Peter Murphy Lewis and Jalene Carpenter are joined by Philip Scalo, Founder and Chairman of Bartley Healthcare and Chairman of Preferred Care Management. An attorney who began his career representing health-care clients, Phil pivoted in the 1980s to build a better model for long-term care, founding Bartley Healthcare in 1984. He has grown it into one of New Jersey's most awarded senior living organizations, spanning skilled nursing, rehab, assisted living, memory care, hospice, and home care. Phil shares his perspective on the industry's big wins, the fight for regulatory relief, and the formative moments that have shaped his leadership philosophy. He discusses the critical role of the AHCA in supporting its members and the importance of changing the public perception of the entire long-term care sector.
Key Takeaways:
00:00 Introduction.
03:24 Building a better care model was the best way to argue for better care.
06:08 Quality senior care is found even in rural communities across the country.
08:20 Representing long-term care professionals is a great honor for leadership.
11:00 Industry-wide legal action requires uniting diverse state perspectives.
13:28 Surviving existential threats requires unity around a great mission.
16:16 Documentary storytelling effectively portrays the reality of long-term care.
19:08 The care profession must combat the feeling of being "just a" worker.
23:56 Cautious optimism for more appropriate regulations.
27:40 Success in any field is built on hard work, passion, and humble aspiration.
37:52 Every team member makes a difference and has great, valued potential.
Resources Mentioned:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/philip-scalo-3350b210/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/bartley-healthcare-nursing-rehabilitation/
https://bartleyhealthcare.com/
Preferred Care Management | LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/company/preferred-care-health-centers/
Preferred Care Management | Website
https://preferredcarehc.com/
“Getting to Yes” by Roger Fisher and William Ury
https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Yes-Negotiating-Agreement-Without/dp/0143118757
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#HealthcareLeadership #SkilledTrades #PeopleWorthCaringAbout
Peggy Abels, Director of Health Sciences at the University of Nebraska at Kearney, joins Peter to share her 30-year journey guiding students into health care careers. She discusses her rural roots, the growing needs across Nebraska, and the programs UNK and UNMC have built to strengthen the state’s health care workforce.
Peggy walks through the creation of Health Science Explorers and the Kearney Health Opportunities Program (KHOP), explaining how these initiatives spark interest early, support first-generation students, and help rural communities build long-term access to care.
Key Takeaways:
00:00 Introduction.
01:48 Seeing rural roots shape her path toward health care service.
02:50 Nebraska’s rising need for a stronger rural health care workforce.
05:29 Health care education remains hands-on despite industry shifts.
07:17 KHOP supports rural students from college to eventual practice.
08:24 Nebraska builds a uniquely comprehensive health care workforce pipeline.
Resources Mentioned:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/peggy-abels-396557162/
University of Nebraska at Kearney | LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/school/university-of-nebraska-at-kearney
University of Nebraska at Kearney – Health Sciences | Website
https://www.unk.edu/academics/health_sciences/
Kearney Health Opportunities Program (KHOP)
https://www.unk.edu/academics/health_sciences/kearney-health-opportunities-program.php
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#HealthcareLeadership #SkilledTrades #PeopleWorthCaringAbout
On this episode, host Peter Murphy Lewis talks with Jessica Guerrero, Administrator of Emerald Nursing and Rehab Lakeview, whose journey from a teenage dietary aide to a respected health care leader is as inspiring as it is heartfelt. Jessica shares her path from working at Subway to building a culture of compassion and belonging within her facility. She opens up about overcoming fear and imposter syndrome, leading through vulnerability, and transforming a once-struggling workplace into a true home for residents and staff alike.
Key Takeaways:
00:00 Introduction.
01:24 A coworker’s encouragement sparked passion for a health care career path.
03:01 Imposter syndrome nearly cost Jessica her administrator position twice.
03:57 Perfectionism as a manager can scare employees away.
05:08 Building a team with aligned values fills organizational gaps automatically.
06:34 Creating a genuine culture can transform the workplace environment and satisfaction.
10:32 Therapy can help leaders recognize their accomplishments and overcome self-doubt.
12:52 Having amazing energy can bless other people in long-term care.
Resources Mentioned:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-guerrero-lnha-744b83160/
Emerald Nursing and Rehab Lakeview |Website
https://emeraldlakeview.com/
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For more information and to connect with our guests, visit PeopleWorthCaringAbout.com.
