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By Michael Klatt
April 27, 2024

Momma said there’d be days like this.

But Mom couldn’t have known that these days would be so tumultuous.  Or how excruciating it would be to ensure she receives the care she deserves in her senior years.

But the Covid-19 pandemic shut down the world, catching everyone off guard. The workforce faced an unexpected and tremendous strain, particularly in the senior care space.

No one saw how supply chain disruptions would cause construction delays, compounding the issues created by differed maintenance in the face of skyrocketing demand for care.

Mom never mentioned that the senior healthcare industry would have to balance between a golden opportunity and a catastrophic crisis.

That’s right.

Hiding amid the storm clouds of this crisis, there is a once-in-a-generation golden opportunity for dementia care providers to create a path for the flourishing of everyone involved.

A Win-Win Opportunity Created by the Comprehensive Care for Alzheimer’s Act

Do not be mistaken.  Memory care providers stand at the threshold of a goldmine – where they can treat people with the dignity and respect they deserve.

By 2040, projections show that 14 million people will be over the age of 85, which is double the number of elderly people who currently require care.

Politico reports that home health and personal care aides are currently the fastest-growing industry in the American job market. Over the next decade, the industry is forecasted to experience a 33% growth rate, surpassing other occupations significantly.

And that – while there is a massive staffing shortage in the memory care industry.  According to one report:

“In 2022, 87% of nursing homes experienced moderate or high staffing shortages, and 98% faced issues hiring new staff, 73% of nursing homes were facing potential closures due to staffing shortages.”

To address this looming crisis, the Biden-Harris administration recently approved landmark legislation to implement the GUIDE Model and supply the funding needed for everyone involved to win.

Catalyst Construction is the Guide Your Senior Living Facility Needs to Succeed

If this good news feels like an added burden instead of a lifeline, you’re not alone.  We see you.  We understand the challenges you’re facing.

  • Staffing Shortages
  • Leadership Burnout
  • Low Employee Morale
  • Facility Issues
  • Budget Shortfalls
  • Covid-19 Crisis Funding Ending
  • Caring for Residents
  • Prioritizing Your Mental Health

You may not even know how to access the new funding when you’re still trying to get the 3:00 shift staffed!

We can help

Catalyst Construction is far more than a construction company.  We lead with a consultative approach.  We understand that facility constraints are only one piece of the complex puzzle you’re sorting through.

Our team will come alongside yours and guide you to the solutions you need to capitalize on this moment.

We’ve done it before.

milwaukee memory care home

Source: Catalyst Construction – Elaine’s Hope Lutheran Home Memory Care

With our comprehensive coaching, organizations have seen their vision become reality even during recessions, wars, economic crashes, pandemics, and more.

You need a partner with expertise, experience, and empathy.  With our track record of results and innovative edge, we can take your memory care facility to the heights your residents – and their families – deserve.

What is the GUIDE Model and How Will it Add Value to Your Senior Living Property?

According to CMS, the GUIDE model “aims to improve the quality of life for people living with dementia, reduce strain on unpaid caregivers, and help people remain in their homes and communities through a package of care coordination and management, caregiver education and support, and respite services.”

GUIDE is an acronym that stands for Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience.

The legislation is dense and, in some areas, opaque.  We’ve checked for you.

Here are a few ways you can access this funding to address pressing issues.

  • Involve – and Pay – Family Members in Providing Care
  • Improve Current Facilities for Memory Care Operation
  • Add on to Current Facility to Create Intentional Memory Care Space
  • Increase Salaries for Staff Involved in Memory Care

Consider the cascading benefits these steps could have on your staff, leadership teams, and residents.

  • What if your staff was less tempted to be lured away by new or updated facilities – because they saw that you were taking steps to improve their current workplace?
  • How would the skilled nursing providers you employ respond if they knew their salary would increase?
  • What if you could address the staffing issues by hiring more skilled nursing providers and providing access to funding that could allow family members to care for their loved ones at home longer?
  • What difference would it make amongst your board of directors if they were given the freedom to dream of a future filled with thriving – instead of exhausting themselves by only trying to survive?

Don’t overlook the impact these steps could have on residents and their families.

If funds are available to allow people with dementia to stay home longer – because their loved ones receive some compensation – this will reduce the demands on staffing, rooms, and resources.

Ways Facilities Have Accessed Funding Beyond the GUIDE Model

When CMS shut off the pipeline of COVID-19 emergency funding, it sent many facilities spiraling.  The needs and demand didn’t slow down.

However, significant hindrances prevented addressing those needs effectively.

We helped our clients discover revenue streams that allowed them to continue to provide care and compensate their staff.

Fully Utilize Medicare Offerings

High-acuity care can access funding through Medicare.  Some patients can use this as a short-term solution to provide the compensation needed during short-term situations.

A second creative revenue stream is through assisted living for veterans.  This cannot apply to every patient.  However, Medicare will cover assisted living expenses for qualifying veterans.

Leverage Existing Resources

Many senior living organizations have resources they didn’t realize could be leveraged to create the funding they need to realize their vision.

Here are a few creative ways Catalyst Construction has opened doors to funding:

  • Sell and Parcel Out Existing, Unused Land
  • Access New Market Tax Credits
  • Tapping into Our Expansive Network to Hire Quality, Affordable Contractors
  • Connecting Ministries of Care to Merge for Maximum Impact

The Future Reimagined for Dementia CareGivers

You need real hope.  Proven solutions.  A partner with a demonstrated track record of resilience.  We know you can step into a future of flourishing.

We can help you get there.  Just like we were honored to do for the Mother of God Monastery in Watertown, South Dakota.

mother of god monastery

Source: Mother of God Monastary

In 2016, the monastery leaders recognized they were facing a crisis—a turning point.

Perhaps similar, in a way, to what you’re facing now.

With a declining population and increasing healthcare concerns, something had to be done.  The leadership enlisted the counsel and guidance of Catalyst Construction, among others.

Together, we completely reimagined and expanded their view of their ministry to leave a lasting legacy for the greater community surrounding Watertown.

In October 2021, the sisters initiated the groundbreaking ceremony for phase one of a multiyear development to construct a state-of-the-art, COVID-informed senior living facility.

Their new Harmony Hill community integrates within a community where the sisters live and continue ministering.

Additional phases of Harmony Hill buildout include developing much-needed workforce, veterans, and student housing.

They will also continue their ministry of education through the development of Challenger Park in partnership with the Board of Directors of the Challenger Learning Center of South Dakota.

But wait, that’s not all!  The sisters intend to develop single-family housing and mixed-use commercial space on their nearly 500 acres.

With an entrepreneurial spirit, great faith, and the courage to face reality – the Mother of God Monastery was brought from the brink of death to now a place shining a vibrant light on their community.

A Better Future is Waiting for Your Memory Care Team!

Don’t miss this opportunity.  Don’t be paralyzed by fear.  We know you need support.  That’s what we’re here for.

Not just to help you build or repair facilities.  Though, we’ve got the skillset for that.  Our consultative approach can help revitalize every aspect of your senior living facility.

With over 17 years of experience and completing more than 45 projects annually, we are the partner you need to survive this crisis and thrive in the future.

Reach out today for a free consultation! After all, didn’t Momma say asking for help is okay?

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

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Michael Klatt
With over 30 years of leadership experienice, Michael has led the development of large-scale projects ranging from skilled nursing, memory care, assisted living, independent living, supported housing, low income housing and technology enabled caregiving. Michael is a resourceful and proven fund raiser and innovative deal maker - having raised millions of dollars in charitable gifts and creating complex financial structures for many development and building projects.