SNF Spotlight Series

In college, Dr. Katherine Katsoyannis, daughter of a physician, wanted to stray away from what seemed like her destiny in medicine. She received her Master's in Business Administration, and worked at bank for some time, only to find that she really truly enjoyed working with others. Katherine decided to follow her destiny and study medicine after all. She is now the owner and medical director of a private practice in Park Ridge, Illinois, called Gericare, Ltd. Dr. Katsoyannis taught us about how her practice works with senior care facilities, and how the Ombudsman Act changed the care industry to reduce unnecessary hospitalizations. Learn more on this episode of the SNF Spotlight Series, sponsored by Renewal Rehab.   Dr. Katherine Katsoyannis owns and operates her own private medical practice in Illinois, where she serves as medical director to multiple residential facilities for the elderly. She received her medical degree from Mt. Sinai School of Medicine, now called the Ichan School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. She completed her residency in internal medicine and her fellowship in geriatric medicine at North Shore University in New York. Dr. Katsoyannis is passionate and cares deeply for her patients. She believes in an educational approach with a soft, gentle touch through each step of the treatment with every patient.    Watch the Interview Here! To be featured on the SNF Spotlight Series, visit our website at snfspotlight.com/contact Follow us on Facebook!

Most people don't look into senior care for their loved ones until a severe incident occurs. Nancy Pappas, Senior Care Advisor at Senior Living Experts, sat down with host of the SNF Spotlight Series, Yitz Rubin, to discuss her background in healthcare and how Senior Care Advisors assist families in vetting and choosing the right senior care facility, or care option, for their loved one.    Nancy Pappas has worked in healthcare marketing roles for the last 30 years. She has worked in Assisted Living, Home Care, Continuing Care, and Memory Care facilities. Nancy currently works as a Senior Care Advisor at Senior Living experts, where she works to assist families on selecting the best care option for their loved ones based on the emotional, financial and practical issues involved.   Watch the Interview Here! To be featured on the SNF Spotlight Series, visit our website at snfspotlight.com/contact Follow us on Facebook!

Harbor House Memory Care aims to provide a safe and secure environment for their residents with dementia and dementia like behaviors. Leslee Shafer, Executive Director at Harbor House Memory Care, joined the SNF Spotlight to talk about how perception of the senior living industry has changed throughout her life, as well as what brought her to memory care. Learn about the challenges Memory Care facilities have faced and the essential steps they have implemented to enhance the lives of their residents.    Leslee Schafer has dedicated her career to the senior living industry. She describes her personal role as an advocate for seniors. Her first position in the senior care industry was as the Finance Coordinator for a local CCRC campus. After connecting with several families and observing their loyalty and dedication through daily visits, it was then that Leslee knew she found her passion. Leslee has held various positions within the senior living industry, including Administrator, Sales & Marketing Director for senior living vendors, and as a Rehabilitation Director, one of her more challenging roles. Leslee says that her most recent position as an Executive Director for Harbor House Memory Care, even in the middle of a pandemic, has been her favorite role thus far.    Watch the Interview Here! To be featured on the SNF Spotlight Series, visit our website at snfspotlight.com/contact Follow us on Facebook!  

On this episode of SNF Spotlight Series, sponsored by Renewal Rehab, host Yitz Rubin sat down with Constance (CJ) Baumgartner, Executive Recruiter at Govig Healthcare. We spoke about her specialty in recruiting executives in healthcare, with a great cliental in Skilled Nursing Facility. Learn more about the healthcare job markets, and how companies are working harder in the employee market. Constance Baumgartner is the Executive Recruiter and Business Developer at Govig Healthcare Group. She partners with healthcare organizations to identify and secure top talent Executives. Govig is one of the largest national executive search firms with over 52 recruiters. Constance and her team's recruitment expertise in the Chicago market gives her clients a competitive advantage to bring the best talent on board. Watch the Interview Here! To be featured on the SNF Spotlight Series, visit our website at snfspotlight.com/contact Follow us on Facebook!

When you reach a new location what is the first thing you notice? Is it the building, the parking or the lobby? Shifra Mendelovitz, Founder and CEO of Act2 Interiors, sat down with host Yitz Rubin to talk about what led her to creating her interior design business, and how she pivoted from residential design to having more than 50% of her work coming from Skilled Nursing Facilites.    Shifra Mendelovitz entered the world of interior design following her education at Fashion Institute of Technology, where she studied fashion and interior design. With over two decades of experience, Shifra is a master of professionalism and originality. Founder and CEO of Act2 Interiors, Shifra is greatly inspired by her world-wide exotic travels, and by her fascination with nature and light.   Watch the Interview Here! To be featured on the SNF Spotlight Series, visit our website at snfspotlight.com/contact Follow us on Facebook!

