Senior Living Communities: Operations Management and Marketing for Assisted Living, Congregate, and Continuing-Care Retirement Communities

The American Association of Retired Persons estimates that the number of communities for seniors has doubled in the past ten years and will more than double again before the turn of the century. With estimated annual revenues of $14 billion, the industry is expected to grow dramatically―to $30 billion by the year 2000. This explosive growth has meant that new administrators and staff often are learning by trial and error the complicated task of delivering high-quality and consistent services to elderly persons. While many new facilities have been successful, others have found themselves plagued by a variety administrative and financial difficulties. Operators, developers, lenders, and staff members are attending conferences in record numbers, eager for practical answers to management challenges.

In Senior Living Communities Benjamin Pearce offers the first comprehensive guide to managing these important facilities. Drawing on years of experience running successful retirement communities, Pearce offers a wealth of sound advice and practical solutions. He discusses operating methods, staffing ratios, department management, cost containment, sales and marketing strategies, techniques of financial analysis, budgeting, and human resources. He also offers specific details on resident relations, transportation, activities, food service, housekeeping, laundry, and maintenance. An extensive operations audit is included in an appendix.

As Americans of the baby boom generation approach their senior years, society must prepare a strategy for accommodating this burgeoning population. Senior Living Communities will prove an indispensable source of information and advice on various aspects of these rapidly growing facilities, including development, finance, investment, operations, improvement, and marketing.

Benjamin W. Pearce is President and Chief Executive Officer of Potomac Homes Corporation.