#HealthcareLeadership #SkilledTrades #PeopleWorthCaringAbout
On this episode, host Peter Murphy Lewis talks with Benjamin VanDiest, a sophomore at the University of Nebraska Kearney and Certified Nursing Assistant at Mount Carmel Home. Benjamin shares his journey from a high school CNA class to discovering a deep passion for caregiving. He reflects on lessons learned from the elderly residents he serves and the personal inspiration he draws from his own family’s experience with caregiving.
Key Takeaways:
00:00 Introduction.
01:16 Taking a CNA class in high school sparked an early interest in health care.
03:00 Overcoming first-day nerves and gaining confidence through mentorship.
04:20 Discovering the deeper purpose behind caregiving and connection.
05:32 Learning wisdom from residents who lived through major historical moments.
06:36 Becoming more patient and gentle through daily interactions with elders.
07:32 Drawing inspiration from his grandmother’s compassion as a lifelong caregiver.
Resources Mentioned:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/mountcarmelhome/
https://mountcarmelhome.org/
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For more information and to connect with our guests, visit PeopleWorthCaringAbout.com.
#HealthcareLeadership #SkilledTrades #PeopleWorthCaringAbout
In this episode, Victoria Arrowsmith, a Certified Nursing Assistant of Brookestone of Papillion, shares her inspiring journey from high school science teacher to health care professional. Her career transition during the COVID-19 pandemic led her to discover profound purpose through patient care and human connection in long-term care settings.
Key Takeaways:
00:00 Introduction.
02:40 Career transitions can open unexpected paths to purpose.
03:00 Global crises can catalyze meaningful personal transformations.
03:52 Genuine human connections form health care’s most powerful foundation.
04:44 Small compassionate gestures create lasting impacts on patients.
06:12 True leaders inspire others to pursue growth opportunities.
06:40 Thoughtful acts of kindness matter most during grief.
07:52 Confronting mortality reminds us to cherish loved ones.
08:40 Early exposure to compassionate care can shape vocations.
Resources Mentioned:
Brookestone of Papillion | LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/company/papillion-manor/
Brookestone of Papillion | Website
https://www.brookestonepapillion.com
Thank you for listening to “People Worth Caring About.” If you found value in this episode, please subscribe and leave a 5-star rating to help others discover these important stories.
For more information and to connect with our guests, visit PeopleWorthCaringAbout.com.
#HealthcareLeadership #WasteManagement #SkilledTrades #PeopleWorthCaringAbout
On this episode, host Peter Murphy Lewis talks with Collette Mieres, Executive Director of Ovation Heartwood Preserve. She shares how early lessons in compassion shaped her leadership in senior living and how creativity, empathy, and everyday acts of kindness drive meaningful care for both residents and staff.
Key Takeaways:
00:00 Introduction.
01:01 Family influences can shape a lifelong commitment to care.
04:17 Love and care for patients make a lasting impact.
06:38 Creativity in daily activities enhances connection and joy.
08:44 Treating others like family builds trust and belonging.
12:44 Leadership is about being on the floor with your team.
Resources Mentioned:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/collette-mieres-ala-lpn-cdp-cmdcp-697774162/
Ovation Heartwood Preserve | LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/company/ovation-heartwood-preserve/
Ovation Heartwood Preserve | Website
https://ovationheartwoodpreserve.com/
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For more information and to connect with our guests, visit PeopleWorthCaringAbout.com.
#HealthcareLeadership #WasteManagement #SkilledTrades #PeopleWorthCaringAbout
In this episode, Madison Guthrie, Director of Safety and Environmental Services of Vetter Senior Living, shares how attentive leadership and hands-on experience across different roles can drive meaningful change in senior living environments. The discussion reveals practical strategies for building trust, improving teamwork, and inspiring personal growth within care communities.
Key Takeaways:
00:00 Introduction.
01:33 Getting to know multiple facilities provides new operational insights.
02:09 Different team communication styles inspire process improvements.
03:45 Listening to diverse perspectives fosters open-minded leadership.
06:33 Interdepartmental efforts build dignity and strong teamwork daily.
07:42 Valuing team members through unique communication truly motivates.
09:09 Career growth opportunities exist at every level in care.
Resources Mentioned:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/madison-guthrie-9a368b222/
Vetter Senior Living| LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/company/vetter-senior-living/
Vetter Senior Living | Website
https://www.vetterseniorliving.com/
Thank you for listening to “People Worth Caring About.” If you found value in this episode, please subscribe and leave a 5-star rating to help others discover these important stories.