After hearing a story of an elder couple who didn't know how to move their items to their new home because they both used walkers, Jennifer Prell founded Paxem, Inc. Paxem helps seniors stay organized at home and helps them pack and move to their new destination. Jennifer sat down with us to discuss Paxem, and Elderwerks Educational Services, a nonprofit she founded that helps seniors and their families successfully move so they can thrive as they age. Learn more about these services on this episode of the SNF Spotlight Series, sponsored by Renewal Rehab.  Jennifer Prell is a Senior Housing Expert, Advocate, and entrepreneur with successful organizations in the senior housing industry. She is the President and founder of Elderwerks Educational Services, a not-for-profit that offers senior living coordination, advocacy, and education to older adults, seniors, and their families. Jennifer has a passion for seniors and advocates for her clients and their families. She is also the owner and founder of Paxem, Inc. Paxem's services include organizing, de-cluttering, packing, estate liquidations. Paxem works with all ages in getting homes organized and/or moved. Watch the Interview Here! To be featured on the SNF Spotlight Series, visit our website at snfspotlight.com/contact Follow us on Facebook!

On this episode of the SNF Spotlight Series sponsored by Renewal Rehab, host Yitz Rubin spoke with Kathleen O'Connor,  President, and Founder of Achieve Accreditation. We spoke about what brought her into senior care, commission accreditation, and creditability.  Kathleen O'Connor has worked for nearly 10 years at The Joint Commission, and almost 30 years in helping skilled nursing providers obtain and maintain their accreditation. She received a bachelor's in Healthcare Management and a master's degree in Gerontology. Kathleen is the President and Founder of Achieve Accreditation.     Watch the Interview Here! To be featured on the SNF Spotlight Series, visit our website at snfspotlight.com/contact Follow us on Facebook!

What does investment banking and healthcare have in common? According to Thomas MacDonald, Founder and President of Axis Healthcare Consulting, both industries strive to achieve the client's best results. Yitz Rubin, the host of the SNF Spotlight Series, discussed Thomas' career change and how he is now helping skilled nursing facilities make better financial decisions to improve overall profitability.    Before Axis Healthcare Consulting, Thomas MacDonald was the Chief Operating Officer of a contract therapy company. Thomas is an early adopter of clinical protocols and programs to meet the goals and objectives of value-based purchasing programs. Prior to healthcare, he spent 25 years in executive-level positions for the investment and banking industry. Thomas holds a master's in leadership and organizational change and has extensive experience in the delivery of leadership training, management development, and team development.   Watch the Interview Here! To be featured on the SNF Spotlight Series, visit our website at snfspotlight.com/contact Follow us on Facebook!

We have a very special episode this week. Eli Meystel, Founder and CEO of Renewal Rehab, sponsor of the SNF Spotlight Series, sat down with host Yitz Rubin to talk about his company's 10th year anniversary. They spoke about market recognition, major milestones, and how Renewal Rehab continues to strive to achieve their goal of providing patients with the best possible results.   Renewal Rehab provides contract therapy partnership services with nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, long-term care living, and assisted living communities. From basic therapy services to full contract services to hybrid services, Renewal Rehab can adjust the services model to fit the needs of your patients and your entire healthcare facility.   Watch the Interview Here! To be featured on the SNF Spotlight Series, visit our website at snfspotlight.com/contact Follow us on Facebook!

The Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) is a federal statute that protects employees who received benefits from their job. Dana Berkowitz, Partner at Stris & Maher's Healthcare Practice, sat down with Yitz Rubin on this episode of the SNF Spotlight Series, sponsored by Renewal Rehab. We talked in-depth about the ERISA statute, and defending healthcare providers against health insurance companies. Dana Berkowitz is received her undergraduate degree at Princeton in 2007 and later graduated from Harvard Law School in 2011. She began her career at Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP and now works as a trial lawyer at Stris & Maher's Healthcare Practice. Her work focuses on problems facing providers and counsels leading providers on the best practices in anticipation of a sale or litigation avoidance. In 2018, the New York Law Journal recognized her as one of the region's most promising young lawyers.   Watch the Interview Here!   To be featured on the SNF Spotlight Series, visit our website at snfspotlight.com/contact  

