Enrichment classes are a dime a dozen in retirement facilities, but a crop of high-end senior living communities in New York City is offering next-level workshops, taught by local artists and experts from local museums and cultural institutions. “It is certainly a lot more than bingo,” said Andrew Young, a senior public relations specialist at Brookdale Senior Living, which operates nearly 700 senior housing facilities nationwide. At Brookdale Battery Park City, an independent living facility right on the Hudson River, residents have had the chance to attend lectures given by dancers from the New York City Ballet, who perform and talk about the history of a particular show and share details about their performances.

Brookdale CEO, Cindy Baier, appeared on CNBC's Power Lunch to discuss the business rebound post-pandemic. 

The CEO Forum’s annual listing of 10 CEOs Transforming Healthcare in America is out now. These are leaders who have created new value to elevate healthcare and society. Of the 10 winners, their best practices center around three integral themes: care accessibility, culture, and partnerships. Brookdale Senior Living CEO Lucinda “Cindy” Baier is the leader in Seniors for exceptional focus on the wellbeing of patients and associates, and developing a unique business model positioning Brookdale at the intersection of healthcare, hospitality, and real estate. Baier’s “foot on the accelerator, foot on the brake” approach is at the heart of Brookdale’s execution of strategy. Baier explained, “Our guiding light was the health and well-being of our residents, our patients and associates.”

It was a beautiful Thursday morning at the Brookdale Senior Living in Lodi. There was sun, clear skies and butterflies. Yes, butterflies. “It’s a wonderful day and it’s a wonderful life.” Mauriel Lautt, a resident at the facility, said.

Effective diversity, equity and inclusion in programs must do more than talk about workplace fairness or train employees about bias; they also must work to counter discrimination and promote representation. That’s according to a panel of senior living and skilled nursing leaders who spoke this week during a panel titled “Finding success in increasing diversity and inclusion,” one of three sessions in the 2021 McKnight’s Women of Distinction Forum.

Brookdale Senior Living is “seeing the green shoots of recovery,” President and CEO Lucinda “Cindy” Baier said yesterday at the Capital Markets Global Health Care Conference. Baier said there are “numerous indications” that the company is climbing out of recovery and reaching an inflection point.

Brookdale's own Juliet Holt Klinger helps families better understand what the signs to look for when a loved one may have Alzheimer's.  "In the early stages, you may begin to notice that the person isn't as active or pursuing their hobbies and interests as they normally would. They may drop out of a beloved card club or take a pass at the opportunity to go on a trip," says Juliet Holt Klinger, Gerontologist and Senior Director of Dementia Care for Brookdale Senior Living. "As cognitive issues become more of a challenge for the person, they may withdraw themselves from activities that could place them in a position to have their deficits highlighted, especially in front of friends or family, for fear of being judged."

National Armed Forces Day is Saturday, which is a day to honor military heroes. So, FOX 32 talked to the one and only 96-year-old Richard Andrew, who has many amazing war stories from his time in World War II.

Old Glory is flying once again outside Brookdale Senior Living in Alexandria. The center dedicated a new flag on Monday, June 14. Last year, both hurricanes destroyed both the flag and the flag pole. In honor of Flag Day, Brookdale dedicated a new pole, an American flag and a Louisiana flag. The staff says they’re proud to display it once again. “Any opportunity that we can have to celebrate our veterans and their spouses, we take advantage of that. And, so it’s a great day to be barbequing and have our residents out before it gets too hot and just about them. It’s a celebration for our residents and for veterans,” Kimberly Pepitone, Sales for Brookdale Senior Living.

When the pandemic hit the Brookdale Chambrel senior living community in Williamsburg, Virginia, Nancy Crowell knew hopping in the car and heading to the local Harris Teeter supermarket was now out of the question. The virus was spreading fast, and Brookdale’s residents were being encouraged to stay put. Staff set up computers in the main common room and began teaching residents how to open online accounts to order groceries.

After the tough year we’ve had, many people have been called to pitch in more, especially our nurses. Emily Pharr has been a nurse since 1969 and loves helping people. She’s worked in small clinics for rural communities and home health for several years, treating patients in hospice and others with mental disabilities.

Brookdale Senior Living (NYSE: BKD) made forward progress on its occupancy rate in the first quarter of 2021, and CEO Cindy Baier is hopeful that the pandemic is waning. But, she also described a highly competitive environment and anticipates pricing pressure in the months ahead.

While COVID-19 may have put a damper on Mother's Day last year, vaccines are offering a new chance at reunions for families this year. Sondra Green, a resident at Brookdale Battery Park City, will get the chance to see and hug her son Leland Stein for the first time in a year. 

Frank Glenn is on his “last patrol.” The 94-year-old Navy veteran is in hospice care. Members of Veteran’s Last Patrol, an organization comprised of military veterans, came to Brookdale Greenwood Nursing Home on Wednesday to honor the former aviation technician, who served in World War II from 1943-47.

Although COVID hit every part of life, one place where people really felt the punch was in senior living communities. As early epicenters for infections, independent and assisted living facilities had to shut down the normally communal living activities quickly in March 2020, while also trying to soften the impact for residents.