For more information and to connect with our guests, visit PeopleWorthCaringAbout.com.
#HealthcareLeadership #WasteManagement #SkilledTrades #PeopleWorthCaringAbout
In this heartfelt episode, Chris Moninger of Brookestone View shares his journey as a medication aide, his experiences living with disabilities, and how those challenges helped him build meaningful bonds with residents. Chris discusses mentorship, emotional resilience, rural community life, and receiving the NPV award for exceptional care. He offers practical advice for young caregivers starting in long-term care.
Key Takeaways:
00:00 Introduction.
02:30 Early mentorship helps shape lifelong values in care.
04:50 Personal challenges create deeper empathy for others.
06:14 Overcoming adversity can bring a renewed perspective on life.
06:53 Everyday acts of service provide lasting fulfillment.
07:50 Teamwork and recognition motivate consistent improvement.
09:01 Listening to stories helps form meaningful connections.
Resources Mentioned:
https://www.brookestoneview.com/
Thank you for listening to “People Worth Caring About.” If you found value in this episode, please subscribe and leave a 5-star rating to help others discover these important stories.
For more information and to connect with our guests, visit PeopleWorthCaringAbout.com.
#HealthcareLeadership #WasteManagement #SkilledTrades #PeopleWorthCaringAbout
On this episode, host Peter Murphy Lewis talks with Greg Ernst, Vice President of Operations at Dial Senior Living and Chair of the Nebraska Healthcare Assisted Living Association. Greg shares his path from an uncertain start in healthcare to finding lasting purpose in senior living. He reflects on the daily rewards of connecting with residents, the importance of authenticity in leadership, and the impact of often-overlooked frontline caregivers. His story highlights the heart of long-term care and why people matter most.
Key Takeaways:
00:00 Introduction.
02:40 Discovering senior living through an unexpected internship.
05:10 How a resident’s gratitude for housekeeping revealed a daily impact.
09:23 Residents carry wisdom, vitality, and life experience.
12:42 Senior living offers unmatched daily career satisfaction, often in simple ways.
15:41 Overnight and dining staff often go unseen.
18:15 Leadership values are shaped by the memory of a grandmother’s selflessness.
Resources Mentioned:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-ernst-46b3502b/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/dial-senior-living/
https://dialseniorliving.com
Thank you for listening to “People Worth Caring About.” If you found value in this episode, please subscribe and leave a 5-star rating to help others discover these important stories.
For more information and to connect with our guests, visit PeopleWorthCaringAbout.com.
#HealthcareLeadership #WasteManagement #SkilledTrades #PeopleWorthCaringAbout
On this episode, host Peter Murphy Lewis talks to Maria Hudson, Senior Lead Administrative Assistant at the Good Samaritan Society. Maria shares how community involvement, frontline advocacy, and powerful resident experiences are reshaping perceptions of long-term care. From fishing trips to policy discussions in Washington, Maria highlights both the challenges and the joys of senior living today.
Key Takeaways:
00:00 Introduction.
02:52 Sitting with senators to share frontline stories of long-term care.
04:52 How COVID reshaped the workforce and made hiring in rural care difficult.
06:42 Why community and staff are equally responsible for elder care.
07:38 The joy and excitement of a 98-year-old’s first fishing trip.
09:37 How showing the docuseries changed local views of nursing homes.
10:47 Using storytelling and visuals to reassure new residents and their families.
Resources Mentioned:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-hudson-25692a12a/
Good Samaritan Society | LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/company/good-samaritan-sanford-health/
Good Samaritan Society | Website
https://www.good-sam.com/
Thank you for listening to “People Worth Caring About.” If you found value in this episode, please subscribe and leave a 5-star rating to help others discover these important stories.
For more information and to connect with our guests, visit PeopleWorthCaringAbout.com.
#HealthcareLeadership #WasteManagement #SkilledTrades #PeopleWorthCaringAbout
Host Peter Murphy Lewis is joined on this episode by Danielle Rasmussen, Life Enrichment Coordinator at Linden Court. Danielle shares her journey from librarian to life enrichment, her high-energy approach to engaging residents, and the meaningful stories that shape her work in senior living. From celebrating 104th birthdays to helping a 101-year-old find renewed purpose, she illustrates the power of connection, dignity, and joy in long-term care.
Key Takeaways:
00:00 Introduction.
01:38 Feeling grateful to get paid for making residents happy.
06:02 Giving a 101-year-old resident a sense of purpose as her “assistant.”