Cancer-related fatigue is a multicomponent syndrome that affects physical and mental well-being. Exercise targets both those components and helps cancer patients with self-advocacy and independence. Learn more about how exercise can better the quality of life for cancer patients, with Certified Personal Trainer and Cancer Exercise Specialist at Fight the Fatigue. Jenny Spencer has been an oncology nurse for the last ten years, serving as principal investigator in an exercise study within the neuro-oncology population. She is a Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) and a CETI Cancer Exercise Specialist (CES). Jenny founded Fight the Fatigue where she incorporates her oncology nursing background and her fitness certifications to develop safe, effective, and individual exercise programs for those living with cancer. She is most passionate about empowering those living with cancer to be an active part of their treatment plan by utilizing exercise as a tool to improve their outcomes and quality of life, maintain their independence, and combat cancer-related fatigue!   To be featured on the SNF Spotlight Series, contact us via snfspotlight.com/contact

Elevate Care is a fast paced skilled nursing facility. Like many other SNF facilities Elevate also faced many issues during the pandemic. In this interview Anne Land, Director of Business Development at Elevate Care discussed her career before and after the pandemic. Learn how she and Elevate Care are staying relevant during this time.   Anne Land is the Director of Business Development for Elevate Care. She graduated from the University of Iowa with a Bachelor's Degree in Business and Leadership Studies. Anne is a passionate and motivated leader with multiple years of experience in the customer service industry. She has a strong focus in Skilled Nursing Care, and is fascinated by the innovation and advancements in the healthcare industry.   To be featured on the SNF Spotlight Series, visit our website at snfspotlight.com/contact

Mark Meyers began as his real estate career as an Asset Manager for multifamily properties and later transitioned into senior housing. He now works as the Managing Director/investment Sales at Walker & Dunlop, where about half his clients are Skilled Nursing Facilities and the other half, Assisted Living. Learn more about his transition, and what he noticed about senior housing property sales as the industry became more specialized.  Mark Myers has over thirty years of real estate experience. Prior to Walker & Dunlop, he served as Executive Managing Director for Institutional Property Advisors. Mark received a bachelor of arts in economics from Wheaton College and earned his MBA from Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Business. In 2021, he was inducted into the Midwest Real Estate Hall of Fame. Mr. Myers specializes in seniors housing properties of all types, including assisted living facilities, independent living facilities, freestanding memory care facilities, skilled nursing facilities, continuing care retirement communities, and age-restricted apartments.   To be featured on the SNF Spotlight Series, contact us via snfspotlight.com/contact

After the attack on September 11th, Connie and other healthcare workers came together to find and fill the gaps in emergency preparedness around the Chicago area. This was the foundation for Collaborative Healthcare Urgency Group (CHUG), a resource for Skilled Nursing Facilities and other healthcare organizations to prepare for the worst. Learn more about CHUG on this episode of the SNF Spotlight Series.   Connie is the founder and CEO of Collaborative Healthcare Urgency Group (CHUG). Connie has used her 40 years of healthcare experience to develop CHUG, a resource for healthcare organizations to address the gap in emergency preparedness. Connie's accolades include; the 2009 American Red Cross “Hero of the Year Award” for Disaster Relief, a two time VIP recognition from National Association of Professional Women, MVP from Advocate Health Care, Apria Sales Associate of the Year, Presidential recognition for volunteering for the Illinois Medical Reserve Corp and in 2020 received the prestigious award for biography in Marquis Who's Who in America.

Location is an important factor that many people take into consideration when placing their loved ones into senior living. Jeff Altschul of Arboria of Long Grove stopped by SNF Spotlight to discuss connecting with residents and their families as part of senior care.   Jeff Altschul grew up in Chicago, and attended Columbia College where he studied Broadcast Journalism. He began his work in television, reporting sport news in the Midwest. Twelve years ago, he pivoted his career into senior living. Jeff now works as Director of Sales Arbor Terrace Highland Park at the The Arbor Company, where he connects with families looking to place their loved ones in senior care.   Since the recording of this interview, Jeff Altschul has become Director of Sales at Arbor Terrace Highland Park.

On this episode of the SNF Spotlight Series sponsored by Renewal Rehab, host Yitz Rubin spoke with friend and CEO of Evergreen Benefits Group, Shabsai Shuchatowitz. During our enlightening conversation, Shabsai spoke about the challenge Skilled Nursing Facilities has in providing their employees with a benefit package. Learn more about how providing a robust employee benefit package can retain your employees.  Shabsai is the Founder & CEO of Evergreen Benefits Group, an employee benefits consulting firm. Evergreen provides specialized benefits consulting services to medium to large sized businesses, and guiding their benefits management strategically and efficiently. As the CEO, Shabsai leads the vision to find innovative solutions, manage benefits plans more efficiently, and educate employees on how to improve their physical and financial health and wellness.

