“Angels on Earth.”

That’s how opening keynote speaker Michael C. Bush, CEO of Great Place To Work® described the nearly 750 aging service leaders and providers who gathered in DC recently for the 2023 Leadership Summit.

Bush’s words were the perfect opening for three days of candid conversations, peer-to-peer connections, and mission-critical insights.

This year’s agenda was once again carefully curated by LeadingAge’s Knowledge Center and delivered on timely topics. Following are highlights and key takeaways from this year’s event.

Workforce Challenges
While the COVID-19 pandemic is nearly “over,” it has permanently changed the employment landscape in aging services. It isn’t just fewer workers, but also a different mindset of team members. Care staff require higher wages, better benefits, and more flexibility. Some of these requests can be accommodated, others will take time, creativity, or larger action at the federal level.

Staffing the Workforce Pipeline
Recruiting and retraining retired workers is one way to meet workforce needs; another avenue to consider is students. A proactive program that engages students with the rewarding aspects of a career in aging services, mentors them through training programs, and removes barriers can help create more up-and-coming workers. Partner with a local high school or college to benefit both the adults you serve and the students involved.

Creating a Great Place to Work Starts at the Top
Bush also explained how great places to work are created by purpose-driven leadership that breaks down silos and makes employees feel valued and important. That, in turn, causes employees to have more ownership, teamwork, and camaraderie. So what’s a purpose-driven leader? One who listens, inspires, trains, shares, celebrates, and cares, to name a few.

Creating an Inclusive Culture
Diversity, equity, and inclusion are top-of-mind, but knowing where to begin can feel challenging. Know this: Any step in the right direction can have a positive effect. DEI success doesn’t always come quickly or in big leaps, so celebrate the small wins. LeadingAge is committed to advancing DEI in our field, offering ongoing opportunities for members to get involved, learn, and grow.

A New Way to Continue Your Mission: Strategic Relationships
When circumstances happen outside of your control, such as higher costs, inflation, or regulation, a strategic partnership with a like-minded organization could be the answer. Start with the value you offer, and seek other organizations that have what you need. Some believe strategic partnerships will become a standard requirement in the future.

Capital Projects: Invest in the Future
Certainly, growth through a capital project could seem daunting, given higher interest rates and limited resources. However, the demographics of our country are creating increased demand for aging services that will continue for years to come. The population of older adults who may need care is projected to continue growing for another 20 years, so organizations that invest now can be well-positioned to meet the market demand. When looking at capital projects, consider adding market-priced communities like independent and assisted living, which can offset losses from mission-driven services like affordable housing or skilled nursing to improve organizational profitability.

Expanding Technology Use
While technologies that enable care like affordable broadband, telehealth, and interoperable EHRs have grown considerably, digital literacy is critical for increasing technology access. Service coordinators, students, or resident ambassadors who support and train others can help fill the gap.

Solo Aging is a Universal Issue
One in five Baby Boomer women never had children, and there are over 13 million childless older adults in the US. Plus, adult-aged children moving far away from their parents has never been more common. Without traditional family support systems, these people will need legal, financial, wellness, and personal support. Providers can support this demographic by building a “virtual Rolodex” of local resources and new “community lifestyle success” roles.

Advocacy Advances
While we were in DC, the Biden Administration issued an executive order calling for more resources for long-term care. The executive order is good, but not complete. In her opening presentation, Katie Smith Sloan reiterated the need for a White House Office on Aging to focus on the sector’s growing needs and coordinate all organizations that touch aging services.

The Importance of Courageous Conversations.
Keynote speaker Reverend Dr. Zina Jacque shared three lessons on the experience of venturing into difficult spaces to make the world a better place to dwell: curiosity is your best friend, being wise is better than being right, and the long game is a necessary ally. Jacque also urged the importance of just starting the work: “Begin the work even if it’s not yours to finish. If you don’t start, you can’t create something for someone coming up behind you to complete.”

Save the date for next year’s Leadership Summit: April 15-17, 2024 | Washington, DC

Can’t wait until next year? Sign-up to get important information and announcements about Annual Meeting 2023, coming to Chicago, November 5-9, 2023.