06:55 Discovering a resident’s hidden gift of knowing the day of the week for any date.
08:31 Realizing preconceptions can blind us to someone’s true brilliance.
10:38 Hosting a 104th birthday that left residents in tears of joy.
11:42 Encouraging young people to consider the rewards of long-term care.
Resources Mentioned:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielle-rasmussen-314b0b132/
https://www.lindencourt.com/
Thank you for listening to “People Worth Caring About.” If you found value in this episode, please subscribe and leave a 5-star rating to help others discover these important stories.
For more information and to connect with our guests, visit PeopleWorthCaringAbout.com.
#HealthcareLeadership #WasteManagement #SkilledTrades #PeopleWorthCaringAbout
Brenda Van Leer, Program Director at Grandview Assisted and Independent Living, shares how she stepped into long-term care and quickly built programs that stand out statewide. In just over a year, she introduced fresh ideas that have energized residents, strengthened community partnerships, and earned national recognition. From launching a traveling balloon volleyball league to hosting Nebraska volleyball coach John Cook, Brenda shows how creativity and teamwork can shape a thriving culture. She also reflects on how daily connections with residents have reshaped her patience, perspective, and sense of purpose — insights that matter to anyone leading in senior care.
Key Takeaways:
00:00 Introduction.
04:12 Why assisted living is described as a feel-good job.
07:33 The value of leaning on experienced teammates.
11:10 Launching a balloon volleyball league across facilities.
14:09 Turning activities into spirited competition that residents love.
15:13 When national sports figures engage senior communities.
19:19 Why volunteering is the best entry into long-term care.
Resources Mentioned:
Grandview Assisted and Independent Living | Website
https://www.grandviewassisted.com/
Thank you for listening to “People Worth Caring About.” If you found value in this episode, please subscribe and leave a 5-star rating to help others discover these important stories.
For more information and to connect with our guests, visit PeopleWorthCaringAbout.com.
#HealthcareLeadership #WasteManagement #SkilledTrades #PeopleWorthCaringAbout
On this episode, host Peter Murphy Lewis talks to Jenni Torres, Education Service Coordinator at Nebraska Health Care Association. Jenny shares how her first year in the role has focused on outreach, education, and supporting students from diverse communities across Nebraska. She highlights her work connecting schools and agencies, building CNA pathways, and promoting programs like their Spanish track to better serve the local Latino community.
Key Takeaways:
00:00 Introduction.
02:33 Experience working with diverse populations adds value to health care education efforts.
03:27 Community engagement is highlighted through events like the Latino Festival in Lincoln.
03:45 Students retaking certification exams show resilience when supported through challenges.
5:44 Around 20% of students enrolled in the Nebraska Health Care Association education program have English as a second language.
6:50 Patience and passion are key requirements for success in the long-term care industry.
8:20 Not all cultures are familiar with long-term health care facilities. It's important to know about the resources available in your community.
Resources Mentioned:
Nebraska Health Care Association | LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/company/nebraska-health-care-association/
Nebraska Health Care Association | Website
https://nehca.org
Thank you for listening to “People Worth Caring About.” If you found value in this episode, please subscribe and leave a 5-star rating to help others discover these important stories.
For more information and to connect with our guests, visit PeopleWorthCaringAbout.com.
#HealthcareLeadership #WasteManagement #SkilledTrades #PeopleWorthCaringAbout
On this episode, host Peter Murphy Lewis talks to Julie Masters, Professor of Gerontology at the University of Nebraska Omaha. Julie shares her passion for reframing how we view aging and why education, community design, and storytelling are essential to creating meaningful experiences for older adults. She reflects on shifts in gerontology programs, her own experiences navigating health care systems, and the urgent need to make communities more age-friendly.
Key Takeaways:
00:00 Introduction.
01:54 Nobody hopes to end up in long-term care.
06:07 COVID created a lasting stigma around aging.
08:09 Students find inspiration in grandparents’ active lives.
14:01 Health care systems can be difficult for older adults to navigate.
15:37 Simple design changes make environments age-friendly.
18:19 Older adults grow less alike as they age.
22:40 Safe spaces encourage storytelling and dignity.
26:40 Meaning and purpose remain possible at any age.