Ruthie Barkus, the owner of CarePatrol Chicagoland South, joined the SNF Spotlight Series. Before CarePatrol, Ruthie began her career in healthcare as a nurse. Her passion for nursing is derived from a heart condition diagnosis as a teen, where she found that only the nurses in the room had her best interest. As an adult, Ruthie became the caregiver for her mother, who had dementia, which introduced her to the complex world of senior care. That experience led her to CarePatrol, where she now educates and advocates for families in the search of quality care for their loved ones. Learn more about Ruthie's story and about how Care Patrol helps seniors and their families through the difficult process of senior care placement. Ruthie Barkus is a Registered Nurse and Geriatric Care Manager. She received her bachelors from Chamberlain University and has been certified as a Certified Placement and Referral Special and as Dementia Practitioner. She is the owner of CarePatrol of Mokena, which assists and advocates for families when placing their loved ones in care services.

On this episode, we featured Marc Zimmet, President and CEO at Zimmet Healthcare Services Group, LLC. We spoke about the structural issues in healthcare, and learned more about what positions Skilled Nursing Facilities for success and for trouble. Listen to the latest episode of the SNF Spotlight Series here.  Marc Zimmet is CEO of Zimmet Healthcare Services Group, LLC. He has worked in the Skilled Nursing industry for more than 20 years, beginng his career preparing Medicare cost reports and appeals. Marc is also an active member of many industry associations and serves on the Board of several healthcare provider, insurance and support companies.

On this episode of SNF Spotlight Series sponsored by Renewal Rehab, Yitz Rubin spoke with Jennifer and Adam Busch, owners of Amada Senior Care City of Chicago. Jennifer and Adam shared their personal experiences that brought them into the senior care industry and explained how exactly they are providing the highest quality care and advocacy for their clients. Over the last 15 years, Adam Busch has been spent developing meaningful partnerships and resources aimed at bettering the lives of Chicagoans. During this time Jennifer worked as a trainer and Operations Manager. Together they created Amada Senior Care City of Chicago, where they enrich the lives of seniors and provide the highest standard of home care and senior community housing solution for their clients.

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected everyone. While we celebrated our healthcare heroes doing their best to protect our community, we failed to remember the toll that the pandemic had on them. Kellie Stecher, Co-Founder of Patient Care Heroes and Governor of the 7th District of AMWA is pushing a new movement to provide resources for the medical community. Learn more about how she's advocating for mental health in the medical community. Kellie Stecher is an OBGYN at M Health Fairview Women's Center in Edina, and Co-Founder and President of Patient Care Heroes.  She has won the Minneapolis/St. Paul Magazine's Top Doctor's Rising Star award for the last three years. Her work has made her an invaluable contributor to both local and national publications, news, and podcasts.

Most amputations derive from untreated Diabetes. Dov Belsky and Phil Rzepka of Presque Isle Medical Technologies discussed amputation and prosthetics. Learn how Presque is helping centers better care for amputees utilizing prostheses. Dov Belsky is the Clinical Coordinator, and Phil Rzepka is the Head of Business Development for Presque Isle Medical Technologies' Chicago office. They help restore confidence and independence to amputees in the SNF setting and at their own homes through an innovative mobile prosthetic care model. Presque Isle's clinicians bring the care to the patient by using mobile prosthetic labs, 3D scanning, 3D printing and other unique tools and technologies to ensure all amputees receive optimal prosthetic care no matter where they are.

Mozart Healthcare wants to see operators succeed and grow in their industry. Archie Shkop, Reuben Stein, and Nathan Davis, of Mozart Healthcare, joined SNF Spotlight for our very first panel where they discussed how they assist operators through the constantly changing healthcare industry.   Before starting Shkop Financial Services, Archie Shkop served as the CFO of Managcare. Now, Archie is the Principal of Shkop Financial Services and a managing partner at Mozart Healthcare. Archie provides a myriad of services to clients in the LTC industry including oversight of the underwriting process, financial analysis, and cost containment programs. Archie has had tremendous success in helping facilities decrease their operating costs while increasing their quality mix by making informed and targeted financial investments and employing technology and economies of scale to minimize costs while maximizing quality.

LifeScan Labs is changing the industry with its mobile phlebotomist and innovative methods for perfect testing samples. Learn more with Elly Kutoff, CEO of Lifescan Labs on this episode of SNF Spotlight Series, sponsored by Renewal Rehab.

