Employee Ownership in Long-Term Care
Ownership transitions are a routine aspect of the long-term care industry lifecycle, frequently resulting from retirement, succession planning, or shifts in organizational strategy. With ongoing industry expansion, both the frequency and complexity of these transitions are increasing. The assisted living sector has demonstrated sustained growth over the past decade. In the United States, more than 30,000 assisted living communities serve over 800,000 residents, reflecting increased demand associated with an aging population (The Senior List, 2026). However, workforce stability remains a significant challenge, as many providers experience high staff turnover rates [...]
Managing When No One Wants to Work: Why Happy Employees Aren’t the Answer—But Leadership Is
Opening Question Do happy employees make better employees? It’s a question we hear all the time. And if you’ve spent any time in senior care, you’ve probably heard this one too: “No one wants to work anymore.” But after more than 20 years in this field, I came to a realization that changed everything: It wasn’t that no one wanted to work… it was that no one wanted to work for me. That’s a hard truth. But it’s also the moment leadership begins. The Candy Experiment (And What It Really [...]
First Impressions Matter: Turning New Hires into Loyal Team Members
Training has a huge impact on retention, engagement, productivity, resident satisfaction, and—let’s be honest—your budget, all areas you’re managing every day as a community leader. You’ve done the hard work: combed through applicants, interviewed candidates, and found the best fit for your community. Great! But now the real work begins—setting up logins, onboarding, and orientation. These early steps are crucial to ensuring the person you spent so much time recruiting stays and thrives in their role. Look at your current process. How consistent is it? Are there missing steps? Is [...]
Cancer Database Offers Clear and Compassionate Support
For the past 40 years, cancer awareness has educated millions and has educated about types of cancer, encourages early detection through screenings and self-awareness, promotes healthy lifestyle choices, and supports research, treatment, and resources for those affected by the disease. TALA is honored to share CMedEd, a new, free database resource for those facing cancer or other chronic disease diagnosis. CMedEd is amplifying survivor voices, connecting patients with leading physicians, and sharing life-saving information on breast cancer. CMedEd has a series of videos with cancer experts and survivors. Phyllis Pittman, [...]
TALA’s 2025 Annual Conference and Industry Expo
Amidst the bluebonnets at the Kalahari in Round Rock, Texas, the 2025 Annual TALA Conference and Industry Expo kicked off with a full day of engaging nursing sessions plus a senior leadership track, a new addition to this year’s event. That evening, the TALA Board of Directors invited provider members, industry partners, and speakers to a reception at the beautiful Kalahari event barn. The board reception had record turnout! Attendees mixed and mingled, connecting with new industry contacts and reconnecting with colleagues and friends while enjoying complimentary drinks, hors d’oeuvres, [...]
Peeling Back the Training Layers
Past & Present LearningWorkplace training has evolved dramatically over the centuries, reflecting broader societal changes, technological advancements, and shifts in organizational culture. In addition, we all learn by way of different means, whether it is visually, auditory, reading & writing, or by movement and hands-on. Sometimes these different methods of workplace training can also go in and out of style.Workplace training can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where apprenticeships were the primary skill development method. In medieval Europe, guilds trained apprentices in specific trades, combining hands-on experience with theoretical [...]