensure the needs of the Alzheimer’s and dementia community remain a national priority through this crisis and beyond.

As always, whether you provide daily care, participate in decision-making, or simply care about someone with the disease, AIM and the Alzheimer’s Association are here to support you. Reach out using the Association’s free 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900 or at alz.org/COVID19.

Want the latest news updates on AIM? Follow us on social media on Twitter and Facebook! Help us grow our Instagram account, and show your support for AIM with your networks by sharing our posts! Help spread the impact and share the Weekly Round-Up with friends and family!

Exciting News: Potential New Alzheimer’s Drug Treatment

I want to be sure you know about an important development that all of your contributions to the Alzheimer’s Association have helped make possible.

As you well know, for decades millions of Americans and their loved ones have waited for a new, more effective treatment for Alzheimer’s disease to be available. On November 6, a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Advisory Committee is meeting to review clinical trial data for a new drug developed for treating cognitive and functional decline in early Alzheimer’s disease.

Given the devastating toll of this disease and the publicly released research data, the Alzheimer’s Association has submitted a statement supporting approval to the FDA Advisory Committee, which will make its recommendation to the FDA.

Whatever the final decision by the FDA, this is an important moment. We have never before been this close to approval of a drug for Alzheimer’s that could change the progression of the disease, not just the symptoms.

You can rightly be proud of what you’ve done to advance the Alzheimer’s Association’s world leading research program — we have played a critical role in every major advancement in the field. I am personally grateful to you for your relentless dedication to our work toward a world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia.

Without you, none of this happens.

I look forward to sharing more news with you about this as it develops. As always, thank you for everything you do to advance our mission to make a difference today and tomorrow for all of our constituents.

——

Harry Johns
Chief Executive Officer
Alz.org

Vaughan Named Chief Financial Officer of The Springs Living

McMinnville, Ore. – October 12, 2020 – The Springs Living has promoted Molly Vaughan to chief financial officer (CFO). Vaughan brings with her an extensive background in financial planning and analysis, strategic leadership, corporate and non-profit operational finance, and risk management.

“Molly is a forward-thinking, strategic problem solver who understands business beyond the numbers,” said Fee Stubblefield, founder and CEO of The Springs Living. “In the past 18 months with us as financial director, she has proven her ability to act as a powerful catalyst for organizational growth and discipline. With her unique background, I believe Molly has the required capabilities to strategically manage our financial operations, enabling the company to optimize for success and future sustainable growth.”

As CFO, Vaughan will serve as a member of the executive management team, participating in key decisions pertaining to strategic initiatives. In addition, she will lead The Springs Living’s financial operations, investor relations, technology, and accounting teams.

Prior to joining The Springs Living, Vaughan worked as the CFO for a closely held group of interior design firms based in Denver, Colorado. Leading all key business functions within the organization, Vaughan launched the organization’s first dynamic planning processing, redefined performance measurements and KPIs, optimizing financial resources.

Vaughan brings over 15 years of financial experience to her new position, including seven years in the non-profit sector. As the associate vice president, financial planning and analysis for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society in Denver, Vaughan implemented a highly effective planning and forecasting process to centralize 37 business chapters. Vaughan also worked as a finance manager for Early Learning Ventures in Englewood, Colorado, where she helped the organization expand access to affordable child care to an underserved population. Vaughan holds a master of science in accounting, as well as a bachelor of science in business administration.

Based in McMinnville, Oregon, The Springs Living is a senior housing organization founded in 1996 with a purpose to change the way people experience senior living. With communities in Oregon and Montana, The Springs Living offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care services for older adults.

Tracy Darchini | Communications Director | TheSpringsLiving.com

401 NE Evans Street | McMinnville, OR 97128
Office: 503.435.2323 | Cell: 503.332.0274