CEO of Clinton Area Care Center joined SNF Spotlight Series to break down a better approach to improving surveys and SNF customer service. Learn more about speaking with difficult families in this episode of the SNF Spotlight Series, sponsored by Renewal Rehab. Erica Holman began working in the Skilled Nursing in the dementia unit. She worked her way up to becoming a licensed Nursing Home Administrator. She worked at a Skilled Nursing Consulting group for ten years serving in positions such as Interim Administrator and Operations Director.  Her previous experience has led her into her new endeavor, CEO of a non-profit Senior Living Campus and Operator at Maisel Klausen, LLC.

Jeff Richards is changing what healthcare thought was possible when it comes to staffing. Learn more about SnapNurse and improving healthcare's adaption to technology on this episode of the SNF Spotlight Series, sponsored by Renewal Rehab.

Matt Welik, CEO at LTC Healing Partners is raising the standards of wound care for his Skilled Nursing partners. On this episode of the SNF Spotlight Series, sponsored by Renewal Rehab, Matt discusses unifying Acute and Post-Acute Care.    Matt holds a bachelor's in communication and a master's degree in healthcare administration from the University of Maryland, College Park, where he specialized in leadership communication and healthcare leadership. Before LTC Healing Partners, Matt Welik worked as Director of Wound Care for University of Maryland Medical Center and Manager of Wound, Diabetes & Hyperbaric Medicine for Fredrick Memorial Hospital. His work at Federick Memorial Hospital sparked his passion for creating a higher standard of wound care for Skilled Nursing Facilities.

Tzivya Green of Sensible Senior Planning joined Yitz Rubin of the SNF Spotlight Series, sponsored by Renewal Rehab. Learn more about Medicaid, and how you or your loved one can qualify for Medicaid.

Did you have a senior moment? Rena Yudkowsky, Memory Coach at Memory Matters discussed what factors determines memory retention and how you can reduce those senior moments.

CEO and Founder at Solinity, Joshua Crisp shares his experience in the senior living industry, and how he is helping bridge the gap of information when it comes to senior housing.

Michael Peck is CEO and Founder of Patheous Health, a leader in feeding and swallowing health. Michael joined us on this SNF Spotlight Series episode, to teach us more about dysphagia and what Patheous Health is doing to help.

Elsie Koh, MD EMHL is the Chief Medical Officer of American Endovascular & Amputation Prevention whose mission is to save patients from amputation by offering cutting edge techniques to salvage limbs in patients with critical limb ischemia or severe peripheral arterial disease. The SNF Spotlight Series sponsored by Renewal Rehab was fortune to sit down with Dr. Koh to learn about her work and how patients can avoid unnecessary amputation. Dr. Koh's trained as an Interventional Radiologist at Columbia-Presbyterian hospital in NYC and was one of a small percentage of women to enter the field of interventional radiology (IR) when only 1% of doctors in the field were women. She took many leadership positions including being Chief Medical Informatics Officer (CMIO) and Regional Medical Officer at Fresenius Vascular Care North America. In early 2019, Dr. Elsie Koh became a certified leadership coach and founded the LEAD Physician® virtual program, which helps physicians who feel stuck to regain their passion in medicine by building their self-confidence and skills in leadership and business.

In this episode we feature Kerrie Watson, professional dancer and occupational therapist, who has been a critical member of the Renewal Rehab regional leadership team for the past four years.  Kerrie first worked as an occupational therapist in a hospital setting. She moved on to skilled nursing and eventually became a director of rehab. It wasn't long before she realized that she could continue to expand her career and support patients' therapy goals in a bigger way. She says, “I saw that Renewal Rehab had an opportunity to be a regional, and I was fortunate enough to join the team. I have absolutely loved working for the company since then.” Prior to taking on the position, Kerrie worked closely with the regional team member assigned to her facility. Kerrie says, “She was instrumental to my professional growth as she took me under her wing and had me help oversee some of the sites, which taught me the way buildings are managed and inspired me to become a regional.” Kerrie goes on to describe her passion and how much she enjoys what she does. She says, “I'm passionate about what I do. I want my directors and therapists to be successful and make our location the best it can be.” She shares what it's like in her experience to strive for balance in terms of work and family life. At work each day varies, with tasks that constantly need her expertise and support, such as reports, one-on-one or group meetings and working on patient documentation and caseloads. There are often difficult challenges that arise, which lead to potentially uncomfortable conversations. Kerrie says, “Many times there's clinical questions directors or therapists aren't sure about, but they know they can come to me to solve the problem together. Even if I don't know the answer, we've got people on our team to go to for the answers.” This is just part of the positive work environment at Renewal Rehab that Kerrie describes as “a family.” Key to creating a positive team culture is communication. Kerrie stresses, “If you can communicate to your team and hold them accountable, then you will have a successful team.” Communication has shifted during COVID as Kerrie says, “I think it's increased because you have to communicate more at this time because you're not on the sites. I feel like I'm communicating a lot more with people than ever before.” Go to snfspotlight.com for more episodes of the SNF Spotlight Series or to apply to be a guest on our podcast.