Resources Mentioned:
Julie Masters
https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-masters-1903b69/
University of Nebraska Omaha | LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/school/unomaha/
University of Nebraska Omaha | Website
https://www.unomaha.edu/
“The Book of Charlie” by David Von Drehle
https://www.amazon.com/Book-Charlie-Remarkable-American-109-Year-Old/dp/1476773920
Thank you for listening to “People Worth Caring About.” If you found value in this episode, please subscribe and leave a 5-star rating to help others discover these important stories.
For more information and to connect with our guests, visit PeopleWorthCaringAbout.com.
#HealthcareLeadership #WasteManagement #SkilledTrades #PeopleWorthCaringAbout
On this episode, host Peter Murphy Lewis talks to Sean Baessler, Assistant Executive Director of Elk Ridge Village. Sean shares how a part-time job at 17 grew into a two-decade career in senior care, the mentors who shaped his path, and the small daily actions that make a big difference in community life. From pranks with residents to board-level leadership in Nebraska, Sean reflects on the people and moments that defined his calling.
Key Takeaways:
00:00 Introduction.
02:59 Small gestures can mean the world.
04:24 Helping seniors live their best life.
07:52 A 90-year-old plans a prank.
11:05 Nothing is ever as bad as it seems.
12:48 Flexibility matters more than perfect planning.
14:30 Serving seniors beyond one community.
15:25 Remembering residents are still themselves.
Thank you for listening to “People Worth Caring About.” If you found value in this episode, please subscribe and leave a 5-star rating to help others discover these important stories.
For more information and to connect with our guests, visit PeopleWorthCaringAbout.com.
#HealthcareLeadership #WasteManagement #SkilledTrades #PeopleWorthCaringAbout
On this episode, we’re joined by Kyle Benesch, Director of Business Development at QRM. From mortician to long-term care advocate, Kyle shares a raw, emotional, and often hilarious journey through grief, growth, and deep purpose. He reflects on the lessons learned from managing people, surviving burnout, and finding belonging in the world of senior care. For Kyle, advocacy isn't a marketing line — it’s a calling shaped by personal loss, bold vulnerability, and a commitment to serving caregivers with respect and sincerity.
Key Takeaways:
00:00 Introduction.
06:45 The senior living industry became an unexpected passion.
08:15 Watching CNAs grieve showed the depth of their care.
10:15 Kyle considers his ADHD a creative superpower.
15:00 Traveling for work opened Kyle’s worldview and empathy.
17:21 Great salespeople stay curious beyond their own product.
19:00 Building friendships, not transactions, changes industry trust.
26:00 Losing a colleague reshaped Kyle’s approach to leadership.
30:33 "Hero Welcomes" during COVID became his proudest moment.
32:57 Authenticity on LinkedIn builds real-world relationships.
Resources Mentioned:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylejbenesch/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/qrm-quality-rehab-management/
https://qrmhealth.com/
Thank you for listening to “People Worth Caring About.” If you found value in this episode, please subscribe and leave a 5-star rating to help others discover these important stories.
For more information and to connect with our guests, visit PeopleWorthCaringAbout.com.
#HealthcareLeadership #WasteManagement #SkilledTrades #PeopleWorthCaringAbout
On this episode, hosts Peter Murphy Lewis and Jalene Carpenter talk to Traci Haglund, Licensed Nursing Home Administrator of Wakefield Health Care Center. She shares an unfiltered look at the realities of rural long-term care — balancing limited beds, unpredictable Medicaid rates, and staff recruitment with deep community commitment. From leveraging association leadership to shaping workplace culture that attracts teens and retirees alike, this conversation offers timely insights for anyone navigating the pressures of rural health care leadership.
Key Takeaways:
00:00 Introduction.
03:49 Small-town care requires managing relationships over decades.
05:38 Blended care models improve flexibility in rural settings.
08:45 Staff retention grows when the team knows resident preferences.
10:47 Community excitement about job recruitment is high.
16:36 State association engagement shortens the leadership learning curve.
20:24 Limited bed availability affects care access and strategy.
21:23 Volatile Medicaid rates undermine financial planning efforts.
32:15 Long-term leaders must schedule non-negotiable recovery time.
Resources Mentioned:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/traci-haglund-788935236/
Wakefield Health Care Center | Website
https://www.wakefieldcarecenter.com/
Thank you for listening to “People Worth Caring About.” If you found value in this episode, please subscribe and leave a 5-star rating to help others discover these important stories.
For more information and to connect with our guests, visit PeopleWorthCaringAbout.com.
