Senior living isn’t what it used to be, and that’s not a bad thing. Residents are coming in with more complex needs, while staffing gets harder and budgets keep tightening. At the same time, families want better communication, regulators want tighter compliance, and everyone expects more transparency and better outcomes.
That’s a lot to ask from teams already stretched thin.
The real question isn’t why things feel broken; it’s how to fix them. How do you raise the standard of care when the documentation never ends, the tech slows you down, and turnover feels constant? It’s not about piling on new systems or chasing the next trend. What works is aligning your tools, your people, and your priorities—so they’re all moving in the same direction.
That’s why we reached out to Maggie Dewey, a senior living consultant and clinical operations expert who’s been in the thick of these issues for years. With deep experience in informatics, compliance, and quality improvement, she helps operators rethink what good care looks like and how to get there.
So, keep on reading to know her insights.
Years ago, I worked with a woman living with advanced dementia. Staff described her as difficult, even combative. But I paused and watched. She had a presence, like someone used to being in charge. We later found out she’d been a schoolteacher for decades.
Once we started treating her like the leader she was, asking her opinion, giving her space to guide us, she softened. She smiled. That moment changed how I see care. It’s not about managing behavior, it’s about understanding the person.
AI and informatics won’t replace caregivers; they’ll empower them. From spotting early fall risks to reducing paperwork through smart documentation, these tools free up time for
what matters most: human connection. But success depends on involving clinicians every step of the way, so the tech fits our flow, not the other way around.
Planning is key! According to current statistics, approximately 70% of individuals aged 65 and older are expected to require some form of long-term care services (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2022). It is essential to initiate conversations early with the individuals who are invested in your well-being or those you may care for later in life.
Knowledge is an important factor in planning. If you are aging, talk with your family and friends about what they believe their role will be if your health changes and you need more support at home.
If you are already a caregiver for your loved one, take the time to familiarize yourself with the resources and support systems available in your community. If you are struggling to find answers, reach out to your local “Service Link” or equivalent resource line or your local Department of Health and Human Services for guidance.
– Maggie Dewey, National Director of Clinical Education and Development, Discovery Senior Living
Start by focusing on the outcomes that truly impact residents, like hospital readmissions, medication issues, and fall rates, and make sure these tie back to each person’s care plan. Train staff not just on tasks, but on how to spot early signs, prevent problems, and care for the whole person. And don’t forget the voices that matter most—build regular check-ins with residents and families so care stays personal, not just clinical.
The biggest challenges often stem from a lack of standardized workflows and overcomplicated systems. Teams can course correct by streamlining documentation processes, providing targeted training (not just check the box education), and using audit tools proactively. It’s also critical to foster a culture where compliance is seen as a quality tool, not just a regulatory burden.
Stay curious and never stop asking how care can be made more efficient and meaningful. Learn to speak both clinical and technical “languages,” and position yourself as a bridge between bedside experience and system design. Also, seek mentors early; those who’ve navigated similar transitions can accelerate your growth tremendously.
Senior living isn’t short on challenges. But as Maggie Dewey shows, we’re not stuck. Change doesn’t always mean massive overhauls or shiny new systems. Sometimes, it’s about getting the basics right, streamlining what’s not working, listening to the people doing the work, and making space for care to feel like care.
Better outcomes don’t come from doing more. They come from doing the right things, with the right people, in the right way. And with voices like Maggie’s leading the conversation, there’s a real path forward. One that’s smarter, more practical, and more human.
Accomplished healthcare leader in Senior Living. Experience in clinical operations, quality assurance and compliance, care transformation, and nursing informatics. Certified Advanced Legal Nurse Consultant. Proven ability to integrate care management best practices, optimize clinical workflows, and drive improved resident outcomes through data-driven insights. Adept at managing clinical value-based agreements and at-risk contracts, aligning care models with regulatory requirements and evidence-based practices. Strong collaborator with cross-functional teams to enhance resident care, operational efficiency, and compliance. Currently obtaining a board certification in Nursing Informatics through the ANA.
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