On this episode of the SNF Spotlight Series sponsored by Renewal Rehab, host Yitz Rubin spoke with Helen Anderson, founder of HelloCare, an in-home senior care agency with a mission to take care of the seniors in the community with a team of highly respected and fairly compensated caregivers. Helen Anderson is a registered nurse who holds a master's degree in the field. She has a history of advocating for underserved people through her entrepreneurship. She has a history of advocating for underserved people through her entrepreneurship. She has developed products or programs for new moms, seniors, and senior caregivers.

Theresa Hill began her career in senior living at a Skilled Nursing Facility before being recruited to a home health company for Business Development. After working her way up, Theresa is now Business Development Director at Advanced Entry. On this episode of the SNF Spotlight Series sponsored by Renewal Rehab, Theresa explains the need for technology and the many ways Advanced Entry is upgrading the senior living industry.

On this episode of SNF Spotlight Series sponsored by Renewal Rehab, Yitz Rubin spoke with Isaac Freund, Vice President of Growth at Vitae Health Systems. Isaac shared his background, and how Vitaw Health Systems is helping skilled nursing facilities improve their clinical care and census.

On this episode of the SNF Spotlight Series, sponsored by Renewal Rehab, host Yitz Rubin interviewed Nursing Home Administrator turned Podcaster, Shmuel Septimus. Shmuel spoke about what inspired him to start his podcast about the senior nursing industry and how he wants to help the healthcare facilities find success in their digital footprint.

Speech-language pathologists work to prevent, assess, diagnose, and treat speech, language, social communication, cognitive-communication, and swallowing disorders. In this episode of the SNF Spotlight Series, we're featuring Rita Haber, Speech Language Pathologist at Renewal Rehab. Rita talks to us about how her interest in adult speech language pathology began and how COVID-19 has changed the way she works.

On this episode of SNF Spotlight Series sponsored by Renewal Rehab, Yitz Rubin spoke with Eric Klein, owner of Care Patrol. Eric begun his career in production filming commercials for healthcare and other care services. It wasn't until his family was in need of senior care placement, that he realized how difficult the process was. Klein sat down with Yitz to explain why he created Care Patrol, and how Care Patrol helps seniors and their families the difficult process of senior care placement. 

Starting at the service desk, Amber Bardon, worked her way into the senior living industry gaining the knowledge she needed to later create Parasol Alliance. On this episode of the SNF Spotlight Series, sponsored by Renewal Rehab, we spoke with CEO of Parasol Alliance, Amber Bardon. She describes where she got the idea for Parasol Alliance, and how the company has branched out over the years. Amber Bardon is the CEO of Parasol Alliance, a technology solutions company exclusively serving the senior living field, a company she founded in 2015. Ms. Bardon is an experienced information technology executive, with over a decade of experience in the healthcare industry with specific expertise in senior living and long-term care. Possessing an in depth-knowledge of senior living processes, Ms. Bardon is an expert at implementing efficiencies specific to senior living technology solutions by utilization of technology analysis and strategic plan.

In this episode, we showcase Chelsea Gurgone, one of the healthcare heroes of Renewal Rehab. Chelsea shares her story on how one car accident, a traumatic brain injury and a whole year of therapy led to her becoming Director of Rehabilitation. Renewal Rehab provides contract therapy partnership services with nursing homes, rehab centers, long term care living, and assisted living communities. From basic therapy services to full contract services to hybrid services, Renewal Rehab can adjust the service model to fit the needs of your patients and your entire healthcare facility.

On this episode of SNF Spotlight Series sponsored by Renewal Rehab, Yitz Rubin spoke with Laura Shaw-deBruin, Executive Director at Norwood Senior Networks. Laura not only delivers meals she delivers wellness for Seniors. Laura shared information about the services Norwood Senior Networks provides, and how they work with COVID and the temperamental weather in Illinois.