#HealthcareLeadership #WasteManagement #SkilledTrades #PeopleWorthCaringAbout
On this episode, we’re joined by Tim Craig, Managing Director of LTC 100 at Lincoln Healthcare Leadership. Tim shares the groundbreaking insights behind LTC 100’s consumer perception initiative and why the long-term care field urgently needs to rethink how it communicates its value. From the importance of storytelling and social media to the danger of clinging to outdated terminology, Tim challenges leaders to take ownership of their message — and their future.
Key Takeaways:
00:00 Introduction.
07:03 “Nursing home” gets negative reactions across the board.
10:28 Skilled nursing may be more accurate and empowering.
16:54 The future of perception starts with individual action.
19:25 Controlling your narrative is a strategic imperative.
24:33 Viral influence starts small — storytelling builds trust.
27:38 Caregiver stories can shift employer and public perception.
28:45 Many consumers don’t know what SNFs provide.
34:25 Flexible schedules and tailored benefits drive workforce success.
39:05 Contactless tech and AI are already reshaping skilled care.
Resources Mentioned:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/timcraigny/
Lincoln Healthcare Leadership | LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/company/lincoln-healthcare-events/
Lincoln Healthcare Leadership | Website
https://www.lincolnhc.com/
Thank you for listening to “People Worth Caring About.” If you found value in this episode, please subscribe and leave a 5-star rating to help others discover these important stories.
For more information and to connect with our guests, visit PeopleWorthCaringAbout.com.
#HealthcareLeadership #WasteManagement #SkilledTrades #PeopleWorthCaringAbout
On this episode, we’re joined by Don Woods, Senior Living Advisor at Valley Lakes Assisted Living. Don shares how a single opportunity in a small-town care community shaped his life-long commitment to senior care. From washing dishes to becoming a trusted leader, his journey is rooted in compassion, connection, and a desire to leave every team better than he found it.
Key Takeaways:
(00:00) Introduction.
(01:42) Discovering senior care as a life-long calling after walking into his first job at age 21.
(04:49) Staying overnight during a snowstorm to serve breakfast and ensure residents were cared for.
(08:20) Realizing how staff become family to seniors who may not have loved ones nearby.
(13:13) Being handed the keys to lead as a young, first-time manager and learning through experience.
(17:12) Reflecting on the emotional weight and unseen challenges of senior care leadership.
(19:57) Prioritizing mentorship by preparing future leaders and empowering every shift to succeed.
(21:46) Advocating for frontline caregivers in Washington, D.C. to elevate the industry's voice.
(24:45) Reconnecting with purpose during COVID by stepping up in moments of crisis for residents and families.
(31:22) Dedicated to making people smile while building a platform to inspire.
Resources Mentioned:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/don-woods/
Alzheimer’s Association | Website
https://www.alz.org/
Thank you for listening to “People Worth Caring About.” If you found value in this episode, please subscribe and leave a 5-star rating to help others discover these important stories.
For more information and to connect with our guests, visit PeopleWorthCaringAbout.com
#HealthcareLeadership #WasteManagement #SkilledTrades #PeopleWorthCaringAbout
In this episode, Aimee Middleton, Chief Operating Officer at Good Samaritan, shares stories from her journey into long-term care, lessons learned through leadership transitions, and her vision for the future of senior care. From evacuating an entire campus during a hurricane to reducing agency reliance by over 40%, Aimee offers insight into what it takes to lead with heart, grit, and clarity in a challenging industry.
Key Takeaways:
(04:54) Discovering a love for customer service and people.
(09:46) Realizing long-term care is about more than business.
(10:56) Learning from front-line team members.
(13:44) Bringing 500+ leaders together each year to align.
(15:24) Preferring the “dollar tour” of facilities.
(18:01) Creating super teams to reduce agency staffing.
(19:55) Flying into a hurricane to protect residents.
(24:16) Winning others over is less about sales and more about building authentic connections.
(32:26) Fighting to remove documentation burdens through AI.
(35:37) Advice for younger professionals: enjoy each stage, and it’s okay to make mistakes.
Resources Mentioned:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/aimee-middleton-884b155/
Good Samaritan | LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/company/good-samaritan-sanford-health/
Good Samaritan | Website
https://www.good-sam.com/
Thank you for listening to “People Worth Caring About.” If you found value in this episode, please subscribe and leave a 5-star rating to help others discover these important stories.
For more information and to connect with our guests, visit PeopleWorthCaringAbout.com.
#HealthcareLeadership #WasteManagement #SkilledTrades #PeopleWorthCaringAbout