In this episode of the SNF Spotlight Series, we're featuring Jessica Gregory, COTA at Renewal Rehab. She's a healthcare hero, volleyball player, softball player and Jack of all trades. She also works as a caregiver for a child with autism. Jessica talks about the need for picking up a second job for additional income during this challenging time. Her second position is serving as a caregiver for a child with autism, which affords Jessica the opportunity to perform some OT-related skills she loves with children. This new job has been a welcome distraction. Jessica says, “It's been an amazing experience because it's actually been a good distraction from all the craziness the pandemic has brought onto us during this time in the healthcare industry. It's been extremely stressful and exhausting, and I needed something to shift my focus and upgrade my mindset.” Jessica has found this position to help her develop professionally and personally. She says, “I've gotten to work a lot with a lot of related developmental disorders and psych disorders. And it's really got me thinking about what I'm going to do in the future and how I'm going to utilize my skills and my experience as an OT assistant and move forward with it.” Throughout this time, Jessica strives to give to others. “I'm trying to do a little bit of kindness, no matter how big or small it is. I'm trying to do as much as I can, because especially now during this time, it's just been very overwhelming for everyone.”  Building morale and making sure both staff and patients are feeling happy and nurtured is crucial during this time.  Jessica ends with explaining the switch that changed her perspective. Jessica told herself:  “Enough is enough. Enough of feeling sorry for myself. We've got to get through this, and we're going to get through this together. It's time to start looking at the positive of everything. Once I started doing that, I started seeing a little bit more positive and all the negative that has been thrown at us over the year, it's really helped me get through what I'm doing and keep pushing forward and working with all of my clients, because that honestly right there is probably what's bringing me joy through this whole thing.” Go to snfspotlight.com/ to watch the full show and other episodes of the SNF Spotlight Series. Click here to apply to be featured in a future episode.

On this episode of the SNF Spotlight Series, sponsored by Renewal Rehab, Yitz Rubin spoke to Julia Gharib, Joseph Hancock and Jeffrey Pope of TrueNorth Companies, L.C. They explained their experience speaking to employees about their benefits in the healthcare industry, and how it can effect employee turnover rates.

On this episode of SNF Spotlight Series sponsored by Renewal Rehab, Yitz Rubin spoke with Joe Conver, administrator of Atria Cranberry Woods, near Pittsburgh. Joe describes what led him from the military to a career in senior care communities and what it takes to be a leader in both spaces.   Joe, who now is the executive director at Atria at Cranberry Woods, a high-end senior living community near Pittsburgh, has been evolving as a leader since his first days in the Marines, right out of high school. Every stage of his life since then, in four additional years of army service, college and throughout his career in senior care, has taught him new lessons in leadership.   In hindsight, Joe says, “The idea of where you start in life and where you end up can be a fantastic journey.”   Renewal Rehab provides contract therapy partnership services with skilled nursing homes, rehab centers, long-term care living, and assisted living communities. From basic therapy services to full contract services to hybrid services, Renewal Rehab can adjust the service model to fit the needs of your patients and your entire healthcare facility.

On this episode on SNF Spotlight Series sponsored by Renewal Rehab, Yitz Rubin spoke with Jonathan Burstyn of The Bay at Burlington Health and Rehabilitation. Jonathan, describes how emotionally taxing working inside nursing homes has been over the past year.

On this episode on SNF Spotlight Series sponsored by Renewal Rehab, Yitz Rubin spoke with Bryan Lindsay, Executive Director and Founding Partner of The Restoracy of Whitestown. Bryan mentions his plans on leaving the care industry better than how he found it. Watch our fascinating episode about personalizing care. Bryan earned his bachelor's degree from Brigham Young University and later pursued a master's degree in Health Administration at the University of Kentucky. He has 13 years of experience as a Health Facility Administrator. Bryan is the co-founder of The Restoracy of Whitestown, a six home, 72-bed neighborhood that provides skilled nursing, rehabilitation, and memory care healthcare services to seniors.

Waukegan, Ill. skilled nursing leader focuses on leadership and teamwork to support residents through the pandemic. Michael Jacobson is one of thousands of healthcare heroes who adjusted to new jobs and positions during COVID-19 and says fighting on the frontlines has brought teams together. Despite starting a leadership position at Elevate Care Waukegan during the pandemic, Michael has met the demands together with his team. He says, “It's definitely been a challenge to come into a family of people who have gone through war together since the beginning of this pandemic. It's important as a leader to be able to get your feet wet and your hands dirty to build trust. It's a learning experience for everybody and takes time, but in the end we are all on the same team.” Although the pandemic has thrown a wrench into the skilled nursing industry, Michael says, “There are always fires and always something going on. The same policies we are implementing for COVID we have implemented for norovirus outbreaks or the flu. The staff is used to the PPE, the cohorting and testing.” Michael continues, “The major difference is that because COVID is so new there are many unknowns. When you break it down to its essential values, it's really not so different from other outbreaks. It's just ever-changing policies and procedures to stay on top of.” Staying positive during this challenging time has been key as a leader. Positivity is a word that is commonly thrown around but takes work to achieve. Michael says, “Everyone has challenges, but you have to be able to take a step back and appreciate what you have. Nursing home staff see residents with failing health who still find things to be thankful for. It's about reframing our perspectives.” He continues, “Those who work in the nursing home or service industry innately care about other people and have a desire to help better their lives. It shows us not to take things for granted like getting up in the morning on our own, using the washroom or getting dressed independently. Both helping other people and switching to this gratitude attitude infuses positivity into work and life.” Helping people understand what they can be grateful for and showing them the difference they are making can cultivate a positive work culture. Michael says, “Every organization strives to maximize efficiency and strives to achieve. Showing inspirational videos in team meetings elicits a deep emotional response and helps to build the culture of empathy, compassion, mindfulness and positivity.” Go to snfspotlight.com/ to watch the full show and other episodes of the SNF Spotlight Series. Click here to apply to be featured in a future episode.  

On this episode of SNF Spotlight Series sponsored by Renewal Rehab, Yitz Rubin spoke with Bill McGinley, President and CEO of the American College of Health Care Administrators (ACHCA). Bill describes the effects of COVID in nursing homes and the effects it has on nursing home staff.

On this episode of SNF Spotlight Series sponsored by Renewal Rehab, Yitz Rubin spoke with Dr. Amish Patel, CEO of Integrated Rehab Consultants. Dr. Patel describes physiatry and its importance in recovering functionality. Amish describes why physiatry has moved from hospitals into skilled nursing facilities. Dr. Amish Patel graduated medical school from Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences in 2006. After graduating, he obtained a transitional year internship at Swedish Covenant Hospital in Chicago and graduated with Honors in 2007. Dr. Patel began his specialty training in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital in Wheaton, IL. While at Marianjoy, he headed up several committees, including the Ethics Committee, Patient Safety Committee. Dr. Patel is a member of the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (AAPMR), and The Society for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine (AMDA-PALTC). In addition, he serves on the Evidence, Quality, and Performance Committee (EQPC) for the AAPMR.

Of everything that's changed in the one year since the WHO declared COVID-19 a pandemic, one medical speciality is finally getting its turn in the spotlight. Physiatrists have become key players in the rehabilitation of COVID-19 patients. On this episode of SNF Spotlight Series sponsored by Renewal Rehab, Yitz Rubin spoke with Glen Rundell and Cheryl Slavinsky from National Physiatry, which provides care to skilled nursing residents throughout the U.S. Physiatry is a specialty in medicine made up of physicians who specialize in physical medicine, pain management and rehabilitation. They typically take a holistic, multi-faceted approach to care and are trained to diagnose, treat and direct a rehabilitation plan to ensure the best possible outcomes for patients. They collaborate with cardiologists, pulmonologists and others. And they work closely with physical therapists, who carry out the treatment plans.  Physiatry was already becoming more popular prior to the pandemic because of the growing number of aging Baby Boomers and the fact that people are living longer with advanced medical treatment. The number of COVID-19 patients needing rehabilitation has made physiatry even more necessary.Glen Rundell, the founder and CEO of National Physiatry, has been providing physiatrists to skilled nursing facilities and other post-acute rehab settings for more than a decade, and says he's only now seeing more recognition among colleagues.

In this episode of the SNF Spotlight series, we're featuring AvaLynda Casey, owner of AvonLea Cottage Dixon, a small privately owned memory care home for residents with Alzheimer's and dementia in Dixon, Illinois.  She talks about how she  and her husband found themselves jumping into healthcare administration with both feet two years ago when they found the 16-bedroom residential home in Dixon for sale. They've put their business and real estate background into creating an intimate home away from home for residents with Alzheimer's and dementia. Turns out having an insider in real estate combined with experts in skilled nursing and memory care is a winning combination. AvaLynda says, “The living room and dining room and kitchen are all open to each other. And so it smells like the coffee when it's percolating, and you can tell what's for supper. And it just smells, feels and sounds like home there.” For memory care patients, this intimate setting is ideal for helping them transition to a skilled nursing care environment. Staff at AvonLea have focused on making the facility feel like a home away from home with the decor, natural lighting and furniture residents bring from home for their rooms. AvaLynda's background in residential real estate means she's focused on the aesthetics of making the facility